A defect liability bond works as a financial instrument that assures a project owner or client that the contractor will rectify any defects or issues that arise in the construction of a project during a specified period after its completion. Ultimately, this bond serves as a guarantee that the contractor will fulfil its obligations specified in the contract. They work in a very similar way to performance bonds.
During contract negotiations, a project owner stipulates that the contractor must secure a defect liability bond. The contractor then engages with a surety company that has to complete the application process including the project details, financial information, and the contractor’s experience.
The surety company conducts thorough underwriting, assessing the contractor’s creditworthiness and past performance. If approved, the surety company issues the defect liability bond, which serves as a guarantee of the contractor’s commitment to rectify any defects. This bond is subsequently provided to the project owner, ensuring financial protection and project quality assurance.