If you are operating in the construction industry, it is important that you are aware of the significance of payment bonds. Payment bonds provide the financial protection that you may need operating in this sector and could keep your business safe from monetary issues.
Call (844) 612-7238
Contractor Protection
Not to be confused with a subcontractor performance bond, payment bonds are designed to protect the contractor themselves. This is to ensure that the costs of labour and maintenance can both be fully financed and guarantee completion of the job. It also ensures that subcontractors are covered for public projects.
This can be a forgotten part of the construction process but it is a vital element. It is an agreement between a surety and a contractor for a certain project.
Payment bonds can be used to protect lower subcontractors and suppliers instead of the main contractor. It ensures that if a subcontractor is unable to pay for whatever reason, the costs can be covered through the payment bond.
As such, there are benefits for both the contractor as well as the labor, suppliers and the subcontractor. Each team receives a certain level of support and protection by having the bond in place.
While it doesn’t eliminate the risk completely, it does essentially move it to the surety. They cover the risk leaving the contractors free from harm.
The Advantages Of Pinnacle Surety Payment Bonds
There are many advantages of a payment bond or surety bonds for individuals and teams involved in the construction process.
It does ensure that the best contractors are chosen. When surety bonds are set up, there will always be a qualification system in place. This ensures that contractors are selected who will be able to cover the cost. The financial strength of a contractor is a key consideration here. But other variables will be explored as well. For instance, the qualification process will examine everything from ability to experience and whether a team can be trusted. Past examples of work will be explored to ensure that the team can provide the solution that the contractor needs. Essentially, the team will be examined to check for dangerous levels of risk that could threaten the contractor and the project.
Those with healthy credit histories will typically provided with payment bonds for a low percent of the total amount of the surety. This could be anywhere between two and four percent.
The surety will also ensure that if there are any losses through the bond, then they will be handled by the subcontractor. This process is guaranteed by a contractual agreement. An indemnity agreement provides several key advantages.
By signing an indemnity agreement, if the job is not completed, then the contractor will be putting the assets of their business at risk as well as those of their shareholders. This provides them with more incentive to complete the job and put bonded jobs as a primary focus. As such contractors gain significantly more power over subcontractors because they do hold a certain level of leverage.
At the same time, subcontractors will find it easier to make deals and form agreements with lower level contractors. The payment bond ensures that these contractors will always be paid regardless of what happens with the contract. It also avoids a potential lawsuit arising after payments are not provided. Everyone gets the assurance they need to work on a job without having to worry about the potential costs not being covered.
The entire process ensures that contractors who could present an issue or pose a problem are weeded out quickly. In doing so, both the project and original contractor do remain protected throughout the entire process. Risk can come in a variety of different forms. Hiring a payment bond agency will ensure that all issues are addressed and dealt with accordingly.
Meet All Your Payment Bonds Requirements
It is worth noting that payment bonds will not typically be required to be in place by a business. As such, there are many construction companies and contractors that will avoid them completely. However, due to the benefits provided for everyone involved, a surety bond is worth the time, effort and money. It provides the financial level of protection you need on a major project. It should be the main consideration that you do take into account before you start a project.
If you are a subcontractor, then you should consider whether or not a payment bond will be in place before you take on a job with a contractor. Be aware that this does provide protection for subcontractors, contractors, shareholders and various other individuals involved in any particular project.
Get what You Need From A Payment Bond Agency
If you are using a payment bond agency, you need to make sure that you do choose the right service. A payment bond agency should have an in-house payment bond underwriters. The team should use in-house payment bond underwriters.
Check out Pinnacle Surety on Social Media.
We know it isn’t easy keeping up with industry trends and information—that’s why we’re here to help!
In our effort to support our partner and client initiatives, Pinnacle’s official Social Media channels are now up and running to provide company news, articles, blog updates, insider tips and thoughtful discussion!
We hope you’ll join us by giving Pinnacle a Follow on our Facebook and Twitter accounts and chiming in on the conversation! Have any questions, comments or concerns? Send us a PM on Facebook or give us Tweet at @PinnacleSurety.