Construction bonds are a wide variety of bonds issued to protect the client’s interests or the customers. If you are a contractor expecting to receive a project from the government, then getting a construction bond is necessary. However, when working for a private firm, you might not require construction bonds at all. But when it comes to working for the government, construction bonds are a must.

But, what are construction bonds?

The construction bond covers payment, performance, and a project’s bid. The bond ensures that the work gets conducted as per the standard and conditions defined in the agreement. The bond also enforces a deadline and ensures that the deadlines are met, suppliers are paid, labour is paid, and construction work is completed promptly under the local laws and regulations.

There is more than one type of construction bond, and as per the situation, you might need to get different types of bonds.

How Many Parties are Involved?

Typically, three parties are involved in a construction bond:

1. Principal
2. Obligee
3. Surety

The surety is a financial institution that acts as an intermediary between the two parties and charges a principal (contractor) fee to draft a construction bond. An individual or company attaining the services can be deemed an obligee in a construction bond.

The obligee is the client, which in most cases is the government. On the other hand, the principal is the one who is required to obtain the surety bonds.

What are The Different Types of Construction Bonds?

1. Bid Bond

Whenever a major company or the government wants to build something, they invite tenders from contractors. Herein, the contractor has to send in their quotations, and the client has the freedom to choose whomever they want.

A bid bond is nothing but a guarantee offered by the contractor that the bid is accurate, and they will enter into a contract if awarded. This can also be provided with a surety’s consent which would guarantee the surety will provide a performance and payment bond if awarded. A good surety can help you make the bid bond and serve as security for the bids.

2. Payment Bonds

It is a type of bond that enforces the contractor’s responsibility to pay their suppliers, labourers, and subcontractors timely and adequately. Moreover, certain payment bonds restrict the project owner from putting a lien on the property or the real estate.

The project owner can enforce the bond and make the contractor pay their suppliers if they fail. This bond protects the project owner from incurring any financial loss because of the contractor’s default in paying their suppliers.

3. Performance Bonds

A performance bond is formed to guarantee the contractor’s performance as per the contract agreement. Herein, the contractor will ensure the obligee regarding the quality of the work and delivery of the project.

If the contractor’s performance is according to the original agreement, the obligee can file a claim with the surety. According to the conditions and terms of the contract, the surety would then pay the obligee the amount that can be used to cover the rest of the project, or they would provide a lump-sum amount.

What are the Benefits of Construction Bonds?

1. A construction bond protects the investors or the project owner from facing a substantial financial loss.
2. It safeguards the financial interest of subcontractors, labourers and suppliers in case of any defaults by the primary contractor.
3. A construction bond helps uphold the quality of work as it puts a certain degree of accountability on the contractor’s shoulders.

Now you know what are construction bonds, their various types, and benefits. Before pursuing the contract, you must always ensure that you reach out to an excellent surety to get the best possible at affordable fees.