Is this loan fee normal?

Q: My bank wants a 1% origination fee to close on a construction loan. Is this outrageous or "normal".

A: It's probably close to normal. Most construction loans are short-term (usually a year) where you pay interest only, often at the Prime Rate plus a margin. The 1% fee may be credited toward closing costs on any permanent mortgage you obtain from the bank, so ask whether it can be applied.