TapeAndFloat.com for small builders & GCsHow small builders get paid faster on draws and invoices
Getting paid faster on draws means sending a complete, correct pay request on time and following up on a schedule. Slow pay also ties up retainage: in Texas, owners on many private jobs must hold back 10% of the contract price until 30 days after completion (Property Code § 53.101).
Not legal advice. General information for small-office staff, current as of October 25, 2026. Texas statutes are cited as examples; your state and your contracts control the details.
1. Know the draw rules for each job
Write down for each job: who pays (owner, lender, title company), the draw schedule or milestones, what documents they want (photos, lien waivers, inspection), and the payment terms.
2. Send complete draw packages
Most draw delays are missing pieces: a waiver from one sub, a CO not yet signed, a photo the lender asked for. A checklist per draw fixes most of them.
3. Bill every signed change order
Put each signed CO on the next draw as its own line. See tracking change orders.
4. Follow up on a schedule
- Day sent: confirm received.
- Due date: friendly reminder.
- 7 days past due: call, then a written note.
- Texas jobs: keep the lien notice dates in view so you do not lose rights while waiting.
5. Track retainage separately
Keep a running retainage balance per job and the date it becomes due, so it does not get forgotten after closeout.
Where an assistant helps
TapeAndFloat lists past-due invoices each morning, flags draws missing a waiver or CO, and drafts polite follow-ups for you to send.
Free 60-day pilot: forward your job emails to the assistant, keep working in your own Sheet, and get a short daily list of what is slipping. No new app, no card. Request a pilot spot.
More guides
- How small builders track change orders across every trade
- Chasing sub paperwork: COIs, W-9s and lien waivers for small GCs
- Keeping clients and subs updated without project management software
- Procore and Buildertrend alternatives for small builders
Frequently asked questions
Why do construction draws get delayed?
Usually missing documents (lien waivers, signed change orders, photos or inspections) or a pay request that does not match the agreed schedule of values.
How long does a GC have to pay subs in Texas?
On private projects, Property Code § 28.002 generally requires paying a sub within 7 days of receiving payment from the owner for that work.
What is retainage?
Money held back from each payment until the job is finished. In Texas many private jobs require owners to retain 10% until 30 days after completion.
Does TapeAndFloat send invoices?
It tracks your invoices in your Sheet and drafts reminders; you keep using QuickBooks or whatever you invoice with now.
Want this tracked for you? Join the free pilot.