Builder IDs

1.  Are all builders required to have a VA builder ID number?  Where do we get the forms?

For any property appraised as either "proposed or under construction" or "new construction", the builder must have a valid VA builder identification number prior to a VA notice of value being issued.  To obtain and maintain a valid VA-assigned builder ID, all of the following must be fully-executed up-to-date and on file at the C&V section at the Regional Loan Center (RLC) of jurisdiction over the location of the property:

• The identifying information and certifications shown in Figure 1 of the VA Lender's Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7).  Wording must be in the order as shown and either on the builder's letterhead or attached to a statement on the builder's letterhead which references it.
• VA Form 26-421, Equal Employment Opportunity Certification.
• VA Form 26-8791, VA Affirmative Marketing Certification.

Both of the above VA forms may be downloaded from the VA website at:

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

2.  For an existing property, less than one year old, built out to customer preference items, does the builder have to be on the VA approved builder list?

An existing property, less than one year old and completed except for customer preference items is considered "New Construction."  For any property appraised as "New Construction", the builder must have a valid VA-assigned builder ID number.  (Reference:  VA Lender's Handbook - VA Pamphlet 26-7), Section 10.07.