Large-scale commercial installations have been using a performance bond for a long time, but lately, many small-scale constructions are using them as well. A performance bond in construction ensures that the contractor will complete the work within the timeframe and stick to the guidelines written in the contract.
They are often issued along with payment bonds. Doing so ensures the financial security of the project owners. Understanding how these agreements work can be a bit of a challenge for first-timers. They will have many questions, some of which are answered in this article.
What Is A Construction Performance Bond?
A construction performance certificate, also known as a contract bond, guarantees the contractor’s satisfactory project completion.
The agreement protects the insured party if the other party fails to meet the terms mentioned in the contract created between the insured and the professional contractor.
The owner or the investor asks for a construction performance bond to safeguard the value of the project if anything unforeseen happens. The oblige of these certificates can be a government body, state, city, or professional contractor. Any construction project that exceeds one million dollars must have this type of certificate issued. This is ensured by the Miller Act of 1930.
How Does It Work?
Many companies rely on this certificate to safeguard themselves from the contractor if they go bankrupt. This bond can also help when a contractor doesn’t follow the agreed specifications for the build. The contractor will have to pay the compensations for the loss.
This certificate is of two types, namely on-demand bonds and conditional bonds
- On-demand bonds
In these agreements, an amount of money is set out in the contract on demand unless the demand is fallacious.
- Conditional bonds
These contracts require the client to prove that the contractor has not performed the task they were given under the agreement and that the client has suffered a loss for the consequence.
What Is The Cost Of Performance Bonds?
The cost of the performance bond in construction is usually 1-3% of the value of the contract, while it depends upon the period of the contract. That means the longer the period, the higher the percentage.
When Do You Need A Performance Bond?
They are required for the tenders for the construction of Local authority and commercial contracts. Whether you need this certificate or not depends upon the identified financial strength of the party bidding for the win of the contract.
If you are bidding for a construction job, you should apply for a construction performance and payment bond to guarantee the project’s completion.
How To Acquire This Bond?
Most of the time, you will need to prepare a bid bond before you start bidding on your project. Once your party wins the contract, you will be able to get the performance bond for the project.
One doesn’t have to worry about expiration dates in the case of performance bonds. There is no such thing as an expiration date for these contracts. Moreover, these accords are issued by government bodies or insurance companies and signify that the oblige will adhere to the guidelines.