---
title: "Retainage | Drywall Glossary"
url: https://tapeandfloat.com/glossary/retainage.html
language: en
author: James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat
updated: 2026-10-28
---

# Retainage

**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

- [Drywall retainage (blog)](https://tapeandfloat.com/blog/drywall-retainage-texas.html)
- [Pay applications (blog)](https://tapeandfloat.com/blog/drywall-pay-application-texas.html)
- [All glossary terms](https://tapeandfloat.com/glossary/)

---

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.

**[Join the free pilot](https://tapeandfloat.com/office-assistant.html)**

_¿Prefiere español? [Retención (retainage)](https://tapeandfloat.com/es/glosario/retencion.html)._