Start with the agreement, not a blank form
‘Create an AIA’ usually means prepare an application for payment using the required AIA documents. Confirm the contract’s payment basis, document editions, billing period, attachments, and signature requirements. G702–1992 and G703–1992 are a familiar pairing, but cost-of-work and other delivery arrangements may require different forms. Use properly licensed documents when official AIA forms are required.
Build the detail before the summary
The continuation sheet supports the application with individual work items. Reconcile scheduled values, prior work, current work, and eligible stored materials. Carry the verified totals into the application summary, then check changes and retainage. On G702–1992, previous certificates for payment are distinct from cash actually received: track unpaid receivables separately rather than increasing this month’s request by changing the carry-forward basis.
A worked billing example
Assume a $1,000,000 contract with $50,000 in approved additions. Completed work and eligible stored materials total $400,000 to date. With an illustrative 10% retainage on that entire amount, retainage is $40,000 and earned value less retainage is $360,000. If previous certificates total $270,000, the current request is $90,000. The remaining balance including retainage is $690,000. These assumptions are an example, not a universal retainage rule.
Assemble, check, and submit
Build a package index that points each unusual amount to its evidence. Ask a second person to compare the current request against the prior finalized version and verify the example arithmetic using the project’s actual rules. Complete signatures and notarization where required, and retain the exact submitted copy. A worksheet can help prepare the numbers; it does not replace a required licensed form or an authorized certification.
Keep this handy
Review checklist
- Required form family and edition confirmed
- Detail and summary agree
- Previous certification and cash receipts tracked separately
- Evidence and required execution complete
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Sources & scope
These references inform the document and workflow context. Checklists and examples are BuildProof’s editorial recommendations. The executed agreement, applicable law, and authorized project decisions control.
AIA and its document names are trademarks of The American Institute of Architects. This independent guide is not an AIA form or an endorsement. Obtain licensed documents when required. Educational guidance only; it does not replace project-specific legal, financial, or professional advice.
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