CCB reminds homeowners to check the license before hiring a contractor

A Construction Contractors Board sweep of the Oregon coast revealed contractor violations, including 11 instances of working without a license, 4 lead-based paint violations and other miscellaneous violations. The sweep was conducted April 8th through the 11th, from Brookings to Astoria. Altogether, 27 violations were discovered and 207 active job site checks were performed.

By law, nearly everyone who builds a home or alters a structure must be licensed by the Construction Contractors Board. Contractors who bid and perform work on homes built before 1978 must have a lead-based paint license.

The Construction Contractors Board offers many consumer protections to homeowners who hire licensed contractors. CCB’s dispute resolution section provides mediation services to homeowners in dispute with their licensed contractor. The CCB also requires all licensed contractors to carry a bond and insurance, to protect homeowners.

Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors have little recourse when a home improvement goes wrong. Some homeowners choose to go to court at their own expense, but many simply give up and hire a licensed contractor to repair the damage.

Consumers can protect themselves by hiring contractors with an active CCB number. The CCB encourages homeowners to verify their contractor’s license on the CCB website at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/.

Anyone with questions can call the Construction Contractors Board at 503-378-4621.

###

About the CCB

The CCB is the state agency licensing over 40,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.