Peter,

Thank you for taking the time to educate me on bonding. I own my lot free and clear and I am planning to use the cash on hand to build our house. I will check to see if I am required to be bonded. Once again, thank you for a very good answer.

Just starting the owner-builder process here on the west side of the Big Island and notice the posts are few and somewhat old. Owner-builder process difficult to do here? Anyone currently in the build process? Dennis

I'm owner-building on the Big Island of Hawaii. The house is approved with both the county (permit) and the homeowners' association. Bids are out for framers, roofers, electricians and plumbers. I have many recommendations for subs, but since the building industry has been hit hard, many are no longer carrying liability and workman's comp. insurance. I can weed out those without workman's comp, and thought I could purchase my own liability coverage for the build.

I am finding that since I am not a licensed general contractor, no one will provide insurance. I was told that a lot of companies quit issuing insurance to O-Bs when the housing market took a big dive. Others facing the same problem? Any suggestions on getting insurance coverage until I can get a homeowners policy? Thanks.