Ground-Up Construction
From Dirt to Done — Without the Bank Bottleneck.
Construction profits die in delays. Slow draws stall subs, stalled subs blow schedules, and blown schedules eat margin. We fund lot acquisition and vertical construction with draws that release when the work is done — not when a committee meets.
Built for experienced California builders: spec homes, small multifamily, and infill projects from $250K to $5M.
Program Parameters
Ground-Up Construction
Financing for new construction projects from the ground up. We fund lot acquisition and construction costs with structured draws.
Projects We Fund
Construction Capital That Matches How Builders Work
From lot closing to certificate of occupancy, the structure matters as much as the rate.
Spec Home Construction
You've got the lot, the plans, and the comps to prove the exit. We fund acquisition and construction in one facility — up to 65% of completed value — so you're not stitching together capital mid-project.
Infill Lot Development
California's best margins hide in infill lots that banks find 'too complicated.' We understand entitlements, demo, and utility work — and fund projects conventional construction lenders won't touch.
Small Multifamily Builds
Duplexes, fourplexes, and small apartment projects that pencil beautifully but fall below institutional minimums. We fund the builds that are too small for the big lenders and too complex for the banks.
Teardown & Rebuild
The land is worth more than the structure. We fund acquisition, demolition, and new construction as one project — common across LA and Orange County's aging housing stock.
Mid-Project Takeover
Your construction lender froze draws, or the project needs more capital to reach completion. We evaluate work-in-place and fund completion — protecting everything you've already built.
Build-to-Rent Projects
Building to hold instead of sell? We fund the construction phase with a term structure that hands off cleanly to permanent rental financing at stabilization.
The CDF Difference
Why Builders Choose CDF
One facility covers lot acquisition and construction
Draw schedule structured around your build plan
Experienced-builder underwriting — we speak construction
Direct access to decision-makers when the project needs a fast answer
How It Works
From First Call to Funded in 4 Steps
A streamlined process built to close in as few as 7 business days.
Apply
Submit your loan inquiry online or by phone. We respond within 24 hours with an initial assessment and preliminary terms.
Underwrite
Our team evaluates the property and deal structure. We order the appraisal, title, and complete our due diligence.
Approve
Receive your commitment letter and clear closing conditions. We work with your escrow and title to prepare for funding.
Fund
Sign documents and receive your funds. We close in as few as 7 days from completed application. Fast, simple, done.
Common Questions
Construction Loan FAQs
What do your construction loans cover?
Lot acquisition plus vertical construction costs in a single facility, up to 65% of the completed value, from $250K to $5M. Terms run 12 to 24 months with rates from 10.99%.
How does the draw schedule work?
Draws are structured around your build plan and released against completed work. Because we're a direct lender, draw approvals don't sit in a queue — your subs stay paid and your schedule stays intact.
Do I need builder experience to qualify?
Yes — ground-up construction loans require an experienced builder on the project. If you're newer, pairing with an experienced general contractor can satisfy this, and our fix & flip and ADU programs may fit lighter projects.
What project types do you fund?
Single-family residences and small multifamily across California — spec homes, infill development, teardown-rebuilds, and build-to-rent projects.
Can you take over a stalled construction project?
Often, yes. We evaluate the work in place, remaining budget, and completion plan. If the numbers support it, we refinance the existing lender and fund completion.
How fast can a construction loan close?
Faster than any bank construction department — our underwriting, appraisal, and title work run in parallel. Call (626) 796-1680 with your project details and you'll have preliminary terms within 24 hours.
Explore More
Related Loan Programs
Tell Us About Your Deal
One call gets you a straight answer and preliminary terms within 24 hours. If we can't do the deal, we'll tell you that too — fast.
All loans are business-purpose loans secured by California real estate. Rates, LTVs, and terms shown are program starting points — final terms are deal-specific. DRE# 01885595 | NMLS# 1159831