Breaking Ground with Confidence: Site Readiness Tips for New Construction Loans

September 5, 2025

Short answer:

Before a lender can fund your new construction loan, the site needs to meet certain standards—both legally and physically. From zoning to utilities, site readiness can make or break your deal.

If you’re planning a ground-up build in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin counties, this checklist will help you move faster, avoid delays, and get approved with confidence.

Why Site Readiness Matters in New Construction Lending

When you’re financing a new build—whether it’s a single-family spec home, a duplex, or a small development—your site condition determines how soon you can break ground and how much risk your lender takes on.

Private lenders like Silverton Capital evaluate not just your budget and plans, but whether the property itself is ready for construction.

If the site isn’t ready, your loan could be delayed—or denied—no matter how good the project looks on paper.

Site Readiness Tip #1: Confirm Zoning & Permitted Use

Before you buy or build, double-check zoning. Even if the land looks residential, it might not be zoned for new construction—or may have limitations on setbacks, height, or density.

Make sure:

  • The zoning matches your intended use (single-family, multifamily, etc.)
  • No variances or re-zoning are required
  • Restrictions from HOAs or deed covenants won’t affect your build
  • You understand the jurisdiction (city, county, ETJ) and their rules

Lenders won’t fund speculative builds that can’t legally happen—so get written zoning verification from the city or county early.

Site Readiness Tip #2: Clear Title and Legal Access

You can’t build on land you can’t prove you own—or reach.

Before applying for a construction loan, ensure:

  • The title is clean (no unresolved liens or ownership issues)
  • The parcel is legally subdivided and recorded
  • You have permanent, legal access to the road (public or deeded easement)

If the land needs to be platted or has access issues, your lender may require those to be resolved before closing.

Site Readiness Tip #3: Utilities & Infrastructure Are Planned

Whether you’re on city services or planning well and septic, lenders want to see how your site will support the home.

You don’t need everything installed—but you should know:

  • Is water available on-site or nearby?
  • Is there sewer access, or will you need septic?
  • Has a perc test been completed?
  • Are electricity and gas stubbed or close by?
  • Will you need a driveway or road cut?

Private lenders like Silverton Capital often fund utility installs as part of your draw schedule, but they want to see that you’ve done the prep work.

Site Readiness Tip #4: Survey, Plans & Scope of Work

To fund a ground-up build, your lender will need to see:

  • A recent boundary and topographic survey
  • Site layout showing driveway, house footprint, and easements
  • A clear, itemized Scope of Work
  • Construction budget with labor and materials
  • Timeline from start to finish

This tells the lender the project is ready to go once the loan closes—and that you’ve accounted for site-specific needs like grading, tree removal, or drainage.

Site Readiness Tip #5: Permits in Process (or Already Approved)

You don’t need to have permits in hand to apply—but you should know what permits are required and how long they’ll take.

Your lender may want proof that:

  • Plans are submitted to the city or county
  • Your GC is licensed and eligible to pull permits
  • There are no hold-ups (zoning, easements, environmental issues)

Some cities issue permits in a few days. Others take weeks. Build your loan application timeline around this step so your construction funding isn’t delayed.

How Silverton Capital Helps

At Silverton Capital, we specialize in construction loans across Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin counties—and we understand the realities of site prep and permitting.

Our team works with you to:

  • Pre-approve your budget and draw schedule
  • Review zoning, utilities, and site access
  • Fund lot purchases and infrastructure costs
  • Support build timelines of 6 to 12 months
  • Move quickly when your site is shovel-ready

Whether it’s your first spec home or your fifth subdivision, we’re here to help you break ground with confidence.

Apply now to get started.

Final Thoughts

Your deal might look great on paper—but if the site isn’t ready, lenders may hesitate. By getting ahead of zoning, access, utilities, and permits, you’ll eliminate surprises, get funded faster, and build without delay.

A little prep upfront saves weeks (and thousands of dollars) later.

Got land and ready to build?

Apply with Silverton Capital for fast, flexible construction financing in Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin counties—built for real-world investors like you.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or investment advice. Please consult with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.

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