Construction capital for value creation · $1MM–$20MM

Where others see one lot, you see ten. So do we.

We finance builders who create value, and we stay ahead of the game: new housing laws, modular builds and plans other lenders don't understand.

Request a Term Sheet See what we finance

The same lot, under California's new law

1 STREET
Today1 home
12345 678910 SHARED DRIVE STREET
New lawUp to 10 homes
SB 684, SB 1123 and SB 1116 let one eligible lot become up to ten homes, approved without a public hearing. Eligibility depends on the site and the city.

What we finance

Capital for every stage of the build.

$1MM–$20MM

Loan size. Based in California, lending in major metros nationwide.

Interest only on what's drawn

Non-Dutch draws: no interest on funds you haven't used

Material advances

Paid for materials you've ordered? We reimburse up to 50% of the cost, with proof of payment.

2–3 days

Draws funded in business days after a complete package

We see it often

You know how to build. Explain it your way. We'll structure the rest.

No finance jargon. One person who knows your project. Not a 1-800 number.

Strong builder, hard‑to‑explain plan.

You know the site, the build and the numbers. Turning that into a package a lender understands is a different skill.

Underwriting stops at the paperwork.

Banks and most lenders underwrite what's handed to them. If they don't understand your plan, the deal stalls.

Every new lender starts from zero.

Your strategy gets re-explained and re-approved one project at a time. That limits how fast you can grow.

We finance what your project can become, not just what it is today.

Where the value is

New laws and new ways to build. We already did the reading.

SB 684 · SB 1123 · SB 1116

Up to 10 homes on one lot

No public hearing. 60-day decision. Expanded in 2027.

Official text: SB 684 · SB 1123 · SB 1116 ↗

AB 956

House plus up to 3 ADUs

1 converted + 2 detached, from 2027.

Official text: AB 956 ↗

AB 1033

Sell the ADU as a condo

In cities that have opted in.

Official text: AB 1033 ↗

SB 1211

Up to 8 ADUs on apartment lots

No change to the units already there.

Official text: SB 1211 ↗

Modular · Panelized

Factory‑built homes

Loans built around your manufacturer and timeline.

Eligibility depends on the site and the city. Housing-law information is general, not legal advice. Talk to us about your project.

See housing laws →

Recent deals

Closed where other lenders hesitated.

2 weeks

to close, at the requested leverage

RENOVATION · $1.6MM ARV · WORKFORCE HOUSING

The challenge

Limited track record, a two-week deadline, a 90% LTC / 75% LTV request and few sales comps.

What we did

Credited the principal's experience as a general contractor and brought in a local MAI, SRA appraiser to value it properly.

As‑is value

underwritten after the permit, not the purchase price

GROUND-UP · $3MM ARV · SFR

The challenge

After buying the lot, the borrower recapitalized the entity with new investors at a higher valuation, a structure most lenders avoid.

What we did

Recognized the value created by securing the building permit and underwrote the as-is lot value.

$10MM

ARV, with a non-standard ownership structure

GROUND-UP · LUXURY SFR

The challenge

The guarantors held less than half the equity, a structure most lenders' rules reject.

What we did

Reviewed the operating agreement in depth and validated the guarantors' financial strength.

See all deals →

How we work

A lender built for your next ten projects, not just this one.

We listen first.

Your plan, in your words: this project and where your business is going. We underwrite the value you create, not just your paperwork.

We stay ahead of the game.

Housing laws, city rules and building methods change every year. We track them, so you can plan around what's possible next.

We back your vision.

We structure this loan with your next projects in mind. For the right project, we can help with more than the loan.See how we backed a growing builder →

How a loan works

  1. 1Send the projectThe address, what you want to build and your budget.
  2. 2Talk it throughWe go over your plan and the options with you.
  3. 3Get a term sheetClear terms built around your plan.
  4. 4Close and buildClose on a timeline that fits your strategy. Draws funded in 2–3 business days.
More on how we work →

FAQ

Straight answers.

Do I need a pitch deck or a polished package?

No. Send the address, what you want to build and your rough numbers. We'll help with the rest.

Request a term sheet →

Why work with Chessboard instead of a bank?

Banks underwrite deposits and tax returns. We underwrite the plan: the site, the build and the exit. That's how projects using new housing laws, modular builds and other non-standard plans get funded.

Do you finance projects under California's new housing laws?

Yes, including small-lot subdivisions and ADU projects. Eligibility depends on the site and the city, so start by sending us the address.

How fast are construction draws?

Typically funded within 2–3 business days after inspection and a complete draw package. You pay interest only on what's been drawn.

What projects aren't a fit?

Owner-occupied homes and consumer loans. We lend only for business purposes, to builders, developers and investors.

See all FAQs →
Kyle Chuang, CCIM, CHIA, Managing Principal

About

Talk to the person who understands your strategy.

Kyle Chuang, CCIM, CHIA, Managing Principal

20+ years in capital markets and real estate

Kyle meets builders, walks sites and talks through the options. Builders bring the project; Kyle often brings a better way to structure it.

Send us the project. We'll show you how we can support your vision.

Share the address and what you're planning.

Request a Term Sheet