Ohio contractor license information.

Are you considering starting your own contractor's business in Ohio?  It can be an exciting but overwhelming venture.  Surety bonds are a requirement in some states, cities, and counties to be compliant with federal, state and local laws in many industries.  If a business is required to have a bond, you will not be able to get a license without one.

Ohio, unlike many other states does not require general contractors to get a state license. However, a license is required for some specialty contractors. Namely:

• Electrical contractors
• HVAC contractors
• Hydronics contractors
• Plumbing contractors
• Refrigeration contractors

If you are a general contractor based in Ohio, then you will have to check the requirements of the city and county in which you want to operate.  The usual process includes completing an application, posting a contractor license bond and obtaining liability insurance.

While the OCILB does not require licensed specialty contractors to obtain a bond, a bond might be required for general/specialty contractors in certain cities/counties.  If you do need to post a contractor bond, you will need to check the amount with the county or city administration requiring it.  Contractor license bonds in Ohio typically range from $3000.00 to $25,000.00.  Ashton Agency has a flat rate program for Ohio contractor bonds. 

Being a licensed and bonded business shows credibility to the public that will be requiring your services.  Ashton Agency has been helping business owners with their specialty bonds since 1968.  What does that mean for you?  It means that Ashton Agency is able to offer some of the lowest flat rate, no credit check prices for your Ohio contractor bonds.

Start saving time and money immediately! 

Call us today at (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:

Ohio Bond Application

http://ashtonagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

Abilene Texas contractor information.

Abilene Texas contractor information.

Starting your own business can be an exciting but overwhelming venture.  Surety bonds are a requirement in some states, cities, and counties to be compliant with federal, state and local laws in many industries.  If a business is required to have a bond, you will not be able to get a license without one.

Abilene requires many types of contractors to be registered, obtain general liability insurance, and obtain bonds. To ensure you remain in compliance with the laws of your industry make sure you have obtained the proper registration, bond, and insurance, if required.

Abilene Building, Roofing, Demolition, and Building Movers contractors are required to obtain a $25,000 bond.

Abilene Swimming Pool contractors are required to obtain a $10,000 bond.

Abilene Electrical, Plumbing, and Irrigation contractors are required to obtain a $5,000 bond.

Abilene Sign contractor are required to obtain a $3,000 bond.

To view the full list of requirements that Abilene requires, visit their site directly.

Being a licensed and bonded business shows credibility to the public that will be requiring your services.  Ashton Agency has been helping business owners with their specialty bonds since 1968.  What does that mean for you?  It means that Ashton Agency is able to offer some of the lowest flat rate, no credit check prices for your Abilene contractor bonds.

Start saving time and money immediately! 

Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:

Abilene Online Application

http://ashtonagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

Oregon Landscape Contractor Bond

Newly passed Senate Bill 580 creates a new bond tier for Oregon Landscape Contractors.  The maximum bond amount was previously set at $15,000 and was required of any applicant who charged $25,000 or more for a job.  The new legislation keeps the $15,000 amount in effect, however, it is insufficient to cover jobs in which the contractor charges $50,000 or more.  They must now provide the LCB with a $20,000 Surety Bond.

The term “landscape contractor” seems to imply tasks such as mowing and edging, but the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board actually has a specific list of work a person or business may engage in that would require them to obtain a license as a landscape contractor.

• Plan or install new plantings or create new planting areas
• Install or repair irrigation systems or maintain irrigation systems with the use of compressed air
• Plan, install, maintain, or repair arbors, decks, patios, driveways, fences, retaining walls, walkways, concrete landscape edging or ornamental water features
• Install, maintain or repair drainage systems and ornamental water features

Before being able to legally engage in any of the work listed above, individuals must first obtain their license, bond and insurance.

Start saving time and money immediately! 

Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:

 http://ashtonagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

New Mexico Contractor Bond

Deciding to go into business for yourself is exciting, but also can be very stressful. Contractors will quickly find themselves swamped with paperwork they must complete to legally operate, such as a surety bond.

Surety bonds are required in New Mexico for contractors in the amount of $10,000.

A licensed and bonded business shows credibility and strong business ethics. Consumers are much more likely to work with a business they can trust than those who do not provide that same feeling.

Surety bonds are different than insurance. Bonds serve more as consumer protection that you will abide by the laws of the government agency that requires the bond.

Ashton Agency offers the New Mexico contractor bond at a flat rate price, with no credit check. 

Ashton Agency has been helping contractors all across the US get bonded quickly and easily for over 40 years.

Call (800) 452-2663 speak with one of our bond specialist.

Or visit online:

Website:  https://ashtonagency.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

What Are the Differences Between License & Permit and Fidelity Bonds?

Sheila from Ohio asks, “What is the difference between a license & permit bond and a fidelity bond?”

Sheila, 

Thanks for the great question.  The best way to answer your question is to describe what both types of bonds are.

The most common type of bond is a license and permit bond--sometimes referred to as a commercial surety bond.  This type of bond is usually required by a city, county, or state government, and required to obtain or maintain a license or permit-- thus the name license and permit bond.  A few types of industries that are likely to require a license and permit bond include:

• Used car dealers
• Pawnbrokers
• Public adjusters
• General contractors
• Specialty contractors  

A fidelity bond is a form of insurance that helps to protect an employer from loss due to negligence or dishonesty.  A fidelity bond is written in either first-party or third-party.  First-party fidelity bonds protect businesses from dishonesty and/or negligence that may be committed by direct employees of that business. Third-party fidelity bonds protect businesses from dishonestly and/or negligence by people working for the business on a contract basis.  A few examples where a first-party fidelity bond may be required are:

• An employee with a checkered past.  
• Notary
• Public Official

Examples of businesses that may require a third-party fidelity bond include:

• Security firms
• Janitorial services
• Consultants 

The main purpose of both license and permit bonds and fidelity bonds is to give an extra layer of protection for the entity requiring them, whether it be a governing body or a business.  At the Ashton Agency, we specialize in both license and permit bonds and fidelity bonds.  Visit our website http://ashtonagency.com to see all our bond and insurance programs!

Are you an auto dealer, public adjuster, contractor or another profession looking to renew your surety bond? Ashton Agency has been building relationships nationwide for over 45 years at the best rates! Call us today at (800) 451-4854 (East Coast) or (800) 452-2663 (West Coast) to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español)!

Contractors Are the Backbone of our Country

Artisan contractors – the backbone of our economy.  When contractors come to mind, we sometimes forget how many, how diverse, and how many types of contractors provide services to homeowners and businesses across the country.  Electrical contractors, mechanical contractors, carpenters, roofers, masons… many more.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are over 3.7 million artisan contractors in America.

General contractors – generally responsible for the entire construction project.  A general contractor probably will hire Artisan Contractors to build certain areas in the total project.

Many government entities regulate the contracting industry by mandating that various contractors obtain a license, and many times a surety bond.  The regulating body could be the state, city or county, or other governmental entities.

Most contractor license bonds protect the public against contractor negligence, defective construction, and sometimes unpaid wages by the contractor.  Each government entity’s laws are different, which is why it is important to check each state’s rules and regulation codes.

Various contractor organizations across America are available as resources for artisans, including:

• Artisan Contractors Association of America
• Your local Home Builders Association
• Your local building trade association
• Your contractors association in the state in which you are working, 
• Specialty contractor associations such as the National Tile Contractors Association or the National Electrical Contractor’s Association, among many more.

When your work requires a bond, click or call (800) 452-2663 for the contractor bond you need.  Our customer service agents will start the ball rolling to immediately provide you with your bond, so you can get to building America!

Ashton Agency has been servicing contractors for over 45 years, providing license bonds throughout the nation.  Our offices in Winter Park, Florida and Portland, Oregon can provide your contractor bond, usually at the lowest prices and within one business day!