VA Loan Construction Projects in Central Florida
Florida Legacy Construction works with veterans and active-duty service members on VA loan projects throughout Marion and Sumter counties
Call (352) 356-5036 to discuss your VA loan project. We provide written estimates and documentation for your lender.
Florida Legacy Construction works with veterans and active-duty service members using VA loans for construction projects in Central Florida. We provide written project scopes, cost breakdowns, and draw schedules that VA-approved lenders require. Travis Strickland, licensed building contractor CBC1268994, oversees every VA loan project. We have completed VA-funded work in Marion and Sumter counties.
VA Loan Types We Work With
Different VA loan programs cover different types of construction work. Here is a reference guide to the five main programs veterans use for home construction and renovation projects.
| VA Loan Type | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VA Purchase Loan | Buy a primary residence with no down payment required | Veterans purchasing a home that meets VA MPRs as-is |
| VA Renovation Loan (VA Rehab) | Purchase and renovate in a single loan | Buying a home that needs updates to meet MPRs or personal standards |
| VA Construction Loan | Build a new home from the ground up | Veterans who want to build on land they own or are purchasing |
| VA Cash-Out Refinance | Refinance existing mortgage and take cash from equity | Veterans who own their home and want to fund improvements |
| IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction) | Lower interest rate on existing VA loan | Rate reduction only. Not a construction funding vehicle on its own. |
Loan program availability and eligibility depend on your lender, your Certificate of Eligibility, and the specific property. Verify details with a VA-approved lender before starting your project.
Construction Services for VA Loan Projects
Florida Legacy Construction handles the following types of work on VA loan projects in Central Florida.
Bathroom Remodeling
VA renovation loans frequently fund bathroom updates in homes that need MPR-related repairs or upgrades. We handle walk-in shower conversions, tub replacements, tile, vanities, and full gut remodels. All work is permitted through Marion or Sumter County and built to code. See all bathroom remodeling services.
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen updates are a common use for VA renovation loans when buyers purchase homes with outdated or non-functional kitchens. We remodel kitchens throughout Central Florida, including new layouts, cabinets, countertops, and plumbing fixture upgrades. See all kitchen remodeling services.
Home Additions
VA renovation loans can fund room additions when a veteran needs additional living space in their current home. We build bedroom additions, bathroom additions, garage conversions, and in-law suite additions throughout Marion and Sumter counties. All work is fully permitted. See home addition services.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Veterans can use VA renovation financing to add an ADU to their property in some cases. We build detached ADUs, garage conversions, and in-law suites throughout Central Florida. See ADU construction services.
New Home Construction
VA construction loans fund the full build of a new home. These projects require a detailed draw schedule and progress inspections at each stage. The contractor and VA-approved lender coordinate throughout the build. We provide all required documentation throughout the build process.
MPR Repair Work
VA appraisers sometimes identify repairs a home must complete before the lender can close the loan. These are Minimum Property Requirement (MPR) repairs. We handle MPR repair work quickly because delays cost veterans their rate lock or purchase timeline. Common MPR repairs include roof work, electrical updates, plumbing repairs, and water intrusion corrections.
VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
The VA requires that every home financed with a VA loan meet Minimum Property Requirements. These standards protect the veteran buyer by confirming the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. A VA-approved appraiser reviews the property and flags any MPR issues that must be corrected before loan closing.
Common MPR Issues We Repair
- Roof condition: Appraiser will flag roofs with less than 2 years of estimated remaining life or active leaks.
- Lead paint: Homes built before 1978 require all chipping, peeling, or damaged paint to be repaired and painted.
- Electrical: Outdated panels, exposed wiring, and non-GFCI outlets near water sources are common flags.
- Plumbing: Active leaks, non-functional fixtures, and inadequate water pressure are MPR violations.
- Water and sewage: The property must have working water supply and sewage disposal systems.
- Structural issues: Foundation cracks, sagging floors, and damaged framing must be repaired.
- Wood-destroying organisms: Active termite damage or dry rot must be treated and repaired.
- Heating and cooling: The home must have a functioning heating system.
MPR Repairs Are Time-Sensitive
VA lenders typically require MPR repairs to be completed and re-inspected before loan closing. Delays in starting repair work can cause a veteran to lose their rate lock or miss the contract deadline. Florida Legacy Construction prioritizes MPR repair scheduling. Call (352) 356-5036 to discuss timelines before you make an offer on a property that needs MPR work.
How a VA Loan Construction Project Works
VA construction and renovation loans require more coordination between the contractor and lender than a standard mortgage. Here is how the process typically flows for a VA renovation or construction project with Florida Legacy Construction.
Confirm VA Eligibility
Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Contact a VA-approved lender to confirm which loan program fits your project.
Get a Project Estimate
Call Florida Legacy Construction for a free on-site estimate. We provide a written scope of work and cost breakdown your lender requires.
Lender Review
Your lender reviews the project scope and contractor credentials. Florida Legacy Construction provides license verification and insurance documentation on request.
VA Appraisal
A VA-approved appraiser inspects the property. For renovation projects, the appraiser assesses the home's value after the planned work is complete.
Loan Closing
Your lender closes the loan. For construction loans, funds are released in draws tied to project milestones. For renovation loans, funds are typically held in escrow and released as work is completed.
Construction and Draw Inspections
Work begins. Lenders typically require progress inspections at each draw stage. Florida Legacy Construction provides documentation and coordinates inspection scheduling.
Documentation Florida Legacy Construction Provides
VA lenders require specific contractor documentation before approving a project. Florida Legacy Construction prepares and provides all standard documentation on request.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Contractor license verification | CBC1268994, Certified Building Contractor, Florida DBPR. Verifiable at myfloridalicense.com. |
| Certificate of insurance | General liability and workers' compensation certificates available on request. |
| Written project scope | Itemized description of all work, materials, and specifications. Required by most VA lenders. |
| Itemized cost estimate | Line-by-line cost breakdown for labor and materials. Required for appraisal and loan approval. |
| Draw schedule | Milestone-based payment schedule for construction loans. Tied to inspectable stages of work. |
| Permit documentation | Copies of all county building permits. Required for final draw release on most VA construction loans. |
We work directly with your lender's construction department or loan processor. Call (352) 356-5036 or have your lender contact us directly.
Bathroom Remodeling with VA Loans
Walk-in showers, full remodels, ADA upgrades, and vanity replacement for veterans in Marion and Sumter counties. All work permitted and licensed. Free written estimates for lender submission.
Bathroom Remodeling ServicesHome Additions and ADU Construction
Veterans using VA renovation loans to add square footage or build an ADU can work with Florida Legacy Construction. We serve Central Florida with full permitting. Full permitting and draw documentation included.
Home Addition ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VA loan to remodel a bathroom or kitchen in Central Florida?
Yes. VA renovation loans allow veterans to purchase a home and finance renovation costs in a single loan. Veterans who already own their home can use a VA Cash-Out Refinance to fund bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Florida Legacy Construction has completed VA-funded bathroom and kitchen projects in Marion and Sumter counties. We provide all required lender documentation at no additional charge.
What is a VA renovation loan and how does it differ from a VA purchase loan?
A VA purchase loan buys a home that already meets VA Minimum Property Requirements. A VA renovation loan combines the purchase price and renovation costs into a single loan. It is also called a VA rehab loan. This lets veterans buy a home that needs work and fund the repairs or updates at closing. The renovation scope must be documented with a contractor cost estimate before the loan closes.
What are VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)?
VA MPRs are standards the VA requires every financed property to meet. They cover roof condition, electrical and plumbing systems, structural integrity, and water supply. They also cover sewage disposal, lead paint in pre-1978 homes, and wood-destroying organisms. A VA-approved appraiser identifies any MPR violations during the appraisal. All identified issues must be repaired before the lender can close the loan.
Does Florida Legacy Construction need special VA certification to work on VA loan projects?
The VA does not maintain a separate contractor certification program. Most VA-approved lenders require the contractor to hold a current state contractor license and general liability insurance. Florida Legacy Construction holds Certified Building Contractor license CBC1268994 from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. We carry current general liability coverage. We provide documentation to your lender on request.
How long does a VA loan construction project take in Marion County?
MPR repair work typically takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on scope. A bathroom or kitchen renovation runs 2 to 6 weeks. A room addition runs 6 to 12 weeks. New construction typically takes 6 to 12 months. Marion County permit processing adds 1 to 3 weeks before physical work can begin on projects that require a permit. Florida Legacy Construction provides a written project schedule at the estimate stage.
Do you work with all VA-approved lenders?
Yes. Florida Legacy Construction works with any VA-approved lender. We adapt to each lender's documentation requirements. We provide a written project scope, itemized cost estimate, draw schedule, and license documentation. These meet the standard requirements of VA renovation and construction loan programs. Have your lender contact us directly at (352) 356-5036 if they need documentation before your estimate appointment.
