CCRs
The Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions document is created by a developer for a specific subdivision. Each project in the development must adhere to its guidelines.
Certificate of Occupancy
A document granted by a local government authority indicating the project meets all codes and regulations and is ready to be occupied.
Change Order
A document that defines any modifications to the original plans, stating the nature of the change, its cost, and any changes to the previous time frame, and serving as a supplement to the original contract.
Cost Plus Contract
A building contract that has an estimated cost but allows for the actual expenses related to the completion of the project to be passed onto the homeowner.
Construction Lien Waiver
A document signed by the contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier that acknowledges payment. Formally releases all rights to file a claim of nonpayment.
Contingency
Percentage of contract value set aside for unforeseen changes in the scope of the work.
Contractor’s Risk Insurance
Insurance that covers the project from theft, vandalism, weather, and defects. Usually provided by contractor but may be provided by borrower.
Draw
A single installment in the process of disbursement of construction loan funds
Draw Schedule
An agreed-upon timetable that states loan fund amounts and frequency during construction.
Fixed Price Contract
A contract that states a fixed price for the home’s construction. Often includes allowances for specific items such as cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, landscaping, etc.
Final Inspection
An inspection performed by the appraiser indicating the project was satisfactorily completed per plans and specifications.
Foundation Endorsement
Provided by title company. States that home is located within boundaries of the mortgaged property with no easements or encroachments present.
Foundation Survey
Provided by a registered land surveyor indicating the location of the structure on the mortgage property.
Hard Costs
Costs for labor and materials during construction.
Interest Reserves
Interest Reserve is a dollar amount added to your loan to make your monthly interest payments during construction. During construction you actually make no monthly payments. At the end of construction, you owe more money because you have borrowed those monthly payments using the loan money. This feature is useful if you are selling your current home while living in your new home during construction.
Lien
Document filed in the county records claiming that money is owed for work or materials.
Lien Waiver
A document usually provided after payment is made that waives the right to file a lien.
Mechanic’s Liens
A mechanic’s lien is a lien that may be filed against the title to your property by any contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier who has not received full payment for the work or materials provided. If the Lender is made aware of the filing, they may choose not to further disburse on your loan until the lien is released.
Modification
A change in loan terms, such as an extension, increase in loan amount, or rate change.
Perc Test
Percolation test performed to determine if soil conditions are acceptable for a septic tank system.
Permanent Phase
The phase of the loan following the construction phase during which the borrower makes payments according to the terms of the note.
Pre-Paids
Construction items included in the contract that have been pre-paid by the borrower.
Pre-Sale
A project in which the homeowner has a contract with a contractor to build a house.
Retainage
Funds held until the home is complete and the final documents are issued.
Soft Costs
Items that are not considered direct construction costs (such as design, engineering, financing, legal, etc.) and other construction-related expenses.
Spec Home
A home built for the sole purpose of being sold for profit.
Stick-Built Housing
Homes built on-site using traditional wood frame construction.
Title Endorsement
Enhancements or updates to the title policy (liens, etc.,) that would prevent the lender from having priority on the title.
Title Insurance Update
Report ordered by the lender (if required) when draw requests are received to ensure that no liens have been placed against the property.
