Construction financing planning tool

Construction Financing Calculator

Estimate closing cash, peak cash needed between draws, and your likely financing lane for a Canadian construction project.

Or run the calculator first

Cash requirement estimate

Estimate your construction financing cash requirements

Use this tool to get a directional estimate before moving into a full pro forma and lender-fit review.

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Your project

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Why calculator results still need a strategy review

Construction financing is sensitive to draw timing, holdbacks, lender policy, and completion strategy. Two similar projects can require very different cash structures.

A detailed review confirms lender fit, cashflow between draws, insured-branch eligibility, and how your completion exit affects risk.

Who this calculator is built for

  • Owner-builders testing project feasibility
  • Buy-land-and-build projects needing early sanity checks
  • Teardown-and-rebuild projects planning draw cashflow
  • Multi-unit rental projects comparing insured options

What happens in a Construction Financing Review

  • Map draw schedule and identify cash shortfall months
  • Compare conventional, private, and insured branch fit
  • Stress-test holdback, carry, and completion exit assumptions

Related resources

Construction financing calculator FAQs

What counts as soft costs in a construction project?+
Soft costs typically include permits, legal fees, design fees, financing fees, insurance, and inspections. They are separate from hard construction costs.
How do construction draws usually work in Canada?+
Most construction loans advance funds in stages tied to completion milestones, with progress inspections before funds are released.
What is a holdback and why does it matter?+
A holdback is a portion of each draw retained until legal holdback conditions are met. It can increase cash needed between draws.
Can owner-builders use construction financing?+
Often yes, but requirements are stricter and vary by lender, insurer, and province. Owner-builder authorization and documentation may be required.
Can CMHC-insured options apply to construction projects?+
Yes in some cases, but eligibility depends on units, occupancy, program rules, DCR, and underwriting specifics. A detailed review is required.

Need a project-specific construction structure?

Book a review to convert this estimate into a lender-ready financing plan.

Book a Construction Financing Review

Ready to turn this estimate into a detailed construction pro forma?

Book a construction financing review to validate branch fit, draw cashflow, and completion exit before you commit.