DIY Builds
Photo by Monstera Pexels Logo Photo: Monstera

Will an FHA loan cover a Barndominium?

Types Of Home You Can Build You also cannot use an FHA construction loan, VA One-Time Close, etc. to build a tiny house, a shipping container home, barndominium, or other “unusual” properties that don't have “comparables” to establish their value in that housing market.

How do you keep bugs out of firewood?
How do you keep bugs out of firewood?

Tips for Keeping Pests out of Firewood Keep your firewood at least 20 feet from your home. ... Keep your firewood off the ground. ... Keep your...

Read More »
Is it better to fix up a house or sell as is?
Is it better to fix up a house or sell as is?

In a seller's market, you can usually get away with fewer fixes before selling. However, a home that needs repairs will still deliver a lower price...

Read More »

You don’t have to purchase someone else’s house–you can use an FHA construction loan to build your dream home to your specifications using plans you approve. The FHA One-Time Close construction loan makes it easier by eliminating the two-loan process, consolidating the construction loan into a single application, a single approval process, and a single closing date.

Construction Loan Fact One: Multiple Options

FHA One-Time Close mortgages are not the only option; there are several different types of One-Time Close loans, also known as single-close construction loans. There’s the FHA version, but also a USDA construction loan for those who demonstrate financial need, and a VA construction loan version for those with qualifying military service. And these construction loans are available for any financially qualified borrower who meets program standards. Those who apply for the FHA version do not have to be a first-time home buyer to qualify. USDA and VA construction loans might not be as available to the general public as FHA mortgages are, but many will qualify for one of these three options.

One-Time Close Construction Loan Down Payment

There are down payment requirements for construction loans which may seem the same as for any other type of home loan; FHA applicants will pay 3.5% down, VA One-Time Close construction loan borrowers have the option to put no money down, and in all cases for these government-backed construction loans there is no penalty for early payoff of the loan. In some cases there may be no down payment requirement at all, even on an FHA construction loan. How does that work? Anyone who comes to this loan process already owning the land the home will be built upon could find it possible to have the down payment waived. You’ll want to ask your lender about this option as early as possible. However, in cases where land must be purchased in conjunction with the construction loan, a down payment is required for FHA construction loans. VA and USDA both have zero-down options you should explore if you’re interested in one of those programs.

Who Does The Work?

How much does a 10 ft garage door cost?
How much does a 10 ft garage door cost?

Cost of up to 10 feet (3 m) wide garage door by style Type Cost Carriage $1,000 to 10,000 Standard panel $300 to $800 Tilt-up $500 to 1,200 4 more...

Read More »
Why do people stack firewood in a circle?
Why do people stack firewood in a circle?

Placing wood in a radius pattern is the best way to stack firewood because it allows the wood to dry more rapidly. Other benefits: stacking it in a...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

In general, you may find it is required by the participating lender to hire others to do your construction work–you can’t hire yourself or your relatives–your lender will have specific guidelines for hiring contractors for these loans.

FHA One-Time Close Construction Loans And First-Time Buyers

The FHA construction loan is not restricted to first-time home buyers and that includes construction loans. Some mistakenly believe FHA mortgages are only for first-time buyers or economically disadvantaged borrowers. This is not true. USDA loans have options specifically intended for those who meet household income caps and need-based requirements, but VA and FHA mortgages do not.

Types Of Home You Can Build

You cannot build an occasional-occupancy house using a USDA, VA, or FHA One-Time Close loan. You can’t build a home you do not intend to occupy as your home residence with these construction loans. Occupancy is required; investment properties, vacation homes, and non-residential properties are not approved for these loans. You also cannot use an FHA construction loan, VA One-Time Close, etc. to build a tiny house, a shipping container home, barndominium, or other “unusual” properties that don’t have “comparables” to establish their value in that housing market. Log cabin homes and similar property types are much harder to find comparables for, don’t be surprised to find a lack of support for government-backed construction loans for these property types.

Want More Information About One-Time Close Loans?

One-Time Close Loans are available for FHA, VA and USDA Mortgages. These loans also go by the following names: 1 X Close, Single-Close Loan or OTC Loan. This type of loan allows for you to finance the purchase of the land along with the construction of the home. You can also use land that you own free and clear or has an existing mortgage. We have done extensive research on the FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) One-Time Close Construction loan programs. We have spoken directly to licensed lenders that originate these residential loan types in most states and each company has supplied us the guidelines for their products. We can connect you with mortgage loan officers who work for lenders that know the product well and have consistently provided quality service. If you are interested in being contacted to one licensed construction lender in your area, please send responses to the questions below. All information is treated confidentially. OneTimeClose.com provides information and connects consumers to qualified One-Time Close lenders in an effort to raise awareness about this loan product and to help consumers receive higher quality service. We are not paid for endorsing or recommending the lenders or loan originators and do not otherwise benefit from doing so. Consumers should shop for mortgage services and compare their options before agreeing to proceed.

What can I do with leftover pressure treated wood?
What can I do with leftover pressure treated wood?

Treated wood of all types can be most responsibly disposed of as follows: Homeowners engaged in small projects should take treated wood to their...

Read More »
How long will wood shed last?
How long will wood shed last?

between 20 and 25 years You can easily expect a Glick Woodworks wooden shed to last between 20 and 25 years, and with careful maintenance, they may...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Please note that investor guidelines for the FHA, VA and USDA One-Time Close Construction Program only allow s for single family dwellings (1 unit) – and NOT for multi-family units (no duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes). You CANNOT act as your own general contractor (Builder) / not available in all States. In addition, this is a partial list of the following homes/building styles that are not allowed under these programs: Kit Homes, Barndominiums, Log Cabin or Bamboo Homes, Shipping Container Homes, Dome Homes, Bermed Earth-Sheltered Homes, Stilt Homes, Solar (only) or Wind Powered (only) Homes, Tiny Homes, Carriage Houses, Accessory Dwelling Units and A-Framed Homes. Your email to info@onetimeclose.com authorizes Onetimeclose.com to share your personal information with a mortgage construction lender licensed in your area to contact you.

Should floor above crawlspace be insulated?
Should floor above crawlspace be insulated?

The U.S. Dept. of Energy currently suggests insulation with an R-value of at least R-9 in floors. So the answer to the question should a crawl...

Read More »
How cheap can you build a small house?
How cheap can you build a small house?

Cheapest Ways To Build A House: 10 Tips For Affordable Home Building Simplify Your Home's Design. ... Try A Tiny Home. ... Hire An Experienced Home...

Read More »
What happens if you don't get planning?
What happens if you don't get planning?

However, people who do not get the necessary planning permission for something they are doing risk the possibility of serious consequences from...

Read More »
Can tents survive 50 mph winds?
Can tents survive 50 mph winds?

Most tents, when not using stakes, are made to withstand winds up to 20 miles per hour. If stakes are used, then this capability increases to 40...

Read More »