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Tuesday, October 13, 2026
The Company Chronicle

General construction glossary

Pay application

A pay application is a contractor's periodic request for payment, showing the value of work done so far against the agreed schedule of values.

A pay application is a contractor's periodic request for payment, showing the value of work done so far against the agreed schedule of values.

Definition

Each period the contractor reports how much of each part of the work is complete. The owner or an adviser reviews it, may adjust it, and pays the approved amount less any retainage.

A plain example

Illustrative example: a contract is divided into line items. By month end, the contractor reports that the foundation line is fully complete and framing is partly complete. The reviewer checks the site and approves a payment for that progress.

Why it matters

It keeps payment tied to real progress, and the paperwork often supports lien waivers and lender draws.

Common confusion

A pay application is not an invoice for the whole contract. It claims earned value to date and is checked before payment. A schedule of values is the list of items it is built on.

On a project

Agree the schedule of values at the start, what supporting documents are required, and how long review and payment take.

Quick answers

  • What is a schedule of values? A breakdown of the contract price into parts that is used to measure progress.
  • Who approves it? The party named in the contract, often the architect or owner's representative.
  • Is retainage taken from it? Often yes, if the contract provides.

Related terms

Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.

Questions people ask

What is a schedule of values?

A breakdown of the contract price into parts that is used to measure progress.

Who approves it?

The party named in the contract, often the architect or owner's representative.

Is retainage taken from it?

Often yes, if the contract provides.

Sources and further reading

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