Ground-Up Construction Loan Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Apply

Ground-up construction loans move fast when the file is complete. The single biggest reason applications stall isn't credit, experience, or deal quality - it's incomplete documentation. This checklist walks you through exactly what Integrated Capital Solutions's underwriting team needs to process your loan quickly.

Borrower & Entity Documents

• Operating agreement or articles of organization for your LLC or entity
• Government-issued ID for all guarantors
• Track record: list of completed ground-up projects in the past 36 months (address, sq ft, cost, completion date)
• Credit authorization (Integrated Capital Solutions requires minimum 680 FICO)
• Background on your general contractor if using a third party

Property Documents

• Purchase contract or proof of land ownership (if already owned)
• Preliminary title report
• Survey or plat map
• Current photos of the lot
• Zoning confirmation letter from the municipality (if applicable)
• Approved building permits (or permit application status)

Construction Budget & Plans

This is the most important part of your file. Underwriters need to validate that your budget is realistic, your plans are approved, and your timeline is achievable.

• Detailed hard cost budget broken down by trade (Integrated Capital Solutions provides a blank budget spreadsheet on the Construction Draw page)
• Soft cost budget (permits, architecture, engineering, utilities)
• Signed contractor proposal or executed construction contract
• Architectural plans - at minimum schematic/design development; permitted plans preferred
• Construction timeline with phase milestones
• Contractor license number and proof of liability insurance

Financial & Exit Documents

• Evidence of equity contribution / proof of funds for down payment
• Comparable sales analysis supporting your projected completion value (ARV)
• Exit strategy: presale contract, or post-construction refinance plan
• Reserve documentation (Integrated Capital Solutions requires cash reserves post-close)

What Happens After You Submit?

Once Integrated Capital Solutions receives a complete submission, a term sheet is delivered within 24 hours. Underwriting typically runs in parallel with the appraisal order, allowing closings in 7–14 days from a complete file.

Common Mistakes That Delay Approvals

• Submitting a budget without line-item detail - lump sums get flagged every time
• Missing contractor license or insurance documentation
• Comps that are too far in distance or too old in time
• Entity documents that don't match the borrowing entity on the purchase contract
• No clear exit strategy documented in the file