What Banks Want to See

Practical guide to common bank requirements, preparation for bank meetings, and documentation checklist.

Before Your First Meeting

Banks want to see that you're organized, knowledgeable, and have a realistic plan. Prepare:

• Complete construction budget with 20+ line items
• Project timeline with phase durations
• Insurance certificates (builder's risk + general liability)
• Building plans and permits (if available)
• Your qualifications or experience summary

During Construction

For each draw request, banks typically require:

• Completed AIA G702/G703 forms
• Updated budget showing actual vs. estimated costs
• Signed lien waivers from all subcontractors paid to date
• Progress photos of completed work
• Inspection reports for the completed phase

Red Flags Banks Watch For

• Budget that's too vague or unrealistically low
• Missing or incomplete lien waivers
• Draw requests that don't match inspection results
• Lack of insurance documentation
• Inconsistent or incomplete records

> TIP: Treat your bank like a business partner. Consistent, organized documentation builds trust and leads to faster draw processing.