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Construction Loan
Calculator

Model your draw schedule, estimate interest costs, and plan your budget — for custom builds and renovations.

Draw Schedules
Interest Estimates
Budget Breakdowns

Why I Built This

I'm a custom home builder, not a lender. I built this tool because my clients are constantly asking, “What do I owe and when?” Interest-only construction loans are notoriously confusing, and I wanted to create a “no-surprises” way for you to map out your dream home journey.

DreamHome.loans is an estimation tool. We do not provide financing. All loan terms, rates, and approvals are handled by third-party licensed mortgage professionals.

For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Consult a licensed mortgage professional.

Loan Type

Project Details

Total Project Budget

$

Down Payment

Auto-set to 20% — editable

$

Land Value

Counts toward down payment

Contingency Buffer

Safety net for surprises

Pre-Construction Costs

~8% of budget · paid before breaking ground

Loan Terms

Interest Rate

5.75%
4.5%8.0%

Example rate for planning purposes only. Actual rates are determined by your lender.

Construction Period

12 months
6 mo24 mo

🏠 How construction loans work: A construction loan typically begins after permits have been issued and you're ready to break ground. If you're purchasing land first, you may need a separate lot loan to hold the land — interest on the construction loan itself doesn't start until draws begin. Once construction is complete, the loan converts to a permanent mortgage.

Built Different

Built Specifically for Construction Loans

Most online calculators treat construction loans like standard mortgages. They're not — and the math is completely different. Here's what sets ours apart.

Feature
Standard Calculators
DreamHome.loans

Draw Schedule Modeling

Phase-by-phase fund disbursement

Usually missing
5-phase NAHB model

Interest-Only Payments

Per-draw interest accrual

Full amortization only
True I/O per phase

Land Equity as Down Payment

Factors in owned land value

Ignores land value
Land + lot loan modeling

Renovation Loan Mode

Purchase + renovation split

New builds only
Custom + renovation

Mobile-First UX

Touch-friendly inputs

Tiny input fields
Large responsive sliders

How Construction Loans Work

Understanding the process helps you plan better and save money.

1

Get Pre-Approved

Work with a licensed lender to get pre-approved based on your project plans and budget.

2

Draw Funds as You Build

Receive funds in draws as construction milestones are completed and inspected.

3

Convert to Permanent

After construction, the loan converts to a traditional 15 or 30-year mortgage.

Educational Guides

Learn everything about construction financing before you start.

Construction Loan Down Payments

Learn how much you need to put down for a construction loan.

Read guide

How Land Loans Work

Understand the process of financing your land purchase.

Read guide

Budgeting for Your Build

Tips for creating a realistic construction budget.

Read guide

100% Free

No hidden costs

Private & Secure

Your data stays safe

Accurate Estimates

Industry-standard formulas

Educational

Learn as you plan

Important Disclaimer

The calculations and information provided are for educational and directional purposes only. This is not financial advice. Actual loan terms, rates, and eligibility will vary based on your individual circumstances, credit profile, and lender requirements. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional or financial advisor before making any financial decisions.