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About the Claim
The YA Group Surety Team was called in by a leading surety after the default of a bonded landscape contractor on a large commercial office park. The property featured manicured lawns, walking paths, and decorative fountains spread across multiple acres. With a schedule already slipping and exposures mounting, in the course of discussing a satisfactory resolution the obligee had suggested a replacement contractor. As a diplomatic gesture and one of courtesy, as well as in the interest of moving the job forward, all parties agreed to proceed with the obligee’s recommendation. Unfortunately, the completion contractor’s performance soon raised new concerns.
About the Investigation
Within just a couple of months, the takeover landscaper began requesting additional funds, enthusiastically declaring that the project was nearing completion. When YA personnel requested verification, the contractor supplied a series of photos meant to demonstrate substantial progress. Those images, however, covered only a small portion of the site, a detail that didn’t sit well with YA’s surety consultant. An in-person inspection confirmed that less than one-eighth of the required work had been performed. The remainder of the acreage remained in its original, unimproved state. This was a clear breach of contract, not to mention a significant fire hazard.
About the Resolution
Recognizing the risks, the surety team advised the surety that it would be best to terminate the new landscaper and to alert the obligee that the surety would complete the job. Qualified personnel were engaged, project controls were reestablished, and progress was monitored closely. Through disciplined management and field oversight, the remaining scope was completed within approximately 20 percent of both the original time and budget, restoring confidence, compliance, and safety across the property.
About YA Group
YA Group provides the expertise you need to resolve claims quickly, fairly, and confidently. Our team combines technical depth with practical field judgment, helping sureties understand what happened, implement solutions, and minimize loss exposure. The result is faster resolutions, reduced risk, and stronger surety relationships with obligees and principals alike. When you need expert surety counsel, count on experience. Count on pragmatic advice and expedient resolutions. Count on the Surety Team at YA Group. Kindly get in touch today: 1.888.864.8273 .