Construction Mortgage · Woodstock, Ontario
Who Craig Helps
Buying in a development like Heartwood or a Sally Creek community in Oxford County? Craig secures your construction financing early, locking in your rate commitment and ensuring funds are staged correctly as each phase of your build is completed.
Working with your own builder on a custom home? Construction financing works differently from a standard mortgage. Craig structures the draw schedule around your build milestones and connects you with lenders who understand custom construction timelines and builder requirements.
Found the right home in the right location but it needs work. Roll the renovation cost into your mortgage so you can start upgrades immediately after taking possession.
The difference
Craig explains draw schedules, interest-only periods, holdbacks, and the inspection process in plain language. You'll understand exactly how construction financing works before any money moves.
Not all lenders offer construction mortgages, and those that do have very different requirements. Craig knows which lenders work with which builders and build types across Woodstock and Oxford County.
Craig stays with you from getting a mortgage quote through to the final draw and converts your construction mortgage to a standard mortgage at completion, shopping the full market for the best available rate at that time.
Discuss your goals, timeline, and budget. Walk through all available options together.
Submit documents securely. Craig handles the lender communication on your behalf.
Review approval terms together — every detail explained before you commit.
Fulfill conditions, close with confidence. Craig stays your partner post-closing too.
What's involved
The most common construction financing structure. Funds are released in stages, typically 4–5 draws tied to build milestones. You typically pay interest only on the amount drawn at each stage, not the full mortgage balance, keeping your carrying costs manageable during the build.
During construction, some lenders have you pay interest only on the funds drawn to date, not the full approved mortgage amount. This keeps your payments lower while your home is being built. Full principal and interest payments begin one month after construction is complete.
Before each draw is released, a lender-appointed inspector visits the site to confirm the build milestone is complete. A statutory holdback, typically 10% per Ontario's Construction Act, is retained from each draw until the lien period expires and final completion is confirmed.
Craig secures a rate commitment at pre-approval to protect you from rate increases during the early stages of your build. Rate hold periods vary by lender, typically 6–12 months. At completion, Craig shops the full market for the best available conversion rate.
Lenders typically require your builder to be licensed, insured, and registered under an approved New Home Warranty program, mandatory in Ontario for all homes built after February 2014. Craig confirms your builder meets these requirements before you commit to avoid surprises mid-build.
Run payment scenarios for different rates and terms before committing. Try the calculator →
Find Your Mortgage With Craig
Common questions
A standard mortgage releases the full amount at closing. A construction mortgage releases funds in stages, called draws, tied to build milestones. During construction you pay interest only on the amount drawn. At completion it converts to a standard mortgage with full principal and interest payments beginning one month after.
Most construction mortgages involve 4–5 draws tied to key milestones, typically lot and foundation, framing, lock-up, drywall, and final completion with occupancy permit. The exact number depends on the lender.
It depends on the mortgage type. For conventional uninsured construction mortgages, most lenders require 20–25% down. However, insured construction mortgages through programs like Canada Guaranty's Progress Draw Advantage allow as little as 5% down for eligible builds under $500,000. Craig confirms the exact requirement for your specific situation upfront, no surprises.
At completion your construction mortgage converts to a standard mortgage. Craig shops 88+ lenders at that point to secure the best available rate, you're not locked into the construction lender's rate. Full principal and interest payments begin one month after your occupancy permit is issued.
Yes, if you already own your land outright, its appraised value can count toward your construction mortgage down payment. This is one of the key advantages of buying land first and building later. Craig factors this into your financing structure from the start.
building in woodstock or oxford county?
Licensed Mortgage Agent serving, Woodstock, Ingersoll, London, and Surrounding Areas. Helping Ontario homeowners and buyers find smarter mortgage solutions.
License Number: M24002371
FRSA #13556
Maventure Mortgage Co.
FSRA #13556
735 Fanshawe Park Rd W #1, London, ON N6G 5B4
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