Who Pays the Interest During Construction? Understanding Your Options
- Austin McKnight
- May 1
- 3 min read
When building a home, most buyers focus on the down payment, contract price, and permanent loan
terms—but few understand how interest is handled during construction. And yet, how it’s paid can significantly impact borrower cash flow, builder risk, and overall project stability.
At PRMI, we offer a construction loan model designed to work especially well for low-liquidity borrowers—but it's helpful to understand the three common interest structures used in the market.
Option 1: Borrower Pays Monthly Interest During Construction
This is the traditional, most commonly known model.
The borrower makes interest-only payments during construction
Payments are based on funds disbursed—not the full loan balance
As more funds are drawn, the monthly interest amount increases
Pros:
Keeps the loan amount lower
Simple to explain and calculate
Cons:
Many borrowers are juggling rent or a current mortgage—making dual payments
Higher risk of default mid-construction if liquidity is tight
Any missed payment can delay draws or jeopardize the project
Option 2: The “Hybrid” — Interest Reserve Account
This option blends the borrower-paid model with a built-in buffer.
A portion of the loan is set aside in an interest reserve account
Interest is paid automatically from that reserve throughout construction
If the reserve runs out, the borrower begins making payments
If unused, remaining funds go toward principal reduction
Pros:
Helps borrowers avoid dual payments—at least temporarily
Offers protection against moderate delays
If unused, reserve benefits borrower at closing
Cons:
Increases total loan amount
Still a risk of borrower needing to step in if construction runs long
Requires careful pre-planning and accurate interest forecasting
Option 3: Builder-Paid Interest (PRMI’s Model)
In this structure, the builder is responsible for construction interest—but there’s a twist.
The builder does not make monthly payments during the build
PRMI tracks interest use throughout construction
At the final draw, any interest accrued is reconciled and deducted from the builder’s final draw
PRMI assists the builder with an upfront interest estimate to help price the home accurately
The builder typically factors this estimated interest into the overall price of the home
Pros for the Borrower:
No payments due during construction
Ideal for VA, FHA, USDA, and low down payment borrowers
No risk of payment-related default during the build
Pros for the Builder:
No monthly interest payments—just a final reconciliation
Reduces risk of project delays due to borrower non-payment
Supported by PRMI with an upfront interest estimate
A somewhat familiar structure for builders who finance their own spec homes
Cons:
Builder must estimate interest usage up front
If the build runs long, more interest is used and reduces final draw
If the build moves quickly, builder keeps the interest difference (acts as a margin benefit)
Why PRMI Uses the Builder-Paid Model
For many of our borrowers—especially those using VA, FHA, USDA, or low-down-payment conventional loans—making monthly interest payments during construction simply isn’t realistic. Most don’t have the liquidity to cover rent/mortgage and construction costs.
Our builder-paid model:
Provides the most protection for low liquidity buyers
Helps prevent payment-related disruptions mid-construction
Keeps the loan process clean and predictable
Supports builders with accurate interest estimates and final reconciliation
Final Thoughts
Each interest structure has its pros and cons. But for buyers with limited reserves—and for builders working with them—the builder-paid model offers the most protection and peace of mind.
Have questions about how this model works? Want help estimating construction interest up front? At PRMI, we’re here to guide you through every step of the build and structure a loan that works—for both the borrower and the builder.