Congrats! You have bondability, or at least we hope you do as a general contractor… When it comes to the construction industry, there is a high risk involved. When a general contractor has bondability, it means they’re capable of passing an insurance company’s background check of sorts, so a bond can be issued.

Although a client might save a chunk of change by choosing a contractor who isn’t bondable, choosing a general contractor who is bondable is key to their project’s success and safety. The bottom line: Choosing a contractor with bondability is something that clients do to protect themselves during construction.

At Competitive Edge, we understand bondability. We build your case to the carrier to ensure that you get the right coverage at the best price based on your real-world conditions. So, here are three reasons why it’s important for you, as a general contractor, to be bondable. 

Bondability Shows Clients That You’re a Safe Option

Whether or not a general contractor has bondability tells you a lot about them. Having bondability shows clients that you’re a safe option to work with! If you don’t have bondability or if your bonding capacity is minimal (typically under $250,000), many clients might view this as an indication of problems you might have faced in the past.

Contractors who are not bondable can give off the impression that they’re inept at finishing a project, keeping up with their finances, or that they take on too many projects at once. It isn’t typical for a client to jump into work with a contractor whose background they aren’t familiar with.

When a contractor has bondability, it gives off the impression that you’re serious about your work, as a surety company must thoroughly investigate, review, and consider a contractor’s relevant information before bonding them.

Bondability Protects a Client’s Financial Investments

As a contractor, you should be bondable to give yourself and your clients financial peace. Picture this: You’re a client who has hired a non-bonded contractor. Fast forward months or years down the road, and your contractor has decided to not complete their work on your project. For you, a client whose contractor is not bondable, your financial investment is torn. A client can be out millions depending on the size of the project if they decide to choose a contractor who isn’t bondable.

General contractors have bondability because it gives clients financial protection—on the off chance that you don’t finish your work. Contractors, in large projects especially, are typically bonded so if their work does not get completed, the bonding company can step in to pay to complete the project.

As a good general contractor, you want to prioritize bondability to protect your clients as well as your reputation.

Bondability Demonstrates Professionalism

When a contractor takes the necessary steps to achieve bondability, it demonstrates that they take their work seriously. Being bondable also shows that a contractor values their clients and has their interests at heart as well.

Mike Lechner, a bonding agent at Guy Hurley, says, “Bonding capacity is an indicator of a contractor’s character, experience, and financial viability underwritten by a professional third party.”

Needless to say, a contractor who does not pursue bondability often lacks the skills to efficiently complete a project. Even if a client’s project does not need a bond cost-wise, be prepared to be asked if you are bondable. Bondability, in fact, is a quick and easy pre-qualification tool that many clients use. And, of course, you don’t want to miss out on work as a result!

Simply put: Clients want to work with professionals who yield low risk. Our team at Competitive Edge can help you be that contractor if you’re not already. If you are a general contractor who is considering bondability, contact us today at Competitive Edge to learn more.