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San Bernardino has land. That matters for construction lending, where the lot is your starting point.
Building here can cost less per square foot than buying finished product in coastal markets. That equation makes construction loans worth running.
680 typical
Min Credit Score
20% typical
Down Payment
Up to 12 months
Build Period
Licensed & approved
Builder Requirement
Variable during build
Rate Type
Construction Loans in San Bernardino
Most construction lenders want a 680 credit score minimum. Some programs allow 640, but expect stricter terms.
You'll need 20% down in most cases. Lenders also require a signed builder contract and detailed construction plans before approval.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect construction loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Bernardino.
San Bernardino has land. That matters for construction lending, where the lot is your starting point.
Building here can cost less per square foot than buying finished product in coastal markets. That equation makes construction loans worth running.
Most construction lenders want a 680 credit score minimum. Some programs allow 640, but expect stricter terms.
Not every lender does construction loans. It's a small subset, and their guidelines vary significantly.
SRK CAPITAL works with 200+ wholesale lenders. We know which ones are active in San Bernardino County and which ones will actually fund draws on time.
The biggest construction loan mistake: underestimating the build budget. Lenders fund what was approved. Cost overruns come out of your pocket.
One-time-close construction loans convert automatically to a permanent mortgage at completion. That saves you a second round of closing costs.
Hard money construction loans close faster but carry higher rates and shorter terms. They fit investors, not primary home buyers.
Conventional construction-to-permanent loans take longer to close but give you a standard 30-year mortgage at the finish line.
San Bernardino County has specific permitting timelines. Your draw schedule needs to account for inspection delays at the city level.
Inland Empire labor and material costs have shifted as of early 2026. Get contractor bids locked before you finalize your loan amount.
You borrow in stages called draws, tied to build milestones. At completion, the loan converts to a permanent mortgage.
Not always. Many construction loans include the lot purchase. If you already own it, that equity counts toward your down payment.
Most lenders require 680 or higher. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most lenders say no. They require a licensed, third-party builder. Owner-builder programs exist but are rare.
It combines the construction and permanent mortgage into one loan. You close once and avoid a second set of fees.
Typical construction periods run 12 months. Extensions are possible but often come with fees.