Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Bond

What Is the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Bond?

The Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Bond is a $50,000 surety bond required by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA, 73 P.S. §517.1 et seq.) for all home improvement contractors who perform more than $5,000 of work annually in Pennsylvania.

The bond protects Pennsylvania homeowners from financial harm caused by a contractor's failure to complete work, defective workmanship, abandonment of a project, or violation of HICPA requirements. If a valid claim is filed and the surety pays, the contractor must reimburse the surety in full.

HICPA registration and the bond are separate from any trade-specific license (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Home improvement contractors must register and bond regardless of whether they hold other occupational licenses.

Who Needs This Bond in Pennsylvania?

• Home improvement contractors who perform more than $5,000 in home improvement work annually in Pennsylvania must register under HICPA and maintain the $50,000 bond.
• General contractors and remodelers performing kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, roofing, siding, windows, additions, and similar residential work are covered.
• HICPA registration renewal applicants — registration renews every 2 years and the bond must be continuous throughout the registration period.

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

1. Register under HICPA through the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's contractor registration portal.
2. Obtain the $50,000 surety bond. Click "Get Your Bond Now" on this page. Applicants with good credit typically receive instant approval.
3. Submit the bond with your HICPA registration. File the bond form and registration documents with the Office of Attorney General. The $50 registration fee applies per 2-year term.
4. Receive your HICPA registration certificate and registration number, which must appear on all contracts and advertising.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

HICPA registration renews every 2 years. Your surety bond must be renewed before the registration expiration date. A lapsed bond results in an inactive registration — you cannot legally perform home improvement work in Pennsylvania without an active HICPA registration and bond. Set a reminder 60 days before expiration to begin the renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Pennsylvania contractor need a HICPA bond?

Any contractor who performs more than $5,000 in home improvement work annually in Pennsylvania must register under HICPA and maintain the $50,000 bond. Contractors doing less than $5,000/year and exempt entities (like new construction builders under a separate statute) may be exempt. When in doubt, registration is advisable.

Is the HICPA bond the same as a contractor license bond?

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide general contractor license. HICPA registration is the closest equivalent for home improvement work — it requires both registration and the $50,000 bond. Specialty trade contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) may also need separate trade licenses from their respective boards.

What does a homeowner need to show to make a claim?

A homeowner files a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General or takes civil action. If the contractor has violated HICPA — for example, by abandoning a project, using deceptive practices, or failing to complete contracted work — the homeowner may recover up to $50,000 from the bond.

How much does the Pennsylvania HICPA bond cost?

For contractors with good credit, the annual premium is typically $350–$700 (0.7%–1.4% of the $50,000 bond amount). Applicants with credit challenges may pay $1,000–$2,500 per year. Rates are re-evaluated at each 2-year renewal.

Related: All Pennsylvania surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated