A lien waiver is a signed document in which a subcontractor or supplier gives up their right to file a mechanic’s lien for work they’ve been paid for. Lenders require them on draws so the money they release can’t come back to bite the project.
Conditional vs. unconditional lien waivers
| Type | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Conditional | Given before/at payment — valid once payment clears |
| Unconditional | Given after payment has cleared — no strings attached |
One missing waiver can hold your whole draw. DrawReady shows you which one before you submit.
Stop chasing draw documents.
DrawReady shows you what’s missing before you submit.
Start your 30-day free trialWhy waivers go missing
Waivers get lost because they live in email, texts, and paper. A sub says they’ll send it, the draw goes out without it, and the bank holds the whole request over one signature.
How to track lien waivers so none slip
- List every sub paid in this draw
- Match a signed waiver to each one
- Flag any missing before you submit
- Store signed waivers with the draw for the audit trail
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a waiver from every sub?
For anyone being paid in the draw, yes — that’s what protects the release of funds.
What happens if a waiver is missing?
The lender typically holds the entire draw until it’s received.
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How long does a construction draw take to fund?
Once you submit, when does the money actually hit? Here’s the realistic timeline — and the paperwork gaps that quietly add a week to it.
Ready to get your next draw bank-ready?
Your project shouldn’t stop because your draw isn’t ready. DrawReady checks it before it reaches your lender.