You may be using your VA loan to remodel, update, and improve your home or the home you plan on moving into. There are many different topics when it comes to construction and fixing up a property so we want you to feel as informed as possible. Here are some main topics that you should have answers to.

Warranties - A ten-year warranty is required if:

• The dwelling is proposed or under-construction, and
• The local authority does not make construction inspections

Additionally, the builder must provide a one-year VA builder's warranty (on a fully completed VA Form 26-1859,Warranty of Completion of Construction). Also, the purchaser must provide written acknowledgement that he is aware that VA did not inspect the property during construction. See Section 10.08 of the handbook for details regarding this statement.

Where to find contact information for Construction and Evaluation - Construction and Valuation (C & V) sections are located in nine VA Regional Loan Centers (RLCs) and Honolulu. Contact information for the RLCs is available online at: www.homeloans.va.gov.

VA Builder Id's - For any property appraised as either "proposed or under construction" or "new construction", the builder must have a valid VA builder identification number prior to a VA notice of value being issued. Even if the existing property is less than one year old and completed except for customer preference items is considered "New Construction." For any property appraised as "New Construction," the builder must have a valid VA-assigned builder ID number.

Manufactured Homes - To be eligible for appraisal as real estate, VA requires that a manufactured home be installed on a permanent foundation meeting VA requirements. The Construction & Valuation Section at the VA Regional Loan Center having jurisdiction over the location of the manufactured home may be able to provide additional information specific to your area.