When an electrical contractor is "bonded," this means that he or she has purchased an assurance document that his work will be completed on time and in a professional manner. This written "bond" acts like an insurance policy and then insures that the project the electrician starts will be finished to the satisfaction of the customer. If the customer isn't ultimately happy with the electrical work performed, then a "claim" is made with the bonding company, and the customer may be reimbursed. Usually, however there is an investigation of the work conducted to make sure the claim is above board.

There are several types of "bonds" that an electrical contractor may acquire: 1 - THE BID BOND: A Bid Bond is issued as part of the bidding process by the electrical contractor to the property owner. This type of bond assures and guarantees that should the bidder be successful, the electrician will execute the contract and provide the required surety bonds. "Surety" in this case refers to the electrical contractor doing the work.

2 - THE PERFORMANCE BOND: A performance bond is issued by an insurance company or a bank and guarantees satisfactory completion of the project by the licensed electrician.

3 - PAYMENT BOND - A payment bond is what can guarantee the owner that the electrician will be paid any money that they are due from a "principal." So, if the electrician is hired by someone else, and then they do work on your property, the owner (you) can benefit from a payment bond because the electrician and suppliers are guaranteed payment and will continue performance.

To sum up, if the electrical contractor is "bonded," then there is a really good chance that the electrical project will be finished to your 100% satisfaction. The electrical contractors reputation, and license, are on the line, they want to do a good job, and make sure you are happy.

One thing that most people don't know is that these bonding companies (usually insurance companies or banks) charge for the bond. Some of the smaller electrical contractors will likely try to charge this back to the customer, whether they know it or not.

The bond also guarantees the work of the licensed electrician for as long as that person is living. So, when hiring a bonded electrical contractor, always get the name of the bonding provider and details in case you need it for future reference or claims.

Also, the bonding company keeps a good record of service for the electricians contracted with them. It is always a good idea to check references through the bonding company, and see if there have been any complaints registered against the electrical contractor.

The key thing to remember when trying to chose between a bonded or not bonded electrician is this: A non bonded electrical contractor may always be able to do the same work as a bonded one. The bond provides assurance for the work under most circumstances, because it's an outside party providing the coverage. Ultimately it is up to you to determine which option you go with. The one thing that is recommended for certain, is to make sure the licensed electrician you hire is licensed in that particular state, and knows all the electrical codes for the area. But that is another article!