What is a Subdivision Bond and Why is it Important?

What is a Subdivision Bond and why is it important?

In many states, the use of subdivision bonds is increasing. If you’re a contractor, property owner, or developer you should learn the basics of these bonds to ensure you know what they mean for your businesses development projects.

Subdivision bonds are a guarantee that contractors meet their performance obligations.

A subdivision bond is a contract performance bond that can also be known as a developer bond, land improvement bond, site improvement bond, plat bond, completion bond, or performance bond. Subdivision bonds provide a guarantee that improvements will be made to land within a subdivision.

Why are subdivision bonds important?

Subdivision bonds are required by some local governments when contractors start work on a subdivision building project. They are a guarantee that the contractor will complete improvement works such as sidewalk maintenance, electrical upgrades, grading changes, etc. in the required time frame. In other words, subdivision bonds are a form of insurance that ensures the government agency will receive the necessary money to get the work done if the contractor fails to complete the project in a timely fashion.

Subdivision bonds involve three key parties: the principle, the obligee, and the surety.

The principle is the contractor or business owner who purchases the subdivision bond.

 

The obligee is the government agency that requires the purchase of the bond.

 

The surety is the underwriter of the subdivision bond.

As a contractor, landowner, or developer, when you purchase a subdivision bond the surety agrees to pay the cost of the land improvements to the obligee, should you fail to complete the required improvement work. The surety can then pursue reimbursement from the bond principle (you the contractor).

The cost and convenience of subdivision bonds

Generally, a subdivision bond will cost around 3% of the bond amount, but there are several factors that will impact the price. Unsurprisingly the contract terms and size will be an important consideration for the bond company. What many people don’t realize is that the contractor’s history is also considered an important factor for the bond pricing. In particular, the bond company may examine the contractor’s work history and credit score to use as indicators of their trustworthiness.

 

Acquiring a subdivision bond can be a complicated process that requires credit checks, financial statements, application forms, project outlines, and funding information. Viking Bond Service are experts at helping contractors and developers secure subdivision bonds. We’re here to make the process as simple and convenient as possible. Contact us today for a subdivision bond quote.