Construction Industry Tops Ransomware Risk, Says Encryption Software Study
Nordlocker, an encryption software firm, conducted research in 2021 and found that the construction industry faced the highest risk of ransomware attacks among 35 analyzed industries. This risk has increased since then, with Nordlocker reporting in 2023 that the construction sector experienced the most ransomware attacks from January 2022 to January 2023. The construction industry’s… Read more
Understanding Mortgage Broker Bonds
For many aspiring mortgage brokers and seasoned industry professionals alike, the term “Mortgage Broker Bond” can seem like a puzzling requirement on the road to doing business legally. However, understanding what a Mortgage Broker Bond is and its significance is crucial in the world of mortgage lending. In this blog article, we’ll break down the… Read more
Small Bond Applications for Contractors
In the world of construction, bonding plays a crucial role. For many contractors, obtaining a bond isn’t just a mark of credibility, but also a legal necessity for many projects, especially government ones. For those who are unfamiliar or just starting, understanding the smaller nuances of bonds can be daunting. One of the initial steps… Read more
Construction Bonds for Contractors
Most construction projects require contractors to provide bonds, which protect the owner against non-payment, lack of performance, shuttered business, or warranty issues. Also known as contract bonds, construction bonds guarantee the bondholder will fulfill the contract terms. Contractors generally purchase construction bonds to protect project owners from monetary loss. If an issue arises, the owner… Read more
Electronic Surety Bonds
The establishment of electronic surety bonds is owed to the National Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS), an organization that simplifies the process of obtaining and validating professional credentials, such as licenses, across different states. The creation and prevalence of electronic surety bonds are primarily due to NMLS’s advocacy for their adoption and their provision… Read more
Finding Contractors for Subcontracts
Relationships are vital in the commercial construction industry, specifically between general and trade contractors. While general contractors subcontract work to a variety of subcontractors, trade contractors focus mainly on projects given to them by general contractors, making this dynamic for both sides mutually advantageous. The partnership between subcontractors and general contractors can be complex. General… Read more
Government Construction Contracts
Construction firms highly covet commercial government contracts, as public spending on construction projects exceeds hundreds of billions of dollars yearly, making them a lucrative opportunity. While most construction firms rely on government contracts as their sole source of revenue, others bid on various public and private jobs. Public construction contracts are governed by lengthy laws,… Read more
Types of Construction Bonds
The industry offers a large variety of surety bonds, which are required to bid or work on all public works projects, private construction, remodeling, and new construction. The different types of surety bonds include bid bonds, performance (contract) bonds, and payment bonds. These bonds offer protection for the project owner, taxpayers, investors, etc., associated with… Read more
Bond Markets Fluctuate Based on Rising Interest
At the end of 2021, the 10-year treasury note reached only 1.5 percent, creating low-interest rates. Less than a year later, in October 2022, the rates peaked at more than four percent, which hasn’t been seen since April 2010. These unusual bond market fluctuations force investors to constantly recalibrate to keep up. Because of the… Read more
Vehicle Dealer Bonds Increased
Since January 23, 2023, the Michigan Uniform Vehicle Dealer Surety Bonds (also known as Michigan auto dealer bonds or Michigan motor vehicle dealer bonds) has increased from $10,000 to $25,000. Mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws 257.248, the surety bond requirement has yet to be distributed to all motor vehicle dealers. Any individuals or business entities… Read more