What is the main purpose of surety bonds in construction?

The main purpose of surety bonds in construction is to protect against default by contractors. Surety bonds serve as a financial guarantee that the contractor will complete the project according to the contract terms. If the contractor fails to fulfill their obligations—whether due to financial insolvency, inadequate performance, or other reasons—the surety bond provides a source of compensation for the project owner. This protects the owner from potential financial losses that could arise from having to find another contractor to complete the work or from the damages caused by the contractor's failure to perform.

While insurance coverage is important in construction, surety bonds specifically focus on ensuring that projects are completed as promised, rather than covering general insurance needs. Additionally, while promoting safe working conditions and ensuring accurate project bids are vital components of construction management, they do not encompass the primary function of surety bonds, which is focused on safeguarding against contractor default.