The job isn’t done when the work stops. It’s done when it holds up.
The guarantee that outlasts the ribbon-cutting
Most contract bonds cover the project up to completion. A maintenance bond covers what happens after — it guarantees the finished work will stay free of defects in workmanship and materials for a stated period, and that the contractor will correct problems that surface during that window.
What a maintenance bond guarantees
A maintenance bond (also called a warranty or guarantee bond) assures the owner that defects in workmanship or materials appearing after completion will be corrected during the guarantee period. It covers latent defects — not normal wear and tear or owner misuse. It is the only contract bond that addresses the post-completion phase, complementing the performance bond (during construction) and the payment bond (paying subs).
Term and amount
Maintenance periods are commonly 1 to 2 years, though roofing, roadwork, and similar scopes can run five years or more. The amount is set by the owner, often as a percentage of the contract. Importantly, a short maintenance period — frequently the first 12 months — is often already built into a standard performance bond at no separate premium; a standalone or extended maintenance bond is issued when a longer term is specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a maintenance bond last?
Typically one to two years, though some scopes (roofing, roadwork) run five years or longer. The term comes from the construction contract, not the surety.
Do I need a separate maintenance bond?
Often not for the first year — a 12-month maintenance/warranty period is commonly built into a standard performance bond at no extra premium. A separate or extended maintenance bond is issued when the spec requires a longer guarantee.
What does a maintenance bond cover?
Defects in workmanship and materials (and sometimes design) that appear during the guarantee period. It does not cover normal wear and tear or damage from owner misuse.
How do I get a maintenance bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.