If you work in the City of Houston to install sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and gutters, you are required to have a permit from the City of Houston and you must get a surety bond before you can be issued the permit.
This permit lasts for a year and ensures that you will abide by the conditions set out in the public works design manual section. You must abide by city ordinances regarding the construction, reconstruction, and repair of sidewalks, culverts, driveways, gutters, and curbs. You can learn more about the permit at the Houston Permitting Center website.
What is a Houston Sidewalk Bond?
A Texas City of Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond is a type of surety bond needed before you can get a permit to begin doing work on sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and gutters in Houston, Texas.
Contrary to popular belief, a surety bond does not protect the person who purchases the bond. A Texas City of Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond will not protect you, the contractor. Instead, it will protect the state of Texas and anyone you come in contact with during your work.
How The Bond Works
When you get a Houston Sidewalk Bond, you are promising the state of Texas that you will follow all rules and regulations as states in Section 9017 of the Building Code of the City of Houston.
If you fail to follow the rules and regulations of your license, someone can make a claim against your bond. You can learn what happens during the bond claim process here.
If the surety bond company has to pay out on a bond claim, you are responsible for paying them back.
In short, your Texas City of Houston Sidewalk Bond promises you will follow the rules and regulations of your permit, and holds you liable for your actions, no matter what.
How Much Does a Texas City of Houston Sidewalk Bond Cost?
Texas has set the bond amount at $2,000, but don’t worry this is not how much you’ll need to pay. This is just how much the bond amount is set at.
The price you will pay for your bond will largely be based on your personal credit score. Depending on your personal credit score, you might pay anywhere from 1-15% of the total bond amount, so $20 – $300.
Now, many surety bond companies have a minimum charge for bonds, usually around $100. So likely you will pay anywhere from $100 – $300 for your bond.
This would be a one-time payment, not monthly, and would cover you for the entire term of the bond.
To see what you’d pay for your Texas City of Houston Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb and Gutter Builder Bond, get a free quote below:
After Purchasing Your Bond
Once you’ve purchased your surety bond, the surety bond company will complete the bond form (view a sample bond form) and mail your completed bond to you.
We, Surety Solutions, mails bonds FREE via USPS mail, but you can also pay a little extra for expedited shipping if you want your bond sooner.
Once you have your bond, you can turn it into the state and begin the permit process.
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