Construction Loans
5 Smart Ways to Cut Custom Home Build Costs
Building a custom home doesn't have to break the bank. A 25-year construction lending expert shares 5 high-impact ways to cut costs — from site selection to…
Oct 5, 202610 min read120
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Aaron Meilich
@aaronmeilich
25+ Years of expertise
Sales Manager - Construction & Specialty Portfolio Lending NMLS #769327
Waterstone Mortgage Corporation
Mortgage Loan Officer
National
13Articles
1Answers
About Aaron
Aaron is a highly experienced mortgage loan originato, real estate professional and licensed General Contractor with nearly 25 years of experience in the industry. His expertise includes all facets of residential real estate lending, with a particular focus on lot, construction loans, renovation, and specialty portfolio lending across the United States. As a seasoned pro, Aaron has helped countless customers understand their financing options and budget for their dream homes. He also leverages the latest technical tools to evaluate mortgage options, construction budgets, and structure construction loans for custom homes. In addition to his professional pursuits, Aaron enjoys staying active through working out, hiking, or snowboarding. He also loves to travel and experience culinary adventures. When he's not working, you can often find him walking his dog, spending time with his family or flexing his home chef skills. If you're looking for a trusted resource to guide you through the complex world of residential real estate lending, look no further than Aaron. With his wealth of knowledge and commitment to customer service, he's the ideal partner for all your real estate financing needs. Interested in learning more? Visit FundAndBuild.com. Waterstone Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #186434) is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of WaterStone Bank SSB (NASDAQ: WSBF). Equal Housing Lender. All loan requests are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Information published on this site should not be construed as legal advice or credit counseling. Waterstone Mortgage Corporation is not a licensed real estate broker. Any advertisement on this page is an advertisement for real estate financing only and should not be construed as an advertisement for the sale of real estate. Disclosures & Licenses: https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/policies/disclosures-licenses General Disclaimer: https://www.waterstonemortgage.com/policies/terms-conditions 700 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95816 Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Branch License #41DBO-89755. Washington Consumer Loan Branch Office Licensee #CL-1763800.
- Waterstone Mortgage Corporation
- Sales Manager - Construction & Specialty Portfolio Lending NMLS #769327
- Location
- National
- Website
- fundandbuild.com
- Member since
- June 2026
Aaron's Articles
Construction Loans
Should You Pause Your Custom Home Build in 2026?
Rates and materials are up in 2026, but waiting can cost you more in entry price and lost equity. See why a one-time close construction loan is a smart hedge.
Sep 24, 20268 min read280
Construction Loans
Home Building
VA Loans
VA Construction Loan: Build a New Home With 100% Financing
Compare Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Washington for your VA construction-to-permanent loan with 100% financing, property tax exemptions, land costs, and…
Aug 27, 20269 min read140
Construction Loans
2026 Cost-Efficient Energy-Efficient Building Methods
Building energy-efficient in 2026? Advanced framing, SIPs, and ICF walls shrink both build costs and utility bills, and a One-Time Close loan finances it all…
Aug 19, 20268 min read270
Construction Loans
How to Build a Custom Home on Your Lot with Zero Down
Learn how to build a custom home on your lot with zero down payment. Explore VA and USDA land-to-build programs and using land equity for 100% financing.
Aug 11, 20267 min read510
Custom Homes
Architect vs. Drafter vs. Online Plans: Best for You
Architect, drafter, stock plans, or AI for your custom home? Compare cost, permit-readiness, and appraisal impact to pick a design your construction loan will…
Aug 10, 202612 min read90
Custom Homes
Home Building
Showing 6 of 13 articles
Questions & Answers
Get answers from Aaron
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For a 12-month construction window on a SIPs build, is that usually enough time, or do high-performance builds tend to run longer than a standard frame job?
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HI Craig- They do tend to run longer depending on a variety of factors. If your question is geared towards the duration of a construction loan, that can be extended to 18 months without having to requalify. If additional time is needed the construction loan can be requalified(refinanced) for an additional 12 months if needed. The initial goal would be to ensure the supplier has reasonable lead times and availability of the trades before the construction loan is activated. Hope that helps!
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