Definition of "Retainage"

Funds earned by the contractor for construction activity but held back by the owner of the property until the job is finished to a greater degree. This provides the contractor with an incentive to complete the work in a timely and qualitative manner in order to receive the amount retained by the owner. An example is a contractor who has thus far completed 75% of a new kitchen, but only received a 25% deposit with the balance payable upon the satisfactory completion of the job.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

A relatively unknown term, laches or the” doctrine of laches,” means failure to assert one’s rights or a claim in a given matter in time. Failing to take action on a ...

Reduction in taxes payable to the IRS or local government. A tax credit is more beneficial to the taxpayer than an itemized deduction because it reduces taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis. ...

The best atrium definition is that of a room with a roof open displaying the sky, but as with most things architecture (or even art) the atrium definition has changed with the passing of ...

A free-standing building having four dwelling units under one roof. Normally a quadriplex is a two-story complex with one dwelling unit located on top of and adjacent to another. Other ...

Exposure can have various meanings in real estate and insurance, depending on the context. Let’s have a thorough look at these scenarios! Exposure as property’s ...

Also known as “cap rate” or “income yield”, Capitalization Rate is a useful way to compute the rate of return on a real estate investment. It is commonly used in the ...

A measure of actual starts of houses, condominiums, and apartment construction. When an economy is going to take a downturn, the housing sector is the first to decline. The strength in ...

Shingles having uniform length, but random width. Random shingles give a creative appearance to a roof. ...

Brick wall where a space or cavity is left between the inner and outer walls and is usually filled with insulation. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions