TapeAndFloat.comRetainage release
By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · Updated 2026-10-28
Retainage release is billing for and collecting the retainage held on a job, usually at substantial completion, final completion or another point set in your contract. Some states regulate when it must be paid.
Not legal advice. This is a general explanation for contractors across the U.S. Lien and payment rules differ by state and by contract, and they change. Before you act on a lien, waiver or payment clause, talk to a construction attorney in your state.
Why it matters on a drywall job
- Retainage is often a meaningful share of a job's margin, and it waits on paperwork, not just work.
- Closeout items such as waivers and punch-list sign-off often have to be in before it's released.
For one state's rules, see the Texas lien guide for subcontractors. It covers Texas only.
Related guides and tools
- Drywall retainage (blog)
- Final payment and retainage (GC guide)
- Texas lien guide for subcontractors
- All glossary terms
TapeAndFloat helps drywall and tape-and-float contractors keep up with the office side: bids, change orders, pay apps and follow-ups. Free 60-day pilot. If you stay on, we agree on the price with you up front.
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