VIII.The Resources · For Contractors

Practical field notes. No fluff.

Guides on the draw process, AIA pay applications, lien waivers, retainage, and the small errors that get submissions kicked back. Written for the people who actually build things.

In This Volume
05
Essays · updated MMXXVI
Editorial·DrawCheck Vol. I · Chicago·MMXXVI

The draw, demystified.

Updated 2026·Est. 14–26 min per essay
01st
Essay·The Fundamentals·26 min

The Construction Draw Process Explained: A GC's Complete Guide

How the draw cycle works from request to disbursement. Timelines, documents, parties involved, and the pitfalls that delay payment.

02nd
Essay·Pay Applications·18 min

AIA G702 and G703: How to Fill Out Pay Applications Without Errors

Line-by-line walkthrough of the G702 and G703, retainage calculations, and the specific errors that get pay applications rejected.

03rd
Essay·Lien Waivers·16 min

Conditional vs. Unconditional Lien Waivers: What Contractors Need to Know

When to use each type, state-specific form requirements, and the risks of signing the wrong one. Plus how to collect waivers from subs.

04th
Essay·Field Report·14 min

Why Draw Requests Get Rejected (And How to Prevent It)

The top 10 reasons draws get kicked back, what each rejection costs in time and money, and a self-audit checklist for your next submission.

05th
Essay·Financials·15 min

Retainage in Construction: How It Works and Mistakes That Cost You

How retainage accumulates across draws, common calculation errors, the release process, and why retainage mistakes cause draw rejections.

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