Is a retention the same as a construction line?

Retention and construction line refer to different concepts in construction and project management.

Retention is a sum withheld from a contractor's payment to ensure satisfactory completion of the project. It serves as a financial safeguard against the risk that the contractor will not fulfill their obligations, allowing owners or clients to retain a percentage of the total payment until certain conditions are met, such as the completion of the work or the resolution of any outstanding issues.

On the other hand, a construction line is typically a designated line or marker on a construction site that indicates where certain elements of the project should be built or aligned. This may include building margins, elevations, or other critical measurements necessary to guide the construction process.

Understanding the distinction between these two terms is crucial, as they address different aspects of the construction process—financial management versus physical project implementation. Thus, stating that retention is the same as a construction line is incorrect.