3 Ways to Safeguard Yourself When Hiring Contractors

Contractor License Search

Before finalizing any contract, it is imperative to ensure that your contractor isappropriately licensed. To verify a contractor's license status, please visit www.oregon.gov/ccb and click on the "Check on a Contractor’s License" link. Alternatively, you may contact the CCB offices at 503-378-4621 for assistance.

In the state of Oregon, contractors are required to undergo training and pass a comprehensive test on business practices and laws in order to obtain a license. It is important to note that licensing does not serve as a guarantee of the quality of work provided by the contractor.

Contracts

Written contracts are required in the following situations:

- When the cost of a residential structure exceeds $2,000.- If the original contract price is initially less than $2,000 but increases during the project, eventually exceeding $2,000, you must provide the owner with a written contract within five days, as per ORS 701.305.

​​​​Homeowners’ Right To Cancel​​

One-day right to cancel 

A property owner can cancel any initial contract for construction, improvement, or repair of a residential structure by giving the contractor a written notice of cancellation prior to midnight of the next business day. Some exceptions apply such as when work has already substantially begun. 

The contractor does not have any notice requirements. (ORS 701.310) 

Three-day right to cancel 

Buyers have a three-day right to cancel a home solicitation contract when the contract is solicited at any place that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. 

A construction contract is subject to this law if there is a personal solicitation made by the contractor or the contractor’s agent and the contractor’s offer is accepted anywhere other than the contractor’s permanent place of business. For example, you meet with a contractor in a restaurant. This applies to contracts for remodeling or repairs, not construction of a new house.