Construction bonds can be confusing, but understanding them is crucial for both passing your ARE exams and protecting your projects. In this straightforward episode, Michael breaks down the fundamental differences between bonds and insurance, using easy-to-understand analogies that make this complex topic accessible.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-bonds-explained/

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why bonds are like co-signed loans, not insurance policies

- The six essential types of construction bonds and when each is used

- Real-world examples of how bonds protect owners when contractors default

- Common misconceptions architects have about bonds

- How to answer bond-related questions correctly on the ARE exam

This knowledge is particularly relevant for the Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam, but appears throughout the ARE. Michael's practical approach makes it easy to understand which parties bonds actually protect (hint: not the contractor).

Many of these crucial specifications concepts are covered in our CDT 101 course at the YA Academy, and understanding bonds is part of the comprehensive ARE preparation in our Bootcamp program.

Links mentioned in this episode:

- Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com

- ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp

- ARE 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101

- CDT 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101