Definition
Draw Inspection
A lender-required site visit to verify construction progress before releasing the next installment of a construction loan.
The Full Picture
A draw inspection (or progress inspection) occurs when a builder requests the next disbursement from a construction loan. The lender sends an inspector to verify that the work claimed in the draw request has actually been completed — and completed to a reasonable standard. The inspector documents progress by phase or trade, compares it to the draw schedule, photographs each area, and produces a report estimating the percentage of completion. The lender uses this report to decide whether to release funds. Typically 4-6 draw inspections occur during a construction project.
Why It Matters
Why field professionals need to document this
Draw inspections control the flow of money on construction projects. An inaccurate inspection can release funds for work not completed (risking the lender's investment) or withhold funds for completed work (creating cash flow problems for the builder). For construction managers, having organized progress documentation with photos ready for each draw inspection keeps the project funded on schedule. Poor documentation means delayed draws, which means delayed subcontractor payments, which means work slowdowns.
In a Report
How this shows up in findings
Here's how a draw inspection finding looks in a professional field report generated by ReportWalk:
Draw 3 inspection: Framing 95% complete, rough plumbing complete, rough electrical 80% — recommend 75% overall disbursement
Discrepancy noted: Draw request claims roofing complete but 2 of 4 roof sections still have underlayment only — partial release recommended
Relevant For
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