How a Disabled Veteran Built a Fully Accessible Custom Home with a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan
After 12 years of dedicated service—including multiple deployments—U.S. Army Sergeant James Martinez returned home to Texas with a 100% service-connected disability. Daily life was a new kind of challenge: navigating pain, limited mobility, and adapting to civilian life with a wheelchair. But James had a clear goal: to build a home that wasn’t just accessible—but empowering.
Thanks to the VA One-Time Close Construction Loan, James didn’t have to settle for a retrofitted home. He built a fully customized, ADA-compliant residence designed from the ground up to meet his needs.
Why the VA OTC Loan Was the Perfect Fit
This VA-backed loan simplified the building process and gave James the financial flexibility to focus on what mattered: his health and long-term independence.
Key benefits included:
- $0 Down Payment – 100% financing with no upfront cost.
- No Payments During Construction – Monthly mortgage payments don’t start until the home is finished.
- Rate Lock from the Start – Interest rate is fixed before building begins.
- One-Time Close – No need for a separate construction and mortgage loan.
- Property Tax Exemption – As a 100% disabled Veteran, James pays no annual property taxes in Texas.
Building an Accessible Home: Every Detail Counts
James worked with a VA-experienced builder and occupational therapist to design a home tailored to his mobility and recovery needs:
- Zero-step entry
- Wide hallways and 36-inch doorways
- Roll-in shower with grab bars and bench
- Lowered kitchen counters and outlets
- Smart home technology (voice-controlled lighting, HVAC, and appliances)
- Reinforced walls for grab bar installation
- Dedicated therapy room with padded flooring and gym space
“This isn’t just a house. It’s my sanctuary,” said James. “It’s a place where I can live with dignity and independence.”
A Streamlined, Stress-Free Process
Thanks to the one-time close structure, James avoided a second closing and unnecessary paperwork. The builder was paid in draws as work progressed, and inspections ensured VA compliance every step of the way.
Once construction was complete, the loan automatically converted into a VA mortgage—no re-qualification or re-appraisal needed.
What Life Looks Like Now
James now enjoys:
- A fully accessible home
- No monthly housing payment during the build
- Zero property taxes
- Energy-efficient appliances that save on utilities
- The joy of independent living
“The VA loan gave me freedom. And that’s what I fought for.”
Build Your Own Success Story
The VA One-Time Close Construction Loan isn’t just a loan—it’s a path to independence, comfort, and control over your future.
Are you a Veteran ready to build a custom home that works for your life?
We can help. Contact us to learn how you can use your VA benefit to finance your dream build with no down payment, no PMI, and no hassle.
Fill out our VA Construction Loan Form to get started.
