What must the Contractor guarantee when submitting an Application for Payment?

When submitting an Application for Payment, the Contractor must guarantee that all previous work is free and clear of liens. This assurance is essential because it protects the property owner from future claims against the property for unpaid work by subcontractors or suppliers. Ensuring that the project is free from liens means that the Contractor has fulfilled their payment obligations and mitigated any potential legal disputes that could arise if subcontractors were to pursue claims for unpaid work.

Addressing the context of the other options, while certifications from subcontractors or assurances about materials can be relevant, they are not universally required as a standard condition for payment applications. Being ahead of schedule is also not a guarantee necessary for payment; the ultimate concern at this stage is about financial and legal protection tied to the completed work. Therefore, the guarantee regarding liens is the most critical aspect of the Application for Payment process.