The way project owners evaluate and manage risks on construction projects and make fiscally responsible decisions to ensure timely project completion are crucial to their success. Since private owners cannot afford to gamble on a contractor whose reliability is uncertain or who could end up bankrupt halfway through the job, a surety bond is a great safety net for the investment.
Contract (or corporate) surety bonds provide financial security and construction assurance for building and construction projects by assuring the project owner (obligee) that the contractor (principal) will perform the work and compensate certain subcontractors, laborers and material suppliers, as outlined via their contract. Contract surety bonds include the following:
- Bid bonds provide financial assurance that the bid has been submitted in good faith and that the contractor intends to enter into the contract at the price bid and provide the required performance and payment bonds.
- Performance bonds protect the owner from financial loss should the contractor fail to perform the contract in accordance with its terms and conditions.
- Payment bonds guarantee that the contractor will pay certain subcontractors, laborers and material suppliers associated with the project.
- Maintenance bonds guarantee against defective workmanship or materials for a specified period.
- Subdivision bonds make guarantees to cities, counties or states that the principal will finance and construct certain improvements such as streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, sewers and drainage.
