Renovation & Construction Loans in California

Whether you’re building from the ground up or improving a property that needs work, Kristy Gannon at Ownity Mortgage offers renovation and construction loan solutions tailored to your vision. With over 20 years of mortgage experience, Kristy helps buyers and homeowners across California create the home they’ve always wanted—with expert guidance from start to finish.

Flexible Financing for Your Dream Build or Fixer-Upper

What Are Renovation and Construction Loans?

Renovation and Construction Loans are specialized mortgage products that allow you to finance the cost of home improvements or new construction along with the purchase or refinance of a property. These loans combine the cost of the home and the renovation or build into one mortgage, providing a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade or create your ideal space. Kristy Gannon helps clients across California structure these loans to match their timelines, budgets, and design goals.

Who Can Benefit from a Renovation or Construction Loan?

These loans are ideal for buyers purchasing a fixer-upper, homeowners planning major remodels, or individuals building a custom home. Whether you’re improving your forever home, renovating for resale, or starting new construction, Kristy Gannon helps you navigate the process with the right loan structure and personal guidance at every step. If your dream home doesn’t exist yet—or just needs some love—this financing option is for you.

How Do Renovation and Construction Loans Work?

With a renovation loan, the cost of repairs or upgrades is financed into your mortgage. Funds are typically released in stages as the work is completed. With a construction loan, funds are disbursed throughout the building process, and once the project is complete, the loan often converts into a standard mortgage. Kristy Gannon will coordinate with your builder or contractor, help you manage draws, and make the process feel smooth and stress-free.

What Types of Renovation and Construction Loans Are Available?

There are several loan types available depending on your project. Options include FHA 203(k) loans for light-to-moderate renovations, Fannie Mae HomeStyle® loans for flexible home improvements, and Construction-to-Permanent loans for new home builds. Kristy Gannon helps you compare programs and choose the one that works best for your goals, property, and budget.

What Are the Benefits of a Renovation or Construction Loan?

These loans allow you to finance home improvements or construction costs into a single mortgage, often with just one closing. This can save time and money compared to taking out separate loans. You gain the ability to customize your home, increase property value, and enjoy a home that truly fits your needs. With Kristy Gannon’s experience and support, you’ll have a clear roadmap from concept to completion—whether you’re upgrading a space or starting fresh.

Is a Renovation or Construction Loan Right for You?

If you’ve found the perfect location but not the perfect house—or you’re ready to build from scratch—a renovation or construction loan may be the best way to bring your vision to life. These loans are great for buyers, homeowners, and investors ready to create equity and add personal value to a property. Kristy Gannon will review your goals, timeline, and property type to help you choose the right loan and move forward with confidence.

Why Choose Kristy Gannon for Your Renovation or Construction Loan?

Kristy Gannon combines decades of mortgage experience with a hands-on approach to construction and renovation lending. She understands how to coordinate with contractors, manage funding draws, and structure loans that align with your budget and timeline. Based in California, Kristy brings practical expertise and clear communication to help turn your vision into a reality—without delays or surprises.

Renovation & Construction Loan FAQs

From first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, we offer a wide range of Home Loan and Mortgage solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Discover competitive rates, flexible terms, and expert support to help you achieve your homeownership goals.

What is a renovation or construction loan, and how does it work?

renovation or construction loan provides funding for home improvements, remodeling, or new construction. Unlike a traditional mortgage, these loans release funds in stages as the project progresses, ensuring contractors and builders are paid as work is completed.

Yes! Renovation loans like the FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle® Renovation Loan allow you to purchase a property and finance repairs or upgrades into one mortgage. Kristy will help structure the loan to match your project scope.

A construction loan provides funds in stages (called “draws”) as your home is being built. Once construction is complete, the loan typically converts into a standard mortgage. Kristy will coordinate with your builder and ensure a smooth funding schedule.

Yes. Most renovation and construction loans require work to be done by a licensed contractor. Kristy can walk you through contractor approval and make sure all lender requirements are met.

renovation loan finances home improvements and remodeling on an existing structure. A construction loan finances the ground-up building of a new home. Some loans, like construction-to-permanent loans, combine both into a single mortgage.

Yes! Renovation loans, such as the FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan, allow homebuyers to purchase a home and finance renovations in one loan, making it easier to afford a fixer-upper.

Renovation loans can cover kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring, roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, energy efficiency improvements, and structural repairs.

construction-to-permanent loan funds the building phase of a home and then converts into a traditional mortgage once construction is complete. This eliminates the need for separate loans and multiple closings.

Most renovation and construction loans require a minimum credit score of 620 to 680, but some government-backed loans (such as FHA 203(k) loans) allow lower credit scores with additional requirements.

Yes. Down payment requirements vary by loan type.

  • FHA 203(k) loans require as little as 3.5% down.
  • Conventional renovation loans may require 5-20% down.
  • Construction loans typically require 10-25% down, depending on the lender.

Yes! Homeowners can use a renovation refinance loan to fund home improvements without selling their home or taking out a second mortgage. This is a great option for increasing home value while keeping mortgage payments manageable.

Yes! Government-backed options include:

  • FHA 203(k) Loan – Ideal for buyers and homeowners financing major renovations.
  • VA Renovation Loan – For eligible veterans making home improvements.

 
USDA Renovation Loan – For rural homeowners upgrading their properties.

Approval timelines vary but typically take 30-60 days, depending on the lender, project scope, and required documentation. Construction loans may take longer due to builder approvals and project evaluations.

Most lenders require licensed contractors to complete renovations. However, some loans allow for DIY work if the borrower is a licensed contractor or has lender approval.

Borrowers should have a contingency fund in case of unexpected expenses. Some lenders allow additional financing if the property value supports it, while others require the borrower to cover extra costs.

If you don’t qualify, consider alternative options such as:

  • Home equity loans or HELOCs for renovations.
  • Personal loans for smaller remodeling projects.
  • Cash-out refinancing for larger renovations.