Financing Your Home Project in Orange County
Planning how to pay for a build, ADU or remodel is part of starting any project. This page explains the common ways homeowners pay, in plain language, so you can talk with a lender or advisor you trust.
Short answer
Home Construction & Design is a licensed contractor, not a lender. This page explains common ways homeowners pay for a build, ADU or remodel, so you can talk with a lender or advisor you trust.
How people usually pay for a project
These are common options homeowners consider. Which one fits depends on your budget, your home's value and the size of the project.
| Option | What it is | Often used for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash or savings | Money you already have on hand. | Smaller projects or paying as you go. | No loan to apply for or repay. |
| Home equity loan | A lump-sum loan secured by your home's value. | Larger remodels or additions. | You borrow a set amount once. |
| Home equity line of credit (HELOC) | A revolving credit line secured by your home. | Projects you pay for in stages. | You draw funds as you need them. |
| Cash-out refinance | A new mortgage that pays off your old one and gives you cash. | Large builds when it fits your mortgage. | It replaces your current mortgage. |
| Construction loan | A short-term loan that funds a build, then often converts to a mortgage. | Ground-up custom homes. | Funds are usually released as work progresses. |
| Renovation loan (e.g. FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HomeStyle) | A loan that rolls renovation costs into a purchase or refinance. | Buying or refinancing a home that needs work. | The renovation scope is part of the loan. |
| Personal loan | An unsecured loan you repay in fixed payments. | Smaller repairs or quick updates. | No home collateral is required. |
Cash or savings
- What it is
- Money you already have on hand.
- Often used for
- Smaller projects or paying as you go.
- Good to know
- No loan to apply for or repay.
Home equity loan
- What it is
- A lump-sum loan secured by your home's value.
- Often used for
- Larger remodels or additions.
- Good to know
- You borrow a set amount once.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
- What it is
- A revolving credit line secured by your home.
- Often used for
- Projects you pay for in stages.
- Good to know
- You draw funds as you need them.
Cash-out refinance
- What it is
- A new mortgage that pays off your old one and gives you cash.
- Often used for
- Large builds when it fits your mortgage.
- Good to know
- It replaces your current mortgage.
Construction loan
- What it is
- A short-term loan that funds a build, then often converts to a mortgage.
- Often used for
- Ground-up custom homes.
- Good to know
- Funds are usually released as work progresses.
Renovation loan (e.g. FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HomeStyle)
- What it is
- A loan that rolls renovation costs into a purchase or refinance.
- Often used for
- Buying or refinancing a home that needs work.
- Good to know
- The renovation scope is part of the loan.
Personal loan
- What it is
- An unsecured loan you repay in fixed payments.
- Often used for
- Smaller repairs or quick updates.
- Good to know
- No home collateral is required.
What to bring to your lender
Lenders usually ask for a few basics before they talk numbers. Having these ready makes the conversation easier.
- A written project scope
- An itemized estimate from a licensed contractor
- Your contractor's CSLB license number 957315
- Plans and permits if required
How we help with the numbers
We provide a written, line-item estimate you can bring to your lender or advisor. Bryan Reed manages the project personally from permits to final finish.
Questions to ask your lender
A few plain questions can help you compare options before you decide.
- The total cost of the loan
- Fees
- How and when funds are released during construction
- Prepayment terms
- How the loan is secured
Loan products, rates and approval are decided by lenders. Talk with a licensed lender, your tax professional or a financial advisor before you decide.
Request a written estimate
Get numbers you can bring to a lender
Call us at (949) 239-2700 or send your project details below. Bryan Reed will call you back to scope the work and put the estimate in writing.
Get In Touch
Tell us about your project
Questions about paying for a project
Do you offer financing?
We are a licensed contractor, not a lender, so we do not offer loans or set loan terms. We can provide a written, line-item estimate to bring to your lender.
What are common ways to pay for a home build or remodel?
Homeowners use savings, home equity loans, construction loans, renovation loans and personal loans, among others. The right choice depends on your finances and your project.
What should I bring to a lender?
Bring a written project scope, an itemized estimate from a licensed contractor, your contractor's CSLB license number, and plans and permits if required. Your lender can tell you exactly what they need.
Does a lender need my contractor's license number?
Many lenders ask for it, and our CSLB license number is 957315. Share it with your lender when they request it.
Can I use a loan for an ADU?
Many homeowners use loans for ADUs, but products and approval are decided by lenders, so check with yours. We can provide an estimate for your ADU to bring to a lender.
How do I get a written estimate?
Call (949) 239-2700 or use the contact form on this page. Bryan Reed will call you back to scope your project and put the numbers in writing.