The American Institute of Architects publishes contract documents widely used throughout construction, even in residential projects where architects are less common. The AIA’s standard contracts define roles, payment terms, dispute resolution, and change-order procedures in ways that builders, subs, and lenders expect to see.
On residential builds, the most frequently encountered AIA documents are the G702 (Application for Payment) and G703 (Continuation Sheet), which standardize how the contractor requests progress payments. These forms are so widely accepted by construction lenders that they’ve become the de facto payment-application format across the industry. Even on builds without an architect, the G702 and G703 are often used because lenders and title companies recognize them. Builders should understand that AIA documents are copyrighted and licensed; using them requires purchasing the forms or a license agreement.