Draw Request Cover Letter

Full Description

A draw request is how a contractor asks to be paid for work completed during a period, usually each month. This draw request cover letter template summarizes your submission in one page, so the lender, consultant or construction manager can see what you are claiming and for what period before they open the backup.

What is a draw request?

A draw request is a formal request to release funds for construction work completed to date. On a loan-funded project, the contractor or borrower submits it to the lender, who releases money from the construction loan in stages, or draws. On other projects it goes to the owner and their consultants for review and certification. A draw request is usually supported by a payment application, invoices, lien waivers and progress evidence.

When to use it

• Submitting your monthly progress draw to the owner, lender or construction manager.
• Sending a draw package that includes a pay application, invoices and supporting documents.
• Requesting a milestone draw, such as completion of foundations or framing.
• Resubmitting a draw after the reviewer has asked for corrections.
• Making draw submissions look the same every month across your projects.

What’s included

The template is an editable Word document (.docx) set up as a cover letter for your draw. It summarizes the details of the request, including the amounts to be paid and the timeframe the payment covers. You add your company letterhead, project details and attachments list.

How to fill it out

1. Add the date, the recipient and the project name, number and address.
2. State the draw number and the period covered, for example work completed through the end of the month.
3. Summarize the amounts: work completed this period, total to date, retention held and the net amount requested.
4. List every document attached, such as the payment application, invoices and lien waivers.
5. Note anything the reviewer should know, like approved change orders included in this draw.
6. Sign the letter and send it with the full draw package by the agreed submission date.

Tips

• Check that the numbers in the letter match the payment application exactly.
• Submit on the same day each period so the review and payment cycle stays predictable.
• Keep a copy of every draw package you send, with the date it went out.

Related templates and guides

• Contractor Application For Progress Payment
• Construction Payment Schedule
• Release of Labour Lien Letter
• Final Payment Certificate
• Guide: Construction Financial Reporting

Frequently asked questions

What is a draw request in construction?

It is a request to release payment for work completed during a period. The contractor or borrower submits it to the lender or owner, who reviews progress and supporting documents before releasing funds. Draws are usually made monthly or at agreed milestones, as set out in the construction contract or loan agreement.

What documents are included in a draw package?

Requirements vary by lender and contract, but a draw package often includes a cover letter, a payment application or schedule of values showing percent complete, invoices from subcontractors and suppliers, lien waivers, change order details and progress photos. Always check the list your lender or owner requires before you submit.

What is a draw inspection?

A draw inspection is a site visit, usually by an inspector working for the lender, to confirm that the work claimed in the draw request has actually been completed. The inspector’s report helps the lender decide how much of the requested amount to release for that draw.

How often can you submit a draw request?

Most projects use a monthly draw, but some loans and contracts release funds at set milestones instead. The schedule and the submission deadline are normally defined in the contract or loan agreement, so confirm them at the start of the project and plan your paperwork around those dates.

Why do draw requests get delayed?

Common causes are missing lien waivers or invoices, amounts that do not match the payment application, work claimed as complete that the inspector cannot verify, and unapproved change orders included in the total. A clear cover letter and a complete package reduce back-and-forth with the reviewer.