Retainage

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.

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