That pretty much sums it up. Nearly all the work we do(utilities) has to be bonded. Its kind of a insurance for the owner that your working for. If I start a job and leave it half way done( which you dont want to do or youll never get another bond) the bonding company hires someone else to finish up. However, I get no money up front.... Never. If I put parts on the job that cost 500,000.00, Im allowed to turn in for stored materals at the end of the month. Then 60 to 90 days later I get a check for the materals, and what ever work I completed that month.
I agree that tree services dont need bonded. Besides that, It cost between 2 and 3 % of the job, including the materals too.