Retainage

A closeout checklist organized by what each item unlocks - retainage release, warranty start, liquidated damages - with the substantial completion clock mapped out.

Retainage is 5-10% of every progress payment, held until closeout. How it works, what your state now caps it at, and how to shorten the wait for release.

The four lien waivers — conditional vs. unconditional, progress vs. final. Which to sign when, the 12 states that mandate a specific form, and how to keep your lien rights until the check clears.