Understanding how to create a Continuation Sheet commonly referred to in the industry as a  G703  which is essential for contractors and subcontractors submitting accurate applications for payment. While the Application & Certificate for Payment commonly referred to in the industry as a G702 summarizes the payment request, the Continuation Sheet is where the detailed billing is generated and calculated.

This guide explains what the pay application process is, and walks through each line item step by step so you can submit a clean, and compliant Application & Certificate for Payment to avoid delays.

What Is the Continuation Sheet?

Continuation sheet is commonly referred to in the industry as a  (G703) . The AIA G703 form is used in conjunction with the Application & Certificate for Payment commonly referred to in the industry as a (G702)  to itemize billing for each line of work in the Schedule of Values (SOV). It shows how much work has been completed previously, how much is completed in the current period, stored materials, retainage dollars, and the remaining balance for compleation.

In short, the G703 is the detailed backup for the Application & Certificate for Payment, any inconsistencies here will almost always result in payment delays.

How to Fill Out a Continuation Sheet (Step-by-Step)

Below are the required columns and how to complete each one accurately.

 Application Information

At the top of the form, confirm the project name, application number, and date. This information must match the corresponding application for payment.

Column A: Item Number

Each row should be assigned an item number that corresponds to your Schedule of Values. These item numbers should remain consistent throughout the project to maintain accurate billing history.

Column B: Description of Work

This column describes the scope of work being billed (e.g., framing, electrical rough-in, HVAC installation). Descriptions should align precisely with the original SOV approved by the general contractor.

Column C: Scheduled Value

The scheduled value represents the total dollar amount allocated to that line item for the entire project. Once set, this value should not change unless a formal change order is approved.

Column D: Work Completed From Previous Application

Enter the cumulative amount billed and approved for this line item in all prior pay applications. This ensures continuity and allows reviewers to track progress accurately.

Column E: Work Completed This Period

This column shows the value of work completed since the last billing cycle. Be conservative and precise—overbilling here is a common reason AIA pay applications get rejected.

Column F: Materials Presently Stored

If allowed by contract, list the value of approved materials stored on-site or off-site. Documentation may be required by the GC before these amounts are accepted.

Column G: Total Completed and Stored to Date

This is the sum of:

  • Work completed from previous applications
  • Work completed this period
  • Materials presently stored

This total must roll forward correctly each month.

Percent Complete (%)

Divide the total completed and stored value by the scheduled value to calculate the percent complete. Many manual spreadsheets introduce errors here, which is why this column is frequently reviewed.

Column H: Balance to Finish

Subtract the total completed and stored to date from the scheduled value. This shows the remaining work for each line item and helps project teams forecast completion.

Column I: Retainage

Retainage is calculated based on the agreed contract percentage and applied to completed work and/or stored materials. Knowing how to bill retainage on AIA Form G703correctly is critical, as even small errors can delay approvals.

 

Common Errors That Delay Payments

Because the Continuation Sheet commonly referred to in the industry as G703 is highly detailed, it’s also where most billing mistakes occur. Common issues include:

  • Totals that don’t match the Pay App summary
  • Incorrect retainage calculations
  • Percent complete values that don’t align with dollar amounts
  • Changing scheduled values without approved change orders
  • Math errors from manual spreadsheets

These issues often lead to rejected or delayed construction payment applications. Read more on Why Pay Apps Get Rejected and How to Avoid Delays.


Example: What a Completed PAYearned Continuation Sheet Looks Like

Seeing an application for payment examplelike this can make it much easier to spot errors before submission. You can find more guidance on GC expectations for pay apps, best practices, and resources through the Associated General Contractors of America.

How PAYearned Automatically Generates and Calculates Continuation Sheets commonly referred to in the industryas a G703 

Manually completing the continuation sheet using Excel, Word or PDFs is time-consuming and increases the risk of errors resulting in delayed payment. As projects grow in complexity, these risks multiply.

PAYearnedsimplifies the process by:

  • Automatically calculating totals, percentages, and retainage
  • Preventing formula and rollover errors
  • Storing every pay applicationin one secure system
  • Producing clean, Pay Apps in minutes

For subcontractors who want to submit accurate pay applications efficiently and get paid faster, PAYearned provides a modern, reliable alternative to manual billing methods.

PAYearned software is an independent product and has not been developed, endorsed, or approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or ACD Operations, LLC. External links in this blog are provided for reference only. PAYearned is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)