TapeAndFloat.comRetainage
By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · Updated 2026-10-28
Retainage is part of each progress payment that the GC holds back until the job, or a set milestone, is complete. The amount and release terms are set by your contract and, in some states, by law.
Why it matters on a drywall job
- Retainage is money you've earned but haven't received, so it affects your cash flow for months.
- Retainage has to be billed and followed up on at closeout. It usually doesn't release on its own.
Related guides and tools
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.
¿Prefiere español? Retención (retainage).