How to Check a Contractor’s License in Oregon

Oregon’s starting point for paid construction and repair work is the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). The state says contractors working for compensation on construction activity involving real property generally need a CCB license. That includes common home projects such as roofing, painting, carpentry, concrete, flooring, tree service, and many repairs.

Verify the active CCB record

Ask for the CCB number and legal business name. Search the number directly and confirm the license is active. Match the result with the company signing your estimate, not just a similar trade name. If the record does not line up, ask the contractor to explain and confirm with CCB before you make a deposit.

Oregon’s consumer tools can help you review contract terms. Check that the agreement says what work is included, which products are allowances, what is excluded, and how changes will be approved. Ask for written change orders signed by both sides before extra work begins.

Electrical and plumbing need both credential paths

For electrical and plumbing work, Oregon requires the contractor to hold a CCB license and the appropriate Building Codes Division (BCD) contractor license. Ask for both numbers and the names of the companies performing the work. Search each record. A remodeler who coordinates the project may not be the business doing the electrical or plumbing.

Call the local building department about permits and inspections. Identify who applies for each one and at what point the inspector must see the work. For a bathroom project, separate demolition, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, tile, testing, and restoration so the sequence is clear.

Compare bids with the same product and scope

Send each bidder the same measurements, photos, fixture choices, and finish goal. Compare preparation, material models, labor, disposal, schedule, permit fees, allowances, warranty, and exclusions. If one contractor uses a specific fixture and another gives a low allowance, ask for a revised total using the same product.

Ask: “Please include the CCB number, BCD numbers for electrical or plumbing, who pulls permits, and how we sign off on a change.”

Save the credential searches, contract, permits, inspection results, and change orders. Browse Oregon listings, search by state, or ask SheFix to find pros. Request a list, one quote, or outreach to three professionals.

Make the change order usable

Before the work begins, decide how you will review changes. Each written change should identify the new task, reason, price, schedule impact, permit effect, and the parties approving it. Keep the original bid beside each signed revision so the final amount can be traced back to the work you authorized. At completion, collect inspection records, product details, care instructions, and the final invoice in the same project file.