New construction financing works on a schedule tied to the build itself. Instead of handing over the full loan at closing, the lender releases money in draws after each phase passes inspection. Whether you are building a custom home in Uniontown or working with a production builder elsewhere in Pennsylvania, this guide covers loan types, builder approval, permits and the paperwork that keeps a project moving.
Call to speak with a licensed loan officer about construction loans in Uniontown. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor.
New home building around Uniontown
Uniontown issued permits for 0 new single-family housing units in 2025, and Fayette County as a whole permitted 196. About 4% of the homes in Uniontown were built in 2010 or later.
One closing or two: choosing a loan structure
A construction-to-permanent loan, sometimes called a single-close or one-time close loan, covers both the build and the long-term mortgage under one set of closing documents. During construction you usually pay interest only on the funds drawn so far. Once the home is finished, the loan rolls into regular payments without a second closing.
A construction-only loan funds the build and must be paid off when the home is complete, usually by a separate permanent mortgage. That means two applications and two closings, but it can give you room to shop for the long-term loan later. Each path has tradeoffs, and programs vary by borrower, property and investor.
Start your application in a few minutes. A licensed loan officer reviews it and follows up with your options.
- Takes a few minutes
- Reviewed by a licensed loan officer
- No obligation to proceed
Prefer to talk first? Call (888) 912-6746. Applying is not a loan approval or commitment to lend; programs vary by borrower, property and investor. ClearPoint Mortgage Advisors, NMLS #173855. Properties in FL, NY, NJ, PA, CT and VA only.
How draws, inspections and the builder fit together
Before closing, you and your builder agree on a draw schedule that splits the budget into phases, such as foundation, framing, roofing, mechanical systems and finishes. When a phase is done, the builder requests a draw. The lender sends an inspector to confirm the work, then releases funds for that stage.
Most lenders also review the builder before approving the loan. They may ask for a license, proof of insurance, references and a record of completed homes. Some programs limit owner-builder projects. A signed construction contract, detailed plans and a line-item cost breakdown help the lender match each draw to real progress on site.
Who this tends to fit
- You are a veteran exploring VA construction financing for a new primary residence
- You want to build a modular or factory-built home that is set on a permanent foundation
- You own a lot and want to build a custom home on it
- You are working with a licensed builder who has a signed contract and detailed plans
- You are replacing a teardown with a new home on the same site
Local offices and Pennsylvania rules to know
- Deed and mortgage recording: Fayette County Recorder of Deeds Office. Your mortgage is recorded here after closing.
Pennsylvania recording costs: State realty transfer tax on deeds and other writings that transfer real estate (collected by county Recorders of Deeds), often along with an additional local realty transfer tax shared with municipalities and school districts. Your Loan Estimate lists the taxes that apply to your loan.
Land, plans and permits for building in Uniontown
If you already own your lot, its value or equity may count toward your contribution, depending on the program. If you are buying land as part of the project, some loans can fold the purchase into the construction financing. Either way, the lender will want to see a survey, title work and confirmation that utilities and road access are available.
Plans and specifications support the appraisal, which values the home as it will be when finished. Local building permits, zoning approval and any septic or well permits must be in place before work begins. Gathering these early prevents delays that can push back your closing.
Before you call
- Status of building permits and zoning approvals
- Your builder's license, insurance certificates and references
- Proof of land ownership, a purchase contract for the lot or a payoff statement for any land loan
- Income, asset and credit documents for every borrower, plus a plan for cost overruns
- Complete plans, specifications and a line-item construction budget
Questions Uniontown borrowers ask about construction loans
Do I make payments while the house is being built?
On many construction loans, you pay interest only on the amount drawn so far, so payments typically start small and increase as more funds are released. Some loans allow interest to be paid from a reserve built into the budget. Once construction ends, regular principal and interest payments begin. Ask the lender exactly how payments work during the build period on the loan you are considering.
What happens if construction runs over budget or behind schedule?
Cost overruns are usually your responsibility unless your contract says otherwise, and lenders may require you to show funds to cover them before releasing more draws. Delays can create problems if a rate lock or loan commitment expires before completion. Building a contingency into your budget, choosing an experienced builder and asking how the lender handles extensions can help you plan for surprises.
How is a home that does not exist yet appraised?
The appraiser estimates the value of the home as it will be once construction is complete, using your plans, specifications, budget and recent sales of comparable new homes. This is often called an as-completed or subject-to-completion appraisal. Detailed, accurate plans help produce a reliable value. If the appraised value comes in lower than expected, you may need to adjust the plans or contribute more funds.
Can I use land I already own toward the loan?
Often, yes. If you own your lot free and clear, the equity in the land may count toward what you contribute to the project, depending on the program and lender. If you still owe on the land, the existing loan is usually paid off as part of the construction financing. The lender will want documentation of ownership, a survey and title work showing the land is suitable for building.
Get answers about construction loans for a home in or around Uniontown. Subject to credit approval; programs vary.
Other loan options in Uniontown
LendersCompaniesBrokersHome loansRefinanceCash-out refinanceHELOCHome equity loanFHAVAFirst-time buyerReverse mortgageRenovation
Construction Loans near Uniontown
- Construction Loans in Connellsville, PA (11 mi)
- Construction Loans in California, PA (15 mi)
- Construction Loans in Monessen, PA (19 mi)
- Construction Loans in Waynesburg, PA (24 mi)
- Construction Loans in Clairton, PA (29 mi)
- Construction Loans in Jefferson Hills, PA (29 mi)
- Construction Loans in Greensburg, PA (30 mi)
- Construction Loans in Jeannette, PA (30 mi)
Related guides
- Construction-to-Permanent Loans: How They Work
- VA Construction Loans: Building a Home With a VA-Backed Loan
- FHA 203(k) Loans: Buy or Refinance and Renovate in One Loan
Construction Loans across Pennsylvania · Construction Loans guide · Pennsylvania overview
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates
- U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2025