Should a driveway concrete contractor be bonded?

[Jack R]

Should a driveway concrete contractor be bonded?

[home improvement guy]

It depends on local regulations, as well as the scope of the project. Some states and municipalities require bonding for a contractor to obtain a license or a permit for a driveway project.

Check your local municipality's laws regarding contractor bonding and licensing.

Bonding may not be required for such projects because driveway contractors in some areas of the country aren't required to carry a license. Either way, confirm the contractor you're thinking of hiring adheres to any local laws and requirements.

WHAT IS BONDING?

Bonding protects the consumer in case a contractor fails to finish the job, or doesn't pay for permits, subcontractors or other financial obligations. Bonds also protect the homeowner in case the service provider goes out of business, and cover damage as a result of a contractor's negligence.

Bonds can benefit contractors, too, because subcontractors and suppliers often prefer to work with bonded service providers.

Contractors we interviewed were split in regards to the importance of hiring a bonded concrete driveway contractor.

Some contractors recommend bonding for weeks-long jobs that require a down payment far in advance of the scheduled start date, which is common for large home improvement projects. But in the case of a concrete driveway, oftentimes the job only takes a day or two, so some contractors say bonding is less important for jobs that only take one day, or don't require a down payment.

BONDING CAN BEING PEACE OF MIND

However, even if bonding isn't required where you live, hiring a bonded contractor should give you more peace of mind knowing you're covered financially in case something goes wrong.

Bonding typically means the driveway contractor paid a premium to a surety company. To check bond status, ask the contractor for a bond number and certification, or contact the surety company directly.

GET MULTIPLE DRIVEWAY CONTRACTOR BIDS AND ALL YOUR INSTALLATION QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Before hiring a driveway contractor, get multiple estimates and ask each company detailed questions about the installation. The contractor should provide a timeline for completion and the total cost.

If the contractor guarantees the work for a specific period, get the guarantee in writing. Don't forget to ask for references, and check online reviews.