SALEM, Ore. – Between April 29 and May 3, the Oregon Construction Contractors Board conducted a sweep of 151 construction sites in Central Oregon. During the five-day event, CCB field investigators identified 38 violations of contractor laws and rules, including working without a license, officials said Monday.
The sweep occurred as a part of an ongoing effort from CCB field investigators to identify unlicensed contractors and protect homeowners from unlicensed contractor scams. Penalties for working without a license start at $1,000 and subsequent violations may go up to $5,000. Working without a license is also a misdemeanor crime.
Why It’s Important to Hire Licensed Contractors
Licensed contractors carry insurance and a surety bond to protect homeowners when construction projects go wrong. For homeowners in dispute with licensed contractors, the Construction Contractors Board provides mediation services. These services help both parties settle their differences outside court.
Additionally, homeowners can access 10 years of history on any contractor’s license. This information is available on the Construction Contractor’s Board website at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/.
Reporting Unlicensed Contractor Activity
The CCB regularly investigates tips about unlicensed contractors. Contractors and consumers can report unlicensed contractor activity by sending an email to tips@state.or.us or by visiting the CCB website at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/online_complaint_enf/.
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.