TapeAndFloat.comSubcontract
By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · Updated 2026-10-28
The subcontract is your agreement with the GC. It sets scope, price, schedule, how change orders work, payment terms, retainage, insurance and waiver requirements.
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
- Most payment questions on a job come back to what the subcontract says.
- Clauses on change-order notice, pay-when-paid and retainage are worth reading before you sign.
For one state's rules, see the Texas lien guide for subcontractors. It covers Texas only.
Related guides and tools
- Change order template and log
- Glossary: pay-when-paid
- 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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