Some steps overlap. Requirements and costs depend on the parcel, local jurisdiction, builder, and lender.
Oregon building permits
Typical requirements and permits
- Parcel and zoning review: permitted dwelling use, legal lot, setbacks, easements, and any conditional land-use approval.
- Site plan: proposed home, property lines, driveway, utilities, and septic primary and replacement areas.
- Building / structural permit: architectural plans, structural calculations, foundation details, and engineered truss layout where required.
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for wiring, water piping, heating, cooling, and ventilation.
- Septic site evaluation and installation permit, or sewer connection approval.
- Water supply confirmation: utility connection or well arrangements, as applicable.
- Driveway / road access approval; address assignment; applicable development charges.
- Additional reviews where applicable: floodplain, grading, drainage, wildfire access, or other site-specific constraints.
- Required inspections during construction, final approvals, and certificate of occupancy before moving in.
Typical sequence: parcel feasibility → planning and septic approvals → complete plans and application → plan review and fees → issued permits → construction inspections → final occupancy approval. Some steps overlap. A Tiffra Agent can help identify the requirements for your parcel.
Checklist reference: Deschutes County 1 & 2 Family Dwelling application guide. Not every item applies to every property; requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Start with local planning and zoning requirements, then confirm which building and trade permits your project needs. Submit the required plans and obtain approvals before starting permitted work. The responsible city or county determines the requirements for the parcel.
Source: Oregon Building Codes Division residential permit guidance. Reference checked October 11, 2026; not updated automatically.
Oregon septic planning
Local septic fee examples
Deschutes County reference only. These published FY 2027 fees include a $159 surcharge for each evaluation and installation permit. Examples assume a new single-family evaluation and the applicable system permit.
| Example system | Installation permit | Evaluation + permit |
|---|
| Standard | $2,043 | $3,529 |
| Pressure distribution | $2,574 | $4,060 |
| ATT to drain field | $2,810 | $4,296 |
| Sand filter / ATT to sand filter | $3,189 | $4,675 |
The site evaluation is $1,486 including surcharge. For these sample systems, evaluation plus permit fees range from $3,529–$4,675. A rounded $4,100 planning allowance is the midpoint of that range, not a measured local average. Other systems can cost more: tile dewatering totals $6,756 with evaluation and the two surcharges.
These are agency fees only. Add separate quotes for test-pit excavation, design, tank, drain field, installation, electrical work, and ongoing maintenance. No verified local contractor installation average is included. System selection depends on the approved site evaluation, not on choosing the cheapest fee.
Typical sequence: review existing records → site evaluation and soil/test pits → system design and land-use compatibility → installation permit → licensed installation and pre-cover inspection → approved as-built records. Alternative systems may require a maintenance agreement.
Source: Deschutes County FY 2027 Community Development fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026; checked October 11, 2026. Examples are for estimating only, not a quote. A Tiffra Agent can help obtain parcel-specific estimates.
For undeveloped land without a prior septic evaluation, arrange a site evaluation to establish suitability. Confirm land-use compatibility and the required system before installation approval. Evaluation and permit fees are separate from excavation, installation, design, and maintenance costs.
Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality onsite guidance. Reference checked October 11, 2026; not updated automatically.
How construction loans work
Sample construction financing timeline
- Before closing — illustrative 1–3 months: confirm land feasibility, plans, builder contract, budget, cash contribution, appraisal, lender approval, and permit readiness. Actual review time varies.
- Closing / month 0: contribute required cash and closing costs; confirm whether land debt is included or remains separate.
- Months 1–3: site work and foundation; lender inspections release initial draws.
- Months 4–6: framing, roof, and rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical work; draw balance and interest rise.
- Months 7–9: insulation, interior finishes, fixtures, and further inspected draws.
- Months 10–12: final work, inspections, occupancy approval, and permanent mortgage conversion or separate refinance. Confirm extension terms if delayed.
Compare sample financing costs
Illustration: $400,000 construction budget, $80,000 cash, $320,000 construction loan, 6% annual interest, and an average 50% drawn balance. Interest-only payments are about $800 per month on average, rising to $1,600 at full draw. These are assumptions, not lender quotes or a local average.
| Build duration | Sample draw interest | With $6,400 assumed loan fees |
|---|
| 9 months | $7,200 | $13,600 |
| 12 months | $9,600 | $16,000 |
| 18 months | $14,400 | $20,800 |
The $6,400 fee allowance is an illustrative 2% of the $320,000 loan, not a published fee or verified average. It is assumed unchanged solely for comparison. Real draw schedules, appraisal, origination, title, inspection, extension, and refinance charges differ. Interest = loan × rate × average drawn percentage × months ÷ 12.
One closing: construction-to-permanent financing may avoid a separate mortgage closing. Two closings: a construction-only loan needs a later payoff or refinance, potentially adding closing costs and rate risk. Compare written lender estimates using the same project budget and draw schedule.
Construction principal remains $320,000 in this example; the totals above are financing costs, not principal repayments or the total project budget. Land-loan payments, permits, insurance, taxes, and overruns are additional. An 18-month build may require lender approval and extension fees. Use the calculator above to try your own amounts. A Tiffra Agent can help coordinate a financing comparison.
Construction financing is generally short-term borrowing used to build or rehabilitate a home. During the build, funds may be drawn in stages and interest payments depend on the outstanding balance. Ask whether the loan converts to permanent financing or must be paid off with a separate mortgage, and what cash and fees are required.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau construction-loan guidance. Reference checked October 11, 2026; not updated automatically.