Category: Construction Bonding Specialists

2026 Construction Outlook: Growth in Select Markets Amid Broader Uncertainty

The construction industry is heading into 2026 with a mixed outlook, according to the 2026 Construction Hiring & Business Outlook survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Sage. While some sectors continue to show strong demand, overall contractor confidence has softened compared to last year.

Contractors reported fewer bidding opportunities overall, with expectations declining in more market segments than in 2025. Five out of 17 construction categories now show negative outlooks, up from just two last year. Concerns about the broader economy, the risk of recession, rising material costs, labor shortages, tariffs, and immigration enforcement all contributed to the more cautious sentiment.

Bright Spots: Data Centers, Power, and Health Care

Despite the cooling outlook, several private-sector markets remain strong. Data centers continue to lead all categories, with the highest growth expectations of any sector. Power generation and infrastructure projects also saw increased optimism, along with health care construction—particularly clinics, labs, and outpatient facilities.

Public infrastructure segments such as water and sewer, manufacturing, transportation facilities, and highway and bridge construction are expected to see modest growth in demand as well.

Construction Sectors Facing Pressure

Other segments are facing steeper challenges. Contractors reported sharp declines in expectations for lodging, office, and retail construction, which posted the lowest outlooks for 2026. Warehouse, federal, and multifamily construction also dropped to their weakest levels since the COVID-era slowdown. Education construction continues its downward trend, with both K–12 and higher education projects slipping into negative territory.

Workforce, Tariffs, and Immigration Uncertainty

Labor availability remains a major concern, with more than half of contractors reporting an insufficient supply of workers. At the same time, tariffs have significantly affected material pricing. Many firms responded by increasing bid prices, adding cost-sharing provisions to contracts, or passing tariff-related costs on to project owners.

Immigration enforcement has also impacted the workforce. One-third of construction firms nationwide reported disruptions related to enforcement actions, including missing workers, affected subcontractors, and even job site visits by authorities. These challenges are particularly impactful given the construction industry’s reliance on immigrant labor.

Project Delays and Financing Challenges

Project uncertainty remains high. A majority of contractors reported that owners postponed or canceled projects within the past six months. Funding challenges, high financing costs, and uncertainty around public and private investment continue to slow project starts, alongside rising labor and material expenses.

Partner with Construction Bonding Specialists

In a construction market defined by uncertainty, changing demand, and tighter project controls, having the right surety partner is more important than ever. Construction Bonding Specialists works closely with contractors of all sizes to secure the bonding support they need to pursue opportunities confidently—even in challenging conditions.

If you have questions about bid bonds, performance bonds, or long-term surety strategies, contact Construction Bonding Specialists today to discuss your construction bonding needs.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

How to Secure a Construction Bond: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a construction company needs to secure a bond, the most critical first step is partnering with a reputable surety bond broker. An experienced broker serves as your advocate throughout the bonding process, helping position your company in the strongest possible light and guiding you toward the most favorable bond terms and conditions available.

A knowledgeable surety broker understands the underwriting process in depth and provides strategic guidance on how to structure and submit your bonding program. This expertise can significantly improve approval odds, expand bonding capacity, and help reduce overall costs. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the right broker evaluates your unique financial profile and project requirements to identify the most effective bonding strategy.

Risk Assessment and the Surety Underwriting Process

To evaluate risk, surety companies require detailed information about your business. Your surety broker will help gather and review key documentation, which may include:

  • Financial statements
  • Work-in-progress (WIP) reports
  • Organizational and ownership structure
  • Project history and backlog
  • Additional supporting documentation as needed

This information is analyzed by your broker and submitted to surety companies that best align with your company’s size, experience, and financial profile.

What Surety Underwriters Evaluate

Once submitted, the surety company assigns an underwriter to assess several critical factors, including:

  • Your company’s financial strength and cash flow
  • Capacity to perform the proposed construction project
  • Experience with similar projects
  • Performance and status of current and past jobs

This evaluation helps the surety determine whether your company is a suitable risk and what level of bonding support can be offered.

Bond Terms, Indemnity, and Final Approval

Based on the underwriting review, the surety company will propose specific bond terms and conditions. If accepted, you will be required to sign an indemnity agreement, which legally obligates you to reimburse the surety for any losses or expenses incurred under the bond.

Depending on your financial strength and organizational structure, the surety may also require personal indemnity and, in some cases, collateral to further mitigate risk.

Why Working with a Surety Broker Matters

Partnering with an experienced surety broker does more than streamline the bonding process—it improves approval odds, strengthens financial credibility, and positions your construction business for long-term growth. A strong bonding relationship supports not only individual projects but also your company’s overall capacity to pursue larger and more complex opportunities with confidence.

At Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC, we work with both new and seasoned contractors to deliver practical, dependable bond solutions tailored to each client’s needs. As a surety bond-only agency with decades of industry experience, we handle everything from standard bonding programs to more challenging cases. Our relationships with multiple Treasury-Listed and AM Best-rated surety markets allow us to support virtually all Bid, Performance, Payment, Financial Guarantee, and Supply Bond requirements—ensuring contractors have the backing they need at every stage of growth.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Surety Bond Costs and What Drives Your Premium

Surety bonds are a routine requirement across the construction industry, but securing the right bond doesn’t have to strain your budget. Understanding how bond costs are calculated—and what influences your rate—helps you make informed decisions as you prepare for upcoming projects.

What Surety Bonds Typically Cost

Surety bond premiums are charged as a percentage of the total bond amount. Most contractors fall within the 1%–5% range, though rates can dip to 0.5% for highly qualified applicants or rise to 20% in higher-risk situations.

Your rate reflects the surety’s assessment of your ability to fulfill contract obligations. For example:

  • A contractor with strong credit, solid financials, and a track record of successful work may secure a 1% rate on a $500,000 bond—paying $5,000.
  • A contractor with weak financials or poor performance history might pay 6% or $30,000 for the same bond.

Key Factors That Influence Surety Bond Rates

Sureties consider several factors when determining the risk they are assuming. The most significant include:

Bond Type:Risk varies by bond category.

  • Low-risk bonds, such as notary or probate bonds, often have lower rates.
  • Higher-risk bonds, like performance and payment bonds for complex construction work, typically come with higher premiums.

Bond Amount:Larger bond amounts carry greater exposure for the surety. Even if two contractors have similar qualifications, a $300,000 bond often commands a higher rate than a $30,000 bond because of the higher financial risk.

Credit Profile:Personal and business credit are central to underwriting. Strong credit signals reliability and increases the likelihood of favorable rates. Poor or limited credit usually results in higher premiums.

Financial Strength: Sureties evaluate working capital, liquidity, and overall financial stability. Contractors with strong balance sheets are more likely to secure lower rates because they pose less default risk.

Industry Experience: Experience matters—particularly with contract bonds. Sureties consider your technical capabilities, staffing, financial resources, and history of successfully completing similar projects. Limited experience or inconsistent performance can drive rates higher.

Claims History:A clean claims record demonstrates reliability. Frequent or significant past claims may indicate performance issues, increase perceived risk, and raise your premium.

Reputation and Character: Underwriters also look at less tangible indicators of reliability: communication practices, management stability, subcontractor relationships, and payment history. Contractors known for professionalism and integrity often benefit from more competitive rates.

Making Surety Costs Work for You

Surety bond pricing is shaped by both the scope of the project and the financial strength of the contractor. By improving credit, reinforcing financials, and building a consistent track record of successful projects, contractors can secure better rates and gain a competitive edge in bidding.

Construction Bonding Specialists supports contractors through every stage of the bonding process. Our team provides expert guidance across all construction bond types and ensures clients meet state and industry requirements with confidence. Contact us today to get started.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Surety Bond Requirements for Construction Projects in Michigan

Surety bonds play a critical role in keeping construction projects on track—especially when public funding is involved. Federal, state, and local regulations often require contractors to secure specific bonds before work can begin, making it essential to understand what’s needed for each project.

Public Project Bonding Requirements

The federal Miller Act mandates that general contractors provide performance and payment bonds for any federally funded construction contract exceeding $150,000. Many states, including Michigan, enforce similar statutes known as “Little Miller Acts.” These laws require performance and payment bonds for state-funded construction projects. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so contractors must review bonding rules for the location where the project will be completed.

Local municipalities may also require subdivision bonds to guarantee infrastructure improvements—such as streets, utilities, and sidewalks—before they approve development permits.

Private Project Bonding

For privately funded projects, bond requirements are determined by the owner. Some owners require surety bonds to reduce risk or screen out contractors without strong qualifications. Contractors should understand that projects requiring bonds typically include higher bid prices to account for the cost and effort of obtaining the bond.

Prime contractors may also require subcontractors and suppliers to carry surety bonds. This protects the contractor’s financial interest by ensuring work and materials are delivered as agreed.

How to Obtain a Construction Surety Bond

Securing a surety bond begins with identifying the type and amount of coverage required. Most prime contractors need a combination of bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.

Once requirements are clear, contractors should partner with a surety provider experienced in construction bonding. Many sureties offer online resources and quotes, helping businesses compare options based on location, project type, and company profile.

The surety will then conduct underwriting to evaluate risk. This review often includes:

  • Company financial strength
  • Experience and project history
  • Organizational structure and management practices
  • Personal character and reliability of the principal

Bond premiums are determined by this risk assessment—lower risk results in lower costs. After approval, the contractor files the bond with the obligee and can move forward with construction.

Construction Bonding Specialists partners with Treasury-listed, AM Best–rated surety markets to meet nearly all bid, performance, payment, financial guarantee, and supply bond needs. Contact us today.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Why Partnering with the Right Construction Surety Bond Company Matters

Surety bonds are essential in the construction industry for managing risk among multiple parties and large financial commitments. They ensure that owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers can trust one another to fulfill obligations and receive agreed-upon payments or services.

Surety bonds protect all parties involved in a project, helping ensure that work is completed as promised and financial obligations are met. Below, we highlight why choosing the right surety bond company is key to strengthening your projects, protecting your business, and ensuring long-term success.

Finding the Best Surety Bond Company in and Around Michigan

Partnering with the right construction surety bond company can make all the difference in the success of your projects. Navigating the bond market can be complex, with many providers, bond types, and state-specific regulations. For contractors and businesses, working with a trusted surety bond specialist is the most effective way to secure the right coverage.

An experienced bonding partner not only provides access to reputable, Treasury-listed, and AM Best-rated surety markets but also understands the unique financial and regulatory requirements of the construction industry. The right company will guide you through prequalification, ensure compliance with state laws, and help secure favorable bond terms that protect your business. More importantly, a knowledgeable surety bond specialist can anticipate potential issues before they arise—saving you valuable time, money, and stress.

With trusted professionals like Construction Bonding Specialists in Michigan, contractors gain a strategic partner dedicated to helping them qualify, bid, and build with confidence.

The Importance of Communication in Surety Bonding

Strong communication is the foundation of any successful surety relationship. By maintaining open communication with both your surety agent and bonding company, contractors can build trust, streamline approvals, and create more reliable long-term partnerships.

When everyone is aligned and expectations are clear, friction is minimized—and projects are far more likely to move forward smoothly and successfully.

How Construction Bonding Specialists Can Help

Construction Bonding Specialists provides expert assistance with all types of construction surety bonds. Their team guides clients through every step of the bonding process and helps ensure compliance with state and industry requirements.

As experienced surety professionals, Construction Bonding Specialists handle performance bonds, payment bonds, bid bonds, and more throughout Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. They maintain strong partnerships with leading surety providers to help contractors compare rates, qualify quickly, and meet underwriting criteria efficiently.

Whether you’re a new contractor applying for your first bond or an established construction firm managing multiple projects, Construction Bonding Specialists offers personalized support to ensure you get bonded quickly and confidently. Contact them today to find the solution that’s right for you.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Construction Bonds vs. Insurance (and Letters of Credit): What Contractors Need to Know

In the construction industry, risk is part of every project. From fires and theft to contractors failing to deliver on their commitments, unexpected challenges can threaten budgets, timelines, and relationships. To manage these risks, project owners and contractors often turn to two tools: insurance and surety bonds. While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes—and understanding the difference can make or break your project’s financial stability.

How Insurance Works in Construction

Insurance policies are designed to protect the policyholder—usually the contractor or project owner—against unexpected losses. A few examples include:

  • Builder’s risk insurance covers damages if a fire destroys a structure mid-construction.
  • Inland marine insurance reimburses for stolen equipment, such as a bulldozer taken from a job site.
  • Liability insurance pays claims if an employee is injured while on the job.

In each case, the policyholder pays premiums and receives financial compensation if a covered loss occurs. Insurance ensures that unforeseen events don’t derail a project completely.

How Construction Bonds Are Different

Surety bonds take a different approach. Instead of protecting the contractor, they primarily protect the obligee (the project owner, or sometimes a general contractor requiring bonds from subcontractors or suppliers).

If a contractor fails to fulfill their contract, the surety may step in and pay the obligee’s claim. However, unlike insurance, the contractor is ultimately responsible for repaying the surety in full. This makes bonds a financial guarantee rather than traditional coverage.

Surety Bonds vs. Letters of Credit

Because surety bonds operate more like a line of credit than insurance, they are often compared to letters of credit (LOCs). Both provide financial assurance to the obligee, but their structure and impact on the contractor differ.

A letter of credit is a three-party agreement between:

  • The customer (principal/contractor),
  • The beneficiary (obligee/project owner), and
  • The issuer (usually a bank).

The bank promises to pay the obligee if a claim arises, but the customer must repay the bank in full.

Key Differences Between Bonds and LOCs:

  1. Collateral requirements – LOCs require a cash or asset deposit equal to the credit amount, tying up funds the contractor could use for operations. Surety bonds usually require only a premium.
  2. Claims process – Banks must pay on an LOC upon demand, even without proof of breach. A surety bond, however, allows the surety to investigate first, ensuring only valid claims are paid.

For many contractors, these differences make surety bonds a more flexible and cost-effective option than LOCs when securing project obligations.

For a reliable surety partner, contact Construction Bonding Specialists.

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

How Tariffs Impact Contractors and Their Surety Bonds

Tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported goods, often designed to protect domestic industries or generate revenue. These fees, which may be charged as a percentage of value or a flat rate per unit, are paid by the importer at the point of entry into the U.S. For the construction industry, this means materials like steel, aluminum, lumber, and electrical components can quickly become more expensive, creating price volatility that ripples through projects.

The Effect of Tariffs on Contractors

  • Rising Material Costs and Tighter Budgets – When tariffs raise the price of key construction materials, contractors face increased project costs. To secure bonding for the same scope of work, surety companies require contractors to demonstrate higher levels of working capital, putting extra pressure on liquidity.
  • Increased Contractual Risk – Fixed-price contracts are particularly risky in a market driven by tariffs. Contractors locked into these agreements must absorb rising costs themselves, often eroding profit margins or creating the risk of financial loss. This heightens surety concerns about a contractor’s ability to complete the project.
  • Challenges in Bidding – Unpredictable material costs make it harder for contractors to bid accurately on new projects. Many may increase bid prices to hedge against risk or hesitate to commit without protective clauses, such as price-escalation provisions.

Strategies to Protect Bonding Capacity

Contractors can take proactive steps to safeguard both their bonding capacity and financial stability in the face of tariffs:

  • Include protective clauses: Add provisions for price escalation, force majeure, or material substitution in contracts to mitigate unforeseen cost increases.
  • Diversify suppliers: Build relationships with multiple vendors, including domestic manufacturers, to reduce reliance on tariff-sensitive imports.
  • Lock in pricing early: Secure firm quotes from suppliers before submitting bids to minimize the risk of price spikes later.
  • Communicate openly: Keep surety partners informed about risk management strategies and contract protections. Likewise, maintain transparency with project owners when tariff-related issues arise.

How Construction Bonding Specialists Can Help You Secure a Bond

Tariffs may be outside of a contractor’s control, but their financial impact doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, stronger supplier networks, and open communication with sureties, contractors can better manage cost fluctuations and protect their bonding capacity.

Need help securing a construction bond? With decades of experience, Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC has worked with contractors of all sizes to deliver tailored bonding solutions. Through partnerships with multiple Treasury-listed and AM Best-rated surety markets, we can assist with nearly every type of bond—including Bid, Performance, Payment, Financial Guarantee, Supply Bonds, and more.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

When Are Construction Bonds Required

Not every construction project requires a bond, but there are several key situations where they are typically mandated. These bonds provide financial protection to all parties involved, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and that obligations are met. Below are some of the common scenarios where construction bonds are required:

Public Projects

Government construction projects almost always require bonds. This is because taxpayer money is involved, and bonds provide assurance that the project will be completed on time and to the required standards. Public projects carry a higher level of scrutiny and risk, which makes it essential for the government to protect its investment. This is a significant distinction between how public and private clients approach risk management.

Federal Requirements

Under the MillerAct, performance and payment bonds are required for federal construction projects exceeding $150,000 in value. This ensures that contractors fulfill their obligations and that subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers receive payment. Similar regulations, known as ‘Little Miller Acts,’ exist at the state and local levels, with varying thresholds but operating under the same principles. View Michigan’s Little Miller Act here.

Private Projects

Although bonds are not always legally required for private projects, many private owners demand them, particularly for large or high-risk projects. This is especially true when working with new contractors or when the project involves substantial financial risk. In these cases, the more public funds or higher financial risk involved, the more likely it is that a bond will be required. Bonds can offer additional security for private owners, ensuring that the project is completed and any financial disputes are resolved efficiently.

Specialized Projects

Certain types of specialized construction projects, such as those involving environmental concerns, historic preservation, or complex architectural work, may also require bonds. These bonds are established to ensure compliance with specific legal, regulatory, or environmental standards throughout the project.

A Sample Application: How Bonds Protect Projects

To understand the importance of construction bonds, consider a real-world scenario:

During a public elementary school construction project, the general contractor and an excavator got into a dispute over $200,000 worth of site work. The excavator threatened to place a mechanic’s lien on the project, which would have halted progress immediately, causing delays and potentially jeopardizing the project’s completion.

To resolve the situation, the general contractor obtained a paymentbond specifically for the disputed amount. This allowed the legal dispute between the contractor and the excavator to continue without interrupting the ongoing work on the project.

This solution had several key benefits:

  • Protects the owner from delays: The project could continue while the dispute was handled separately.
  • Keeps the schedule intact: The school project moved forward without any schedule disruptions, ensuring timely completion.
  • Provides a clear pathway to resolve the dispute: The payment bond created a formal framework for resolving the financial dispute outside the construction process.

This scenario demonstrates how construction bonds can be powerful tools for protecting projects from delays and unforeseen issues. Bonds not only offer financial security but also ensure that projects stay on track, even when unexpected challenges arise. They provide a safety net that ensures projects are completed as planned, regardless of potential conflicts or financial disputes.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC partners with both new and experienced contractors to provide the best bond solutions tailored to their needs. Contact us to learn more.

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Understanding Bonding Capacity and How to Increase Yours

For construction companies looking to expand, securing larger projects often requires higher bonding capacity. Surety bonds assure project owners that a contractor is financially stable and capable of completing a project. Without sufficient bonding, contractors may be limited to smaller projects, which can hinder growth. Therefore, increasing bonding capacity is a crucial step for contractors aiming to take on larger and more complex projects.

Defining Bonding Capacity

Bonding capacity is the maximum amount of surety credit a company can secure. Sureties set two key limits: a single project limit, which defines the highest bond available for an individual contract, and an aggregate limit, which caps the total value of bonded work a company can manage.

To increase bonding capacity, contractors must demonstrate strong financial health, reliable past performance, and effective backlog management. Financial metrics like current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio, and working capital ratio are critical for contractors to monitor, as they reflect a company’s liquidity, risk level, and overall stability.

How Sureties Assess Bonding Capacity

Sureties conduct a thorough financial review before issuing or increasing bonding limits. They assess liquidity, working capital, profitability, and debt levels to gauge financial health. Companies with strong cash reserves and manageable debt levels present lower risk, while those with inconsistent cash flow or excessive liabilities may face bonding restrictions.

Beyond financials, past performance plays a critical role. Sureties look at project history, assessing whether the contractor completes jobs on time, within budget, and without disputes. Delays, cost overruns, and legal claims can raise concerns, even for financially stable contractors.

Backlog management is also important. Contractors that take on too many bonded projects at once may appear financially stretched, limiting their ability to secure additional bonding. A well-managed backlog signals stability, showing that a company can scale responsibly without overextending resources.

How to Grow Your Bonding Capacity

To increase bonding capacity, contractors should focus on strengthening their financial management, maintaining audited financial statements, building a strong track record of timely, budget-compliant projects, diversifying their portfolio, and improving risk management practices. Investments in technology and skilled personnel can also improve efficiency and project oversight, which boosts a contractor’s ability to handle larger contracts.

Contractors can explore alternative bonding options, like the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program or joint ventures, if traditional bonding limits are insufficient. By focusing on these strategies, contractors can increase their bonding capacity and open the door to larger, more profitable projects.

By taking these steps now, you’ll set your company up for larger projects and long-term success. If you have any questions regarding the information provided, Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC is here to assist.

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Michigan Bond Claim FAQs: A Guide for Construction Surety Bonds

If you’re involved in Michigan’s public construction projects, understanding the ins and outs of bond claims is essential. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Michigan’s public payment bond claims laws, so you can better navigate the process when you need to file a claim.

1. What Types of Public Projects Are Covered Under Michigan’s Payment Bond Claim Laws?

Michigan’s Little Miller Act applies to public projects involving the construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or works with a total contract price of $50,000 or more. However, highway projects have slightly different requirements for making a claim against a payment bond.

2. Who is Protected Under Michigan’s Payment Bond Claim Laws?

Any party that furnished labor or materials to the prime contractor or a first-tier subcontractor can make a claim on Michigan’s public payment bond. This includes laborers and those who provide essential utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and equipment. However, the law does not extend protection to suppliers who supply other suppliers or parties lower than the third tier in the payment chain.

3. What is the Deadline for Making a Payment Bond Claim in Michigan?

  • For most public projects, any claimant who didn’t contract directly with the general contractor must file a claim against the payment bond within 90 days from their last day of furnishing labor or materials.
  • On highway projects, claims must be filed within 60 days after the claimant’s last day of furnishing labor or materials.

4. What Information Must Be Included in a Michigan Payment Bond Claim?

To file a claim under MCL §129.207, claimants must include the following information:

  • The amount claimed (with substantial accuracy)
  • The name of the party for whom labor was performed or materials were furnished

While this is the minimum requirement, it’s helpful to provide additional project details, including:

  • Claimant’s contact information
  • Public entity’s information
  • Prime contractor and surety details
  • Hiring party’s contact info
  • Property description
  • Labor and/or materials provided
  • Total amount claimed (with substantial accuracy)

For highway projects, you must also include a statement that you intend to rely upon the bond, identify the project, and provide details of the labor/materials furnished.

5. Who Should Receive a Michigan Payment Bond Claim?

For most public projects, the claim must be sent to both the prime contractor and the government entity commissioning the project.

For highway projects, claims must be submitted in duplicate to the board of officers or agents contracting on behalf of the public entity, often the Michigan Department of Transportation. While not required, sending a copy of the claim to the surety can help expedite payment.

6. How Should a Michigan Payment Bond Claim Be Sent?

Bond claims should be sent by certified mail, with postage prepaid, to the necessary recipient at their business or residence address. Any method of delivery is acceptable as long as the intended parties receive the claim.

7. What is the Deadline to Initiate Suit for a Michigan Bond Claim?

To enforce a claim against a public payment bond, a lawsuit must be initiated at least 90 days after the claimant’s last day of furnishing labor/materials, but no later than one year from the date of the final payment to the prime contractor.

For highway projects, the suit must be initiated within one year of the project’s completion and acceptance.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC: Covering All Your Construction Bond Needs and More. Contact us today for your consultation at www.bondingspecialist.com/contact-us.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.