In construction projects, payments rarely happen all at once. Instead, contractors receive payments throughout the project based on a construction draw schedule.

A draw schedule outlines when contractors submit payment requests as work progresses. These requests help ensure subcontractors and general contractors maintain steady cash flow while a project is underway.

Without a clear draw schedule, contractors may experience confusion about how much work has been completed and how much payment is owed.

What Is a Construction Draw Schedule?

A construction draw schedule is a payment structure that allows contractors to request payments at specific stages of a project.

Each draw request typically includes:

  • Work completed during the billing period

  • Materials stored on-site or off-site

  • Approved change orders

  • Retainage withheld

Most draw requests are submitted using pay applications, specifically Forms G702 and G703.

If you’re unfamiliar with these forms, read our guide “How to Fill Out an AIA G703 Form (Continuation Sheet) Step by Step.”

How Draw Requests Are Reviewed

Once submitted, draw requests go through a review process before payment is released.

Typically the following stakeholders review the payment request:

  • General contractor

  • Architect

  • Project owner

  • Construction lender

Each reviewer verifies that the work billed reflects the actual project progress.

Even small documentation errors can lead to delays.

How the Schedule of Values Supports Draw Requests

The Schedule of Values (SOV) is one of the most important documents supporting construction draw requests.

The SOV breaks down the contract value into individual line items representing each phase of work.

Each draw request references the Schedule of Values to determine:

  • Percentage of work completed

  • Amount previously billed

  • Amount currently requested

  • Remaining contract balance

For a full explanation of this document, read our article “What Is a Schedule of Values in Construction? A Complete Guide for Subcontractors.”

Simplifying Draw Requests with PAYearned

Preparing draw requests manually often requires contractors to manage multiple spreadsheets and project records.

PAYearned simplifies the process by:

  • Generating professional industry accepted pay applications

  • Tracking Schedule of Values automatically

  • Calculating retainage and percent complete

  • Producing clean auditable pay application PDFs

Instead of manually preparing billing documentation, contractors can generate accurate draw requests in minutes.

Try PAYearned free todayand simplify how you manage pay applications.
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External links in this blog are provided for reference only. PAYearned is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA)