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A Draw Request, in the realm of construction, is a formal process involving a requisition for payment for work performed on a specific job or within a specified period on a project. This request is typically submitted by contractors or subcontractors to the project owner or financier to cover labor expenses, material costs, and other related construction expenditures. A Draw request initiates a draw inspection where a third-party inspector confirms the validity of the claim. These requests aid in maintaining project transparency and ensure that funds are allocated appropriately in line with the progress of the project. This process is pivotal in effective construction project financial management.

A submittal in the construction industry refers to the documents or materials that contractors present to architects and engineers for approval during the course of a project. The submittal process ensures all products and materials meet the quality and specifications outlined in the contract, helping to maintain standards and avoid costly revisions or errors. These documentations can include shop drawings, material data, samples, and product data. The submittal process is essential to avoid any potential discrepancies or misunderstandings, and it has to be accurately managed to guarantee the project's success.

A payment application (or pay app) is a comprehensive collection of documents that construction contractors submit to request progress payments throughout a project. Rather than just a simple invoice, payment applications include multiple forms and supporting documentation that prove what work was completed, which materials were used, and what payment is due. The typical pay app package includes: 

• an application for payment form, 
• a continuation sheet with schedule of values details, 
• lien waivers, and 
• often backup documents like material receipts and payroll reports. 

Payment applications are submitted on predetermined schedules—whether monthly, at project milestones, or when specific percentages of work are completed—and serve as the primary billing mechanism for longer, higher-budget construction projects.

For subcontractors, mastering payment applications is critical because they directly impact cash flow and project profitability. The process involves coordinating between accounting teams, project managers, and vendors to gather all required documentation before submission deadlines. Common mistakes—like using incorrect forms, missing documentation, math errors, or late submissions—can delay payments and disrupt cash flow. Many GCs have their own custom forms and specific requirements, making attention to contract details essential. 

For detailed guidance on navigating the entire pay app process, check out our payment application guide. Or better yet, check out Siteline—built specifically for commercial subcontractors to streamline the entire payment application process. Siteline handles any custom pay app form, assembles all required lien waivers for you and your lower tiers, and tracks change orders to ensure accurate, on-time submissions. Subcontractors using Siteline get paid up to three weeks faster than with traditional manual processes. Request a demo here and see how Siteline puts your pay apps on autopilot so you can focus on the work that matters most.