How much does a Maryland home improvement contractor bond cost?
Maryland home improvement contractor bond costs start at $900 for the state-required 2-year term. Your personal home improvement bond premium will be provided after a quick application review. The invoice for your surety bond cost will cover the full 2-year MHIC license term.
How do you get a Maryland home improvement contractor bond?
You can apply for your Maryland home improvement contractor bond online 24/7. You'll need to provide your individual contractor name, construction company name and address, and license number for Home Improvement Commission filing approval. Once your order has been processed, your official licensed contractor bond will be delivered by email.
How fast can I get a home improvement contractor license bond?
Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official Maryland home improvement contractor bond faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day bond issuance and email delivery.
If you have questions about the Maryland home improvement contractor bond or your application, call 1(800)308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert. We're here to guide you through the bonding process so you can get back to running your business.
What is a Maryland home improvement contractor bond?
Maryland home improvement contractor license applicants who do not meet the state's financial solvency requirements must file a $30,000 surety bond as a form of consumer protection. Applicants can choose to file a $100,000 surety bond in lieu of providing any financial statements to the state. The state's official bond form is titled the “Maryland Home Improvement Contractor's Bond” and specifically benefits the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund if a licensed contractor violates Maryland Home Improvement Law.
Why do you need a home improvement bond in Maryland?
You need this surety bond if you do not meet the state's financial solvency requirements for Maryland home improvement contractor license applicants. By filing this Maryland surety bond, you agree to comply with Annotated Code of Maryland Business Regulation Article Title 8 Home Improvement and other regulations enforced by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. If you fail to do so, your issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to your full bond amount to the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund, which you must reimburse.
What is the Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund?
The Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund compensates a homeowner up to $30,000 (or the amount the homeowner paid to the contractor) in the event a licensed contractor performs any unworkmanlike, incorrect, or incomplete remodeling or construction work on a home improvement job.
Who regulates Maryland home improvement contractors?
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission enforces licensing requirements for home improvement contractors in the state. If you have questions about a building permit or remodeling building code, you can contact the Home Improvement Commission by calling 1(410)230-6231 or emailing dloplmhic-labor@maryland.gov.
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission requires this bond for state home improvement contractor licensing. If you work as a contractor in other trades or in specific cities or counties, we also offer other Maryland contractor license bond types as well as Washington DC contractor license bond types.
How do I update or change my home improvement contractor bond?
If the Maryland Home Improvement Commission requires your surety bond form be updated for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email customercare@suretybonds.com to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested are updating your name, address, or license number to match your current contractor license or new building permit application.
How do I renew my home improvement contractor bond?
You must renew your Maryland home improvement contractor surety bond before its current 2-year-term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, SuretyBonds.com will provide a new bond form to be filed with the state for your next 2-year licensing term.
Who needs to apply for a Maryland home improvement contractor license?
The Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund compensates homeowners for poor workmanship completed by a licensed contractor. All home improvement contractors must demonstrate financial solvency to qualify for the fund before being licensed. If you can't meet the financial solvency requirements, you'll be required to file a surety bond instead.
How do home improvement contractors apply for a license in Maryland?
Complete the following steps to apply for your Maryland home builders license.
- Have 2 years of education or training experience.
- Fill out your Home Improvement Commission Contractor and Salesperson Original Application.
- Complete your Contractor's Personal Financial Statement and Co-Owners Signature document, if applicable.
- Purchase and file a surety bond in the correct required bond amount, if applicable.
- Take your Home Improvement Commission Contractors' Examination.
- Pay all applicable Home Improvement Commission fees.
You must have your state-issued home improvement contractor license before beginning any remodeling or renovation work.
