Straight Answers to the Questions Everyone Asks.

If your lender puts you in a Standard 203(k), yes — FHA requires an approved consultant. If you're in a Limited 203(k), FHA doesn't require one, though some borrowers use a consultant anyway. Your lender makes the final determination. Confirm with them.

No. A strong project can be reviewed before you've selected a lender. But understand the trade: until your lender confirms program requirements, you're proceeding at your own risk. We'll flag this in the process, and you should verify before entering the full engagement.

No. Describe what you want to accomplish in plain language. "The kitchen is original 1962 and the roof leaks" is more useful than a guessed number.

No. Estimates, inspections, and site visits are professional deliverables, and they happen inside a paid engagement after a project is reviewed and accepted. That discipline is why accepted projects get documents lenders take seriously.

No. Site reviews are offered only after a project is qualified and accepted. This isn't gatekeeping for its own sake — an unqualified visit produces a document your lender can't use, and that helps no one.

You can still submit it. You assume the acquisition risk — someone else may buy it — and lawful access for any site visit must be arranged through the owner or listing side.

No. A home inspection and a consultant property review serve different purposes, and you should get a home inspection separately. The consultant review focuses on the repairs and documentation your renovation loan requires.

Target delivery is 5 business days after the completed visit, barring missing information or unusual conditions.

Possibly. George serves as an independent renovation consultant for non-FHA projects under separate terms. Same intake — note your program and we'll route it for review.

That's exactly what the intake is for. Property-specific questions get property-specific review — not generic answers on an FAQ page.