For anyone considering building a new home with the help of VA construction loan, one important and often overlooked step to take is to get the (plans and specs) for using the property certified by VA. This process is necessary to make sure your home construction complies with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) minimum property requirements (MPRs) and guidelines. If you are either a veteran or active-duty service member, recognizing the value in this certification can prevent costly delays and ensure that your home is safe for habitation.
This guide will tell you everything that you need to know about VA certification of plans and specs, what it is and why it matters, how this process works and advice on making your way through it.
What is VA Certification of Plans and Specs?
A VA Certification of plans and specifications is the formal approval procedure where the VA reviews and certifies the architectural & construction document (plans and specs) for a newly constructed home being financed, or less commonly with other types of VA-backed loans.
This certification confirms that:
- The home will meet VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
- The construction follows local building codes
- The plans include appropriate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
- The materials and layout ensure livability, durability, and safety
The VA does not supervise the construction; however, it makes sure that the builder has intended to build according to certain standards that meet vets housing requirements.
Why are the VA Certification of Plans and Specs Important?
1. Loan Approval Requirement
However, the VA inspects the work only when it has an indication that construction may be complete or close to completion before a final inspection is possible to give a certification of occupancy.
2. Quality Assurance
This confirms that the house will follow acceptable build practices. This reduces the likelihood of construction defects, structural problems, or non-compliance with local building codes.
3. Protects Veteran Homebuyers
One of the primary goals of the VA is to ensure veterans will not buy or build homes that will be damaging to their health and safety. Qualified plans to ensure lasting value and comfort.
4. Simplifies Appraisal and Inspection
Once they become certified, the VA appraiser would know what standards it needs to meet and the inspector as well. This should make for a faster valuation and inspection process.
Who Needs a VA Certification of Plans and Specs?
All new construction VA loans require a certification by the VA after you have the builder send in their plans and specs to apply for a VA mortgage loan.
This generally includes the following people:
- Veteran borrower – Initiates the loan and selects the builder.
- Builder – Prepares and submits the plans and specs to the VA.
- Lender – Works with the builder and the VA to obtain certification.
- VA Staff Appraiser – Reviews the plans for compliance.
Two exceptions may include an entrance and a porch-but, if you go with one for one pre-fab dwelling they will make sure you’re completely in compliance. In most cases a site-built home will require certified plans.
What Do the “Plans and Specs” Include?
We can refer to the plans and specs which are more than a set of documents describing how the home will be built. These typically include:
1. Site Plan
Illustrates where the house will sit on the lot and features such as driveways, utilities, setbacks, and drainage and yard details.
2. Floor Plans
Precise, scaled renderings of all floors (including dimensions for rooms, walls, opening locations, etc.)
3. Elevations
Exterior views of each façade, including roof pitch, siding materials and architectural design
4. Construction Specifications
Documentation that provides details on building materials, finishes, plumbing, HVAC systems insulation levels and other elements.
5. Structural Drawings
Information on foundation and framing, roof trusses, load bearing walls.
Local building codes and VA MPRs must be demonstrated on these papers.
What Are VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)?
All VA loans are subject to the VA Minimum Property Requirements (simplified as MPR) which comprise.
- Safe
- Sanitary
- Structurally sound
The MPRs are related to the:
- Proper roofing, drainage, and weatherproofing
- Functioning electrical and plumbing systems
- Clean water supply and safe waste disposal
- Adequate heating and ventilation
- Sufficient living space, including a kitchen and bathroom
- Free from wood-destroying insects and mold
- No major foundation or structural issues
The VA certifies plans and specs that these MPRs are being met in the design.
The Certification Process: Step-by-Step
Here is how the VA Certification of Plans and Specs used to operate.
Step 1: Choose a VA-Approved Builder
Plans for certification can be submitted only by VA-registered and VA Approved builders. Builders not registered must apply to the VA Builder ID program.
Step 2: Prepare Plans and Specs
The builder will collect all architectural drawings, site plans, specifications and energy compliance reports.
Step 3: Submit Documents to VA
Eventually, the builder or lender sends these documents to the VA’s regional construction and valuation office.
Step 4: VA Review
Then an appraiser or inspector reviews the documents to make sure it comply with VA MPR and local building codes.
Step 5: Approval and Certification
When approved, the VA issues a Notice of Value (NOV) and/or written certification of the plans.
Step 6: Proceed with Appraisal and Construction
After certified plans, the valuation is done and construction can be initiated securely.
Common Issues That Delay Certification
- Incomplete drawings or missing specifications
- Non-compliance with energy efficiency standards (like insulation or HVAC ratings)
- Unregistered builder
- Designs that don’t meet VA MPRs (e.g., lack of a permanent heat source)
That is where a VA construction loan and an experienced VA construction lender and builders can help.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth VA Plan Certification Process
1. Work with VA-Experienced Professionals
Select a VA construction loan experienced builder and lender.
2. Double-Check the Specs
Make sure your architectural drawings and specifications are thorough, labeled, and code-compliant.
3. Start Early
After the plans are submitted to the VA, processing time for a certification can take a few weeks depending on factors like design complexity or the review schedule at your particular VA.
4. Include Energy Efficiency Documentation
Energy codes are mandatory for many states and handy home have the VA check the energy codes as well. Include REScheck reports or equivalent.
5. Be Ready to Revise
At times, the VA may request changes to meet MPRs. However, you should be flexible and react promptly to prevent delays.
Final Thoughts
For veteran and active-duty military families, the VA certification of plans and specs is a key step in the construction loan process. It might feel like just one more hoop to jump through, but this certification is critical in safeguarding your investment, guaranteeing long term livability of your home and will streamline the process for your construction loan.
If you know the certification requirements, partner with pros that have experience in building VA approved homes and ensure your paperwork is well prepared for then you are all set to do a conversion for the present day to future suitable VA approved home.