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Subcontractor Retainage Calculator
Retainage holds back 5-10% of each subcontractor progress payment to ensure complete performance and punch-list correction before final payment release. State laws regulate retention rates and timing of release. This calculator computes total retainage, currently held amount, and net paid to date.
5-10% typical
Some contracts release at 50%
Total retainage at completion
$35,000
Currently held back
$20,000
Net paid to sub to date
$180,000
Final release at substantial completion
$35,000
How the math works
Retainage holds back 5-10% of each progress payment to ensure the sub completes work and corrects punch list before final payment. Released at substantial completion (some contracts step down to 5% at 50% completion).
Many states regulate retainage — California caps retention at 5%, requires interest on long-held retention. Federal contracts via Miller Act require retention release procedures.
How to Use
- Enter sub contract amount and retainage %.
- Enter billed-to-date amount.
- Enter completion threshold for partial retainage release if applicable.
- Read total retainage, currently held, and net paid to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard retainage %?
Most contracts: 10% on first 50% of work, then 5% (step-down). California caps retention at 5%. Federal Miller Act 10% standard. Public works often 10%.
When does retainage release?
Substantial completion (typically 95% complete) triggers initial release; final 25-50% holds back until punch list complete and lien waivers received.
Sub financing of retention?
Subs often borrow against retention at 8-15% — adds 1-3% to their effective bid. Faster retention release (or step-down to 5% at 50%) reduces sub financing need and overall bid pricing.
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