Every construction project involves paperwork, but the AIA G702 form is one document you cannot afford to get wrong. This standardized application for payment is used across the industry, often alongside the G703 continuation sheet, to request contractor reimbursements.
But here’s the problem: processing these pay apps manually is slow, error-prone, and costly. In this post, we’ll break down what the AIA G702 is, how to fill it out, why it causes delays, and how Kolena uses AI automation to simplify the entire process.
This is part of a series of articles about Contractor Pay App.
What Is the AIA G702 Form?
The AIA G702 is the “Application and Certificate for Payment” used by contractors to request payment for work completed on a project. It is typically submitted alongside the AIA G703 continuation sheet, which provides a line-item breakdown of costs.
The G702 summarizes:
Contract value
Previous payments
Current amount requested
Retainage held
Remaining contract balance
The form includes a certification that the work is complete and payment is due, signed by both the contractor and architect or project manager.
Why the G702 Matters in Construction Billing
The G702 isn’t just a form; it’s the central checkpoint in the progress billing workflow. If it’s inaccurate, incomplete, or delayed, it can stall payments for weeks.
Common issues construction teams face:
Manual calculations lead to errors in retainage or totals
Lack of clarity across parties about what’s been billed
Frequent rework due to incorrect math or missing data
Slow review cycles when spreadsheets and PDFs are exchanged by email
According to Flashtract, even small errors in AIA forms can lead to payment delays, strained relationships, and disputes.
How to Fill Out the AIA G702 (Key Fields)
While the G703 details each work item, the G702 summarizes the big picture. Here’s what you’ll typically fill out:
Contract Sum to Date – Total value of the contract
Total Completed and Stored to Date – Amount already completed and invoiced (from G703)
Retainage – Typically 5–10 percent withheld
Total Earned Less Retainage – Work value minus retained funds
Less Previous Certificates for Payment – Prior approved amounts
Current Payment Due – What is being requested now
Balance to Finish – Remaining value on the contract
It must be signed by the contractor and then certified by the architect, indicating approval for payment.
AIA G702 vs G703: What’s the Difference?
G702 = Summary application and payment request
G703 = Detailed schedule of values (line-item breakdown)
Together, they form the complete pay application. Think of G702 as the cover sheet and G703 as the supporting details.
Need help with the G703? Read our companion post: AIA G703: Automate Your Pay Application Reviews with AI
Manual G702 Processing: Hidden Costs
Let’s face it — reviewing pay applications manually takes time. Especially if:
You’re managing multiple subcontractors
Pay apps are sent in PDFs or spreadsheets
You’re cross-checking each value by hand
Forms are filled out inconsistently across jobs
This adds friction to billing workflows and delays cash flow, which is why many teams are turning to automation.
Kolena Automates AIA G702 Reviews with AI
Kolena’s AI-powered platform takes the pain out of pay application reviews. Here’s how:
Extracts values from submitted G702 forms (PDF or Excel)
Cross-verifies totals with prior payments and the linked G703
Validates retainage, math, and certifications
Flags anomalies or missing fields
Sends structured output to your systems for approval or ERP entry
Kolena’s AI agents act like digital reviewers that never miss a number. The result:
Reviews take minutes, not hours
Accuracy goes up
Fewer payment disputes or back-and-forth emails
“Kolena clients report reducing average review time from 3.5 hours to just 8 minutes.“
Review a Complete PayApp in Minutes with AI
Get Paid Faster with Kolena
The AIA G702 is essential, but it should not slow your project down. With Kolena, you can:
Reduce manual errors
Accelerate approvals
Free up project managers from admin work
Want to see Kolena in action? Schedule a demo now.