There are several reasons why construction retentions are used.
Employer's interests
There are several reasons why construction retentions are used. One of the main reasons is to protect the employer's interests in case the contractor fails to complete the work or does not meet the specified quality standards. Retentions incentivise the contractor to perform the work properly and on time.
Costs
Another reason for retentions is to cover any costs that may arise from defects or deficiencies in the work. For example, if a contractor fails to properly construct part of the works, the employer may be required to pay for the repairs. Retentions can be used to cover these costs.
Construction retentions are typically held in a separate account until the completion of the project. Once the project is completed, half of the retention is released, and the final retention amount is released to the contractor after the expiry of any defects period.