If you’re a subcontractor here in Delta County, Mesa County, or anywhere on the Western Slope, you’ve probably had to deal with G702 and G703 pay applications. These are the standard AIA forms used in construction to request payment. On paper, they look simple, but in practice they can be tricky and often cause delays if they aren’t done correctly.
The reality is that even one small mistake on a G702 or G703 can hold up your payment. And when you’re already covering payroll, materials, and job costs, waiting weeks longer to get paid is not an option. Let’s look at what these forms are, why they trip up so many subcontractors, and how you can make the process smoother.
What Are G702 and G703 Pay Applications?
- G702 (Application and Certificate for Payment): This is the cover page. It summarizes your contract amount, how much work has been completed, retainage, change orders, and the total amount you are requesting.
- G703 (Continuation Sheet): This is the detailed breakdown. It lists each line item of work, the scheduled value, how much is complete, and what remains.
Together, these forms give the general contractor and project owner a clear picture of your progress and how much you should be paid.
Why Subcontractors in Western Colorado Struggle With Them
We work with a lot of subcontractors in Grand Junction, Delta, and across Mesa County, and the struggles are usually the same:
- Retainage and change order math gets confusing
- Scheduled values don’t always line up with the original contract
- Continuation sheets don’t get updated as the project moves forward
- Backup documentation doesn’t match what the GC wants
- Submission deadlines are tight and leave no room for error
Since these forms tie directly to your cash flow, even a small error can mean another month of waiting for payment.
Best Practices for Filling Out Pay Apps
1. Double-check your numbers
Math mistakes are one of the most common reasons pay apps get sent back. Always check totals, retainage, and percent complete before you submit.
2. Keep documentation handy
Lien waivers, receipts, and progress photos may be required. Having them ready makes approval go faster and keeps your payment on track.
3. Stick to your schedule of values
Once your schedule of values is approved, don’t change it unless the GC gives written approval. Inconsistencies are a fast way to stall the process.
4. Track change orders separately
Always list change orders as their own items. This makes it easy for the GC or owner to see exactly what changed and why.
5. Submit early
Most general contractors in Delta and Mesa County have strict cut-off dates. If you miss one, you’ll likely wait another 30 days or more. Submitting early gives you extra time in case something needs correction.
Many subcontractors find that G702/G703 pay applications and Davis-Bacon wage reporting go hand-in-hand. If you’re working on federally funded projects or projects that require certified payroll, it’s important to stay compliant with both. For a detailed, step-by-step guide on Davis-Bacon payroll, including tracking hours, classifications, fringe benefits, and completing the WH-347 form, check out our dedicated guide here: Davis-Bacon Wage Reporting for Subcontractors.
How We Help Local Subcontractors
At Western Slope Bookkeeping, we help subcontractors across Delta County, Mesa County, and the Western Slope with both G702/G703 pay applications and Davis-Bacon certified payroll. We make sure your reports are accurate, submitted on time, and your bookkeeping is organized, so you can focus on your projects.
Beyond pay applications, we also handle full bookkeeping for subcontractors. That means you’ll have organized financials, clear cash flow reports, and peace of mind knowing your books are in good hands.
If G702 and G703 pay apps are slowing you down, we can help. Contact us today and let’s make sure your pay applications are done right the first time.
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