What the CCB is
The CCB is the Construction Contractors Board, the Oregon state agency that licenses contractors. In general, if someone is paid to build, repair or improve a home in Oregon, they need an active CCB license. That includes roofers, painters, siding crews, and the handyman who advertises repair work.
To get licensed, the person responsible for the business has to complete training and pass a test. A licensed contractor must also keep a surety bond and liability insurance on file with the CCB. Residential contractors have continuing education to keep up with as well.
A license number isn't a promise of good work. It's the first thing a good contractor hands you.
How to look up a contractor license
The CCB has a free online search on its website. You can look up a business by name or by its CCB number. It only takes a few minutes. Here's what to check:
- License status: is it active today, not expired or suspended?
- Does the business name match the name on your estimate?
- Does the license type fit the job? A residential endorsement is what you want for work on a home.
- Are a bond and insurance listed as current?
- Is there a history of complaints or claims you should ask about?
Oregon contractors are expected to show their CCB number in their advertising. If you can't find one on a truck, a website or a bid, ask for it.
Make a note of the date you checked. If a job runs for weeks, it doesn't hurt to look again before the final payment. Licenses can lapse, and insurance can change.
What the surety bond covers
The bond is a limited amount of money that may be available if a contractor is ordered to pay a homeowner after a dispute. It is not insurance for your project, and it isn't meant to cover every loss. Think of it as a backstop, not a safety net.
The CCB also runs a dispute resolution service for homeowners. That process is generally available when the contractor was licensed at the time of the work. Hire someone without a license and you may lose that option.
What liability insurance covers
Liability insurance is for damage to property or injury to people caused by the contractor's work. If a ladder goes through your window or a leak from an open roof damages your ceiling, that is the kind of thing it is meant for. It does not cover contract disputes or poor workmanship.
If a contractor has employees, it's also fair to ask about workers' compensation. You don't want an injury on your property to become your problem.
Get it in writing
Oregon generally requires a written contract for residential jobs over $2,000. Licensed contractors also have to give homeowners certain notices, such as the consumer protection notice that explains the bond, insurance and your options. Read them. They're short, and they're written for you.
Contractor red flags
- No CCB number, or a number that belongs to a different business
- Pressure to sign today or pay a large sum in cash up front
- No written contract, or a vague one-line bid
- A license that lapsed partway through a long job
- Reluctance to answer questions about insurance
Hiring a handyman? The same rules help
Small jobs deserve the same care. A hung door, a patched wall or a new stair rail still happens inside your home. A licensed and insured contractor gives you a paper trail and a way to resolve problems if something goes wrong.
Before anyone starts, ask for the CCB number, a written estimate, and a clear idea of who will be working in your home. A good handyman will be glad you asked.
Look us up
Triple SSS Construction is licensed and insured in Oregon. Our license is Oregon CCB #215023. We'd rather you check it yourself than take our word for it. Search the number on the CCB site, then call Shawn at (503) 781-2093 with any questions about your project.
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