Starting a construction company today is far more complex than it used to be.

Years ago, reputation and grit could get you through the door—but now, gaining surety credit requires a strategic, well-documented approach. For new contractors, especially those without an established track record, qualifying for a surety bond program can feel like a steep climb. Here’s how to set your company up for success.

Understand the Surety Mindset

Surety companies aren’t just evaluating your ability to complete a job—they’re placing their trust (and financial backing) in your company’s leadership, planning, and financial health. Since many start-ups fail within the first few years, underwriters are naturally cautious.

To earn their trust, new contractors must demonstrate:

• A history of successful construction experience (even if under another company)
• Sound personal and business financial practices
• Transparency and organization in all documentation

Start Small and Build Up

While it’s tempting to pursue bonded public work right away, it’s wise to first complete smaller private jobs. This builds a performance history and generates real financials, which are far more valuable to underwriters than projections.

Consider entry-level bonding programs for small and emerging contractors that rely on personal credit scores. These programs have lower limits but can help establish a surety history.

In the world of construction, especially on government and large commercial projects, construction bonds are not just common; they’re often required.

If you’re a general contractor or subcontractor, it’s important to understand what these bonds are, why they’re necessary, and when you might need to provide one.

What Are Performance and Payment Bonds?

Performance and payment bonds are types of surety bonds that provide financial assurance and accountability on construction projects. Here’s a breakdown of what each bond does:

Performance Bond

A performance bond is a guarantee that the contractor will fulfill their obligations under the construction contract. Backed by a surety company, this bond gives the project owner peace of mind that the work will be completed according to the agreed-upon terms, timelines, and quality standards.

If the contractor fails to meet these obligations—such as abandoning the job or delivering subpar work—the surety steps in to cover the costs of completing the project or finding a replacement contractor. Essentially, a performance bond protects the owner from financial loss due to contractor default.

Payment Bond

While the performance bond protects the owner, the payment bond protects everyone further down the chain—subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers. It ensures that the contractor will pay for all services, materials, and labor used on the project.

If the contractor fails to make payments, affected parties can file a claim against the payment bond to recover their costs. In short, a payment bond “looks down” the ladder, ensuring fair compensation for everyone who contributes to the project.

Why These Bonds Matter

Performance and payment bonds are critical tools for risk management in construction. They:

• Provide financial protection for project owners
• Ensure contractors stay accountable to their commitments
• Protect subcontractors and suppliers from non-payment

In an industry where delays, disputes, and defaults can quickly derail a project, these bonds help keep everyone on track—and paid.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re bidding on a public works contract or taking on a commercial job, understanding performance and payment bonds is essential. They don’t just build trust, they build confidence that your project can be completed smoothly, even if the unexpected happens.