The Process

No experience required

Construction supervisors provide the step-by-step training and ongoing oversight necessary to build each home. Participants learn how to use the tools they need to complete concrete, carpentry, painting, landscaping and other projects. The construction supervisor also helps participants choose and schedule contractors for tasks requiring skilled labor. Frequent checks throughout each home's construction help ensure that all work is done correctly and each home passes final inspection.

Financing information

USDA Rural Development or a private lender will finance 100 percent of the construction loan for each home. Households are not required to make monthly payments while their home is under construction.

Once your home passes final inspection, the construction loan is converted to a mortgage loan. The new homeowner(s) begins making monthly mortgage payments within 30 days of the final inspection. Mortgages may have terms of 30, 33 or 38 years depending on the homeowner's financial needs and the lenders mortgage products.

Application day to move-in day

Following are the steps involved in building your home the mutual self-help way with Northwest Housing Development:

• Submit a complete application (incomplete applications may be returned);
• Your completed application is reviewed to confirm your program eligibility;
• You meet with your group coordinator to review your application, discuss your credit history and review expectations for participation in the program;
• The group coordinator evaluates your construction loan application to identify and "pre-qualify" you for funding by the participating lender;
• Participants review and indicate areas where they prefer to build, and they are notified and placed in a building group as home sites become available;
• Loan applications are submitted for lender approval when each new group has six to 10 households;
• Applicants are certified as eligible by a lender and you choose a lot in your group's development;
• You chose your home plan according to the number of people in your household and the size of your lot;
• Participants attend four or five preconstruction meetings where they receive a comprehensive manual containing instructions for every step of the construction process as well as tips for home maintenance;
• Your loan closes and building permits soon follow;
• Excavation begins and concrete is poured for the foundation of your new home;
• Walls, flooring, doors and windows are framed;
• The trusses are set, the house is sheathed and the roofing installed;
• Electrical, plumbing and other contractors complete the skilled labor while you work on the exterior siding, painting and porch construction;
• You complete the interior finish work and painting;
• Flooring, cabinets and countertops are installed by skilled labor;
• You complete the landscaping;
• Final inspections takes place when all homes in the group are complete and the houses are approved for occupancy; and
• You move into your new home -- Congratulations.