Where can I get info on increasing bonding capacity?

It is very practical to speak with a local insurance agent -- the most common source of construction bonding.

While agents who work for perfectly reputable companies such as State Farm, Farmers, Allstate may be able to sell you an initial construction bond, you will find that there are many more options, probably better pricing, and significantly greater willingness to actually bond you from the world of "independent" insurance agents.

Independent agents generally have access to many insurers, and almost always have access to the kinds of bonding companies who specialize (and love) construction bonds.

Like most things, the construction bond industry goes through ups and downs (some days contractors are beloved, other days they are the devil's spawn). But, if you'll simply phone insurance agents local to you (or a metro area if you're in a small town), you'll find individual agents willing to walk you through the entire process.

How to find "independent" agents? You can look for the "Trusted Choice" logo in the yellow pages, or visit this insurance industry association website: www.iiaba.net and select the "Consumer Info" link, then search for Trusted Choice agents near you.

You'll be glad you did.