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Construction Loan Agreement

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MULTISTATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT – Single Family – Fannie Mae

Form 3734 11/01 (rev. 09/18)

THIS IS A MODEL DOCUMENT FOR USE IN FANNIE MAE CONSTRUCTION LOAN TRANSACTIONS. THIS FORM IS PROVIDED AS AN EXAMPLE AND HAS NOT BEEN EVALUATED FOR VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY IN ANY JURISDICTION. LENDERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH LEGAL COUNSEL TO ENSURE THAT ALL FORMS USED TO ORIGINATE LOANS ARE APPROPRIATE, AND THAT ALL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS ARE COMPLETED CORRECTLY AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW.

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

Case Number:     Date:

Borrower Name(s):     Phone #:

    Phone #:

THIS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT (“Contract”) dated as of , by and between (“Owner”) and (“Contractor”).

Owner and Contractor, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, agree as follows:

Article 1. Work.

Contractor will perform the construction services identified in Exhibit “A” (“Work”) in accordance with the Contract Documents, as identified in Article 5 of this Contract on property which is located at (“Property”).

Article 2. Contract Time.

The Work will be completed on or before (“Completion Date”), subject to modifications in approved Change Orders, but no later than twelve (12) months after the loan closing date on the Property.

Article 3. Contract Price.

Owner will pay to Contractor an amount equal to $ (“Contract Price”) for completion of the Work.

Article 4. Change Orders.

Any increase or decrease in the Contract Price, change in the Work or change in the Contract Time must be set forth in a change order signed by Owner and Contractor and approved by the Lender (“Change Order”).

Article 5. Contract Documents.

The Contract Documents which comprise the entire Contract between Owner and Contractor concerning the Work consist of this Contract, Exhibit “A,” the blue prints, shop drawings, plans and specifications for the Work (“Plans”), an itemized description of each segment of the Work that sets the timetable for completing the Work, and the corresponding payments for the Work (“Work and Payment Schedule”) and any Change Orders.

Article 6. Payment Procedures

6.1. Progress Payments. Contractor will submit to Owner a request for payment in a format agreed to by Owner and Contractor and approved by Lender (“Request for Disbursement”) which will cover completed and inspected work.

Within ten calendar days after a Request for Disbursement is presented, Owner will notify Contractor if Owner has any concerns about the Request for Disbursement that Owner believes should be resolved before Owner pays the amounts specified in the Request for Disbursement, and, in this event, Owner and Contractor will promptly meet to address such concerns.

Owner will pay Contractor ninety percent (90%) of the full amount covered by the Request for Disbursement within ten calendar days from the day it was presented while retaining ten percent (10%) thereof (“Holdback”) to be paid simultaneously with the final payment.

Payment may be withheld for: (1) failure to perform the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents; (2) defective Work that is not corrected; or (3) failure of the Contractor to pay subcontractors or to pay for labor, materials or equipment when due.

6.2. Final Payment. Final payment of the balance of the Contract Price including the Holdback will be made in accordance with the following procedures:

a. When Contractor considers the Work substantially complete, Contractor will notify Owner in writing. Within a reasonable time thereafter, Owner and Contractor will inspect the Work. Promptly after such inspection, Owner will deliver to Contractor a written punch list of the items that must be completed in order for the Work to reach final completion (“Final Completion”). Alternatively, Owner will deliver to Contractor a written statement that Final Completion has been reached because no punch list items remain to be completed.

b. If Owner delivers a written punch list to Contractor, then Contractor will deliver to Owner a written notice that the Work is finally complete when Contractor believes that the punch list items have been completed. Then Owner and Contractor will promptly inspect the punch list items. Promptly after such inspection, Owner will deliver to Contractor either (i) a written statement that Final Completion has been reached or (ii) another written punch list of the items that still must be completed in order for the Work to reach Final Completion in which event the punch list procedure described above will be repeated until all punch list items have been completed.

c. When Final Completion has been reached and after Contractor has delivered to Owner all maintenance and operating instructions, schedules, guarantees, certificates of inspection, marked-up record documents and other documents, Contractor may make application for final payment following the procedure for progress payments. The final Request for Disbursement will be accompanied by all documentation called for in the Contract Documents, together with complete and legally effective releases or waivers (satisfactory to Owner and Lender) of all potential liens arising out of or filed in connection with the Work.

Article 7. Interest.

Payments due and unpaid to Contractor will bear no interest.

Article 8. Contractor’s Representation.

In order to induce Owner to enter into this Contract, Contractor makes the following representation: Contractor has familiarized itself with the nature and extent of the Contract Documents, Work site, locality, and all local conditions and laws and regulations that in any manner may affect cost, progress, performance or furnishing of the Work. Contractor is duly licensed to perform the Work as required by local laws and regulations.

Article 9. Contractor’s Responsibilities.

9.1. Performance. Contractor will perform the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents. Contractor will be solely responsible for the means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures of construction.

9.2. Personnel. Contractor will provide competent, suitable personnel to perform construction services as required by the Contract Documents. Contractor will at all times maintain good discipline and order at the Property.

9.3. Furnished Items. Contractor will furnish and be fully responsible for all materials, equipment, labor, transportation, construction equipment and machinery, tools, appliances, fuel, power, light, heat, telephone, water sanitary facilities, temporary facilities and all other facilities and incidentals necessary for the furnishing, performance, testing, start-up and completion of the Work, except as specified in the Contract Documents.

9.4. Materials. All materials and equipment will be of good quality and new, except as otherwise provided in the Contract Documents. All materials and equipment will be applied, installed, connected, erected, used, cleaned and conditioned in accordance with the instructions of the applicable supplier.

9.5. Subcontractors. Contractor will be fully responsible to Owner for all acts and omissions of its subcontractors, suppliers and other persons and organizations performing or furnishing any of the Work under a direct or indirect contract with Contractor just as Contractor is responsible for Contractor’s own acts and omissions. Nothing in the Contract Documents will create any contractual relationship between Owner and any such subcontractor, supplier or other person or organization, nor will it create any obligation on the part of Owner to pay any such subcontractor, supplier or other person or organization except as may otherwise be required by laws and regulations.

Contractor will give Lender the name, address and telephone number of each person that has a contract with Contractor to supply materials or labor for the Work.

9.6. Permits; Inspections. Contractor will obtain and will pay for all construction permits and licenses unless otherwise agreed to by the Owner in writing. Owner will assist Contractor, when necessary, in obtaining such permits and licenses. Contractor will pay all governmental charges and inspection fees necessary for the Work and arrange for all such inspections to occur if required. Contractor will give all notices and comply with all laws and regulations applicable to furnishing and performance of the Work.

9.7. Taxes. Contractor will pay all sales, consumer, use and other similar taxes required to be paid by Contractor in accordance with the laws and regulations of the place of the Work which are applicable during the performance of the Work.

9.8. Use of Premises. Contractor will confine construction equipment, the storage of materials and equipment and the operations of workers to the Property, and will not unreasonably encumber the Property with materials or equipment. Contractor will be fully responsible for any damage to the Property or areas contiguous thereto resulting from the performance of the Work. During the progress of the Work, Contractor will keep the Property free from accumulations of waste materials, rubbish and other debris resulting from the Work. At the completion of the Work, Contractor will remove all waste materials, rubbish and debris from and about the Property as well as all tools, appliances, construction equipment and machinery, and surplus materials, and will leave the Property clean and ready for occupancy by Owner.

9.9. Record Documents. Contractor will maintain in a safe place at the Property one record copy of all drawings, specifications, addenda, written amendments, Change Orders, and the like in good order and annotated to show all changes made during construction which will be delivered to Owner.

9.10. Safety. Contractor will be responsible for initiating, maintaining and supervising all safety precautions and programs in connection with the Work. Contractor will comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the safety of persons or property.

9.11. Continuing the Work. Contractor will carry on the Work and adhere to the progress schedule during all disputes or disagreements with Owner.

9.12. Damage to the Work. Contractor will repair or replace, at Contractor’s sole expense, every portion of the Work that is damaged or destroyed prior to Final Completion and caused in whole or in part by the acts or omissions of Contractor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Owner will bear the cost of such repair or replacement if the sole cause of the damage or destruction of the Work was Owner’s negligence.

9.13. Warranty. Contractor warrants and guarantees to Owner that all Work will be in accordance with the Contract Documents and will not be defective. If within one year after the date of Final Completion or such longer period of time as may be prescribed by laws or regulations or by the terms of any specific provision or applicable special guarantee in the Contract Documents, any Work is found to be defective, Contractor will promptly, without cost to Owner and in accordance with Owner’s written instructions, promptly either correct such defective Work, or if it has been rejected by Owner, remove it from the Property and replace it with non-defective Work. If Contractor does not promptly comply with the terms of such instructions, or in an emergency where delay would cause serious risk of loss or damage, Owner may have the defective Work corrected or the rejected Work removed and replaced, and all direct, indirect and consequential costs of such removal and replacement (including but not limited to fees and charges of engineers, architects, attorneys and other professionals) will be paid by Contractor.

9.14. Indemnity and Hold Harmless. Contractor will indemnify and hold harmless Owner against all loss, liability, cost expense, damage and economic detriment of any kind whatsoever that arises out of or results from performance of the Work but only to the extent caused in whole or in part by the acts or omissions of the Contractor.

9.15. Related Work at Property. Owner may perform other work at the Property which is not part of the Work by Owner’s own forces or let other direct contracts therefor. Contractor will afford Owner’s own forces and each other contractor who is a party to such a direct contract proper and safe access to the Property and a reasonable opportunity for the introduction and storage of materials and equipment and the execution of such work. Contractor will do all cutting, fitting and patching of the Work that may be required to make its several parts come together properly and integrate with such other work. Contractor will not endanger any work of others by cutting, excavating or otherwise altering their work and will only cut or alter their work with the written consent of Owner and the others whose work will be affected.

Article 10. Insurance.

10.1. Contractor’s Insurance. Contractor will purchase and maintain the following insurance policies: (i) a builder’s all risk insurance policy (with a mortgagee’s loss payable clause in favor of Lender and with a physical loss form endorsement), without co-insurance, in an amount not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the replacement cost of the Work, with the standard conditions; (ii) public liability insurance with limits of liability equal to at least $500,000 per occurrence; (iii) workers’ compensation insurance as required by applicable state law; (iv) automobile liability insurance with limits of liability equal to at least $300,000 per occurrence for each vehicle that will be used in providing the services hereunder; and (v) other insurance as is appropriate for the Work being performed.

Before any Work is started, Contractor will deliver to Owner certificates or other evidence of the insurance that Contractor is required to purchase and maintain.

10.2. Owner’s Insurance. Owner will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining Owner’s liability insurance and other reasonably appropriate insurance.

Article 11. Termination.

11.1 Termination by Owner. If the Contractor breaches any of its obligations under this Agreement, then Owner may give Contractor written notification identifying such breach. If Contractor has not cured such breach within seven (7) calendar days from its receipt of Owner’s written notification or if such breach cannot be cured within such seven (7) day period, then if Contractor either does not begin cure within such seven (7) day period or fails to diligently prosecute cure to completion, Owner may terminate this Contract and take possession of the Work. Alternatively, instead of terminating the Contract, Owner may cure the breach and deduct the cost thereof from amounts otherwise owed to the Contractor.

11.2 Termination by Contractor. If the Owner breaches any of its obligations under this Agreement, then Contractor may give Owner written notification identifying such breach. If Owner has not cured such breach within seven (7) calendar days from its receipt of Contractor’s written notification, or if such breach cannot be cured within such seven (7) day period, then if Owner either does not begin cure within such seven (7) day period or fails to diligently prosecute cure to completion, Contractor may terminate this Contract.

Article 12. Miscellaneous.

12.1. Assignment of any rights or interests under this Contract will not be binding on any party to this Contract without the written consent of such party. Payments due under this Contract may not be assigned. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Owner hereby assigns all of its rights, title and interest in and to this Contract to the Lender, , having an address at , as additional security for the loan.

The Contractor hereby consents to such assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Contract, upon a breach by the Owner of this Contract, the Contractor will give the Lender notice of such a breach, at the address set forth above, and provided that the Owner or the Lender cures such default within a reasonable period and continues to pay the Contractor all amounts due under this Contract, the Contractor will continue to perform its services under this Contract.

12.2. Owner and Contractor each binds itself, its partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives, to the other party hereto, its partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives in respect to all covenants, agreements and obligations contained in the Contract Documents.

12.3. This Contract and all issues, disputes and matters arising out of it will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the state in which the Property is located, exclusive of that body of law governing conflicts of laws.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Owner and Contractor have signed this Contract.

This Contract will be effective on , .

Owner:

Address for giving notices:

Contractor:

License No.

By:

Address for giving notices:

EXHIBIT A

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Enter text✕

What a Construction Loan Agreement Is

A Construction Loan Agreement is a legally binding contract that sets the terms for financing the construction of real property. It identifies the lender, borrower, loan amount, interest rate, disbursement schedule (draws), required inspections, collateral or mortgage, insurance obligations, and completion criteria. The agreement allocates responsibilities for cost overruns, change orders, and lien waivers, and typically includes representations, conditions precedent to funding, and remedies for default. When executed properly it governs funding milestones and protects both lender and borrower through clear conditions and documentation, including recording or other public filing where required.

Why a Clear Construction Loan Agreement Matters

A well-drafted Construction Loan Agreement defines draw conditions, inspection requirements, and repayment terms to reduce funding disputes, protect lien priority, and set expectations for contractors, lenders, and borrowers throughout construction and completion.

Why a Clear Construction Loan Agreement Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Agreement

The Construction Loan Agreement involves multiple stakeholders from lenders to contractors and is prepared by counsel or loan officers before funding begins.

  • Lenders and underwriters — Banks, credit unions, or private lenders that set loan covenants and approval conditions.
  • Borrowers and developers — Property owners or sponsoring entities responsible for project execution and compliance with loan conditions.
  • General contractors and sureties — Contracted parties providing schedules, draws, lien waivers, and performance assurances.

Each party must provide accurate information and authorized signatures to ensure enforceability and smooth disbursements during construction.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Construction Loan Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to gather required information, structure disbursements, and obtain signatures and any notarizations.

  • 01
    1. Gather Documents: Collect borrower formation papers, property description, contractor agreement, and insurance certificates.
  • 02
    2. Define Terms: Set loan amount, interest rate structure, term, collateral, and repayment events.
  • 03
    3. Set Draws: Create a draw schedule tied to inspections, lien waivers, or percent-complete milestones.
  • 04
    4. Sign and Verify: Execute signatures, obtain notarizations if required, and record or file security instruments where needed.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Agreement

Make sure the agreement includes these six essential sections to protect parties and support enforceability during construction and after completion.

Loan Amount

Specify the total committed funds, any borrowing base formula, maximum draws, and provisions for additional advances or contingencies tied to project scope changes.

Interest & Payments

Describe interest type (fixed, variable), calculation method, payment frequency, capitalization rules during construction, and conversion to permanent financing if applicable.

Draw / Disbursement

Detail draw schedule, submission requirements, inspection protocols, required lien waivers, and documentation needed to release each tranche of funds.

Collateral & Security

Identify mortgage, deed of trust, or other security instruments; require title insurance, priority protections, and procedures for recording liens.

Conditions Precedent

List conditions that must be satisfied before initial and subsequent disbursements, including permits, insurance, approvals, and contractor bonds.

Default & Remedies

Set events of default, cure periods, acceleration rights, foreclosure procedures, and any borrower obligations during cure attempts.

Key Data Elements Required on the Form

Borrower Name: Exact legal name required
Lender Name: Full legal entity name
Property ID: Street address and parcel
Loan Amount: Principal in USD
Draw Schedule: Milestones or percentages
Signature Date: MM/DD/YYYY format

How to Configure an Online Completion Workflow

Configure authentication, field rules, and attachments to match lender compliance and reduce signer friction during eSubmission.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link or SMS code; consider KBA for higher assurance
Conditional Fields Show draw fields only after inspection approval
Accepted Attachments PDF and DOCX for exhibits and contracts
Notifications Email and optional SMS alerts to parties

Typical Online Execution and Routing Flow

A typical eSigning workflow moves the document from upload to signature, verification, and final distribution with an audit trail for every step.

  • Upload Document: Lender or counsel uploads final agreement
  • Place Fields: Add signature, initial, date, and conditional fields
  • Signer Verification: Signers authenticate via email, SMS, or stronger methods
  • Finalize & Store: Signed PDF and audit trail are generated and archived

Technical Considerations for Digital Completion

Choose a platform that supports required file formats, integrations, and the authentication level needed for lender compliance.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connectors for Procore, Salesforce, NetSuite
  • Security Standards: TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest

Common Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Construction loan lifecycle involves scheduled dates for closing, draws, inspections, and final completion; track each to avoid funding delays or defaults.

Loan Closing Date:

Date funds or initial commitment become available

Construction Start:

Date work must begin to avoid term limits

First Draw Due:

Submission and inspection deadline for initial disbursement

Periodic Inspections:

Schedule for progress inspections tied to draws

Final Completion:

Certificate of occupancy or final lien release due

Key Milestones From Commitment to Final Release

Track these sequential milestones to manage approvals, funding events, and final lien release through project completion.

01

Commitment Issued

Loan terms agreed; conditions precedent listed for borrower

02

Closing and Funding

Initial funding and execution of security documents occur

03

Progress Draws

Disbursements tied to inspections and lien waiver submissions

04

Final Inspection

Certify completion and trigger final payment and release

Downloading, Supporting Documents, and Amendments

Understand export options, required exhibits, and how to process amendments to keep records accurate and enforceable.

Download Options

Export completed agreement as PDF/A or DOCX for storage, recording, and lender filing; retain audit trail alongside file for legal defensibility.

Supporting Documents

Attach contractor contracts, cost breakdowns, permits, insurance certificates, title report, and performance bonds as enforceable exhibits.

Amendment Process

Record any change orders or loan amendments in writing, executed by all parties, and reference original agreement and effective date.

Recording

Record mortgage or deed of trust per county requirements to protect lien priority; include notarization where required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

  • Using an informal draw schedule without inspection criteria, which leads to funding disputes and project delays.
  • Mismatched borrower or lender names that prevent recording or create title defects at closing.
  • Failing to attach required exhibits (permits, insurance, bonds), causing conditions precedent to remain unmet.
  • Allowing unsigned or unsigned-once signature blocks that create uncertainty about authorization and enforceability.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Agreement

Funding Delays: Draws withheld
Loss of Lien Priority: Recording defects risk priority
Default Acceleration: Loan may accelerate
Foreclosure Exposure: Lender may foreclose
Tax Consequences: Interest or withholding issues
Regulatory Noncompliance: Contract enforceability issues

Real-World Usage Examples

These concise examples highlight how firms handle construction loan documents and digital execution to speed closing and compliance.

Martin Properties

A mid-size developer streamlined draws and compliance using online forms tied to inspections.

  • Their team reduced clerical follow-up and consolidated documents.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Xerox (NetSuite Integration)

Operations teams integrate signed loan exhibits with ERP for automated accounting.

  • Integration removed manual entry and improved auditability.
  • "airSlate SignNow provides us with the flexibility needed to get the right signatures on the right documents, in the right formats, based on our integration with NetSuite."

eSignature Pricing Comparison for Construction Loan Workflows

Compare common vendor starting prices and feature availability for document signing and compliance; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison standards.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes (Premium plan) Varies Varies Varies Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Loan Agreements

Answers to common questions about enforceability, notarization, signing authority, and post-signature steps for construction loan documents.


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