# How small builders get paid faster on draws and invoices

By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · 2026-10-25 · Canonical: https://gc.tapeandfloat.com/guides/get-paid-faster-draws.html

**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](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.53.htm)).**
**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](change-order-tracking-small-builders.html).

## 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](https://tapeandfloat.com/texas-lien-deadline-calculator.html) 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](../#pilot).

## 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.