The Oregon Construction Contractors Board is investigating 68 potential violations after investigators visited 429 job sites looking for unlicensed contractors. This effort, which took place between October 13-24, was a part of a joint effort taking place over many states, coordinated by NASCLA (National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies). State licensing agencies associated with NASCLA all conducted their own efforts during this time.
During the event, CCB Field Investigators from around the state acted independently and in teams to discover unlicensed contractor activity. Efforts like this occur multiple times a year in different regions to show strong presence in the field and act as a deterrent for illegal construction activities, like working without a CCB license.
The findings:
- 25 percent of the proposed violations were in connection with advertising, bidding, or working without a contractor’s license.
- The majority of remaining proposed violations included:
- Lead-based paint violations
- Working with employees on the jobsite while in exempt status. In some of these cases, the contractor may not have the required workers’ compensation policy.
- Other violations span a range including no workers’ compensation insurance and no Assumed Business Name associated with the license (ABN).
A typical first-offense penalty for working without a license is $1,000 with subsequent violations resulting in fines of up to $5,000.
“During sweeps, we focus on a designated region and the entire team combs cities looking for anyone breaking construction law. Unlicensed contractors can undercut the bidding process, which could have negative repercussions for homeowners and licensed contractors,” said CCB Enforcement Manager Vena Swanson. “Unlicensed contractors are notorious for using methods that don’t meet industry standard, using sub-par building materials, and leaving homeowners at risk to pay workers compensation claims that occur on their property. Coordinated sweeps deter this illegal activity, while giving us the opportunity to find it and cite it.”
Who Needs a CCB License?
Anyone who repairs or remodels, as well as those who build new homes or businesses, must be licensed with the CCB. Contractors working on homes built before 1978 need special licensing and training to handle lead-based paint.
CCB’s Message: Check the License
CCB encourages all homeowners to check their contractor’s license before starting a home improvement project. Licensed contractors have a bond and insurance that offer some financial protections to the public. Also, homeowners may be able to get help from the CCB to resolve construction-related disputes if they use properly licensed contractors.
Consumers can check a contractor’s CCB license online at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/
Contractors and consumers can report unlicensed contractors and other illegal activity or verify licenses on the CCB’s website. Or, call 503-378-4621 to verify a license.
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About the CCB
The CCB is the state agency licensing over 44,000 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.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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