In Oregon, residential construction work above a certain dollar threshold legally requires a contractor licensed by the CCB (Construction Contractors Board). Plenty of unlicensed people do the work anyway. They’re cheaper. Here’s what they’re not.
Insurance
A licensed contractor carries liability insurance and (if they have employees) workers’ comp. If somebody falls off your roof, that’s covered. With an unlicensed crew, you may be on the hook.
Bonding
Oregon-licensed contractors post a bond. If they walk off the job or do shoddy work, the bond is a financial backstop. There’s no equivalent with an unlicensed contractor.
Permits and inspections
Licensed contractors pull permits. Unlicensed work usually doesn’t get permitted. That sounds like “we saved a step,” but unpermitted work shows up on the disclosure when you sell, and it can torpedo a sale or trigger an expensive after-the-fact permit process.
Accountability
If things go wrong with a licensed contractor, you have CCB dispute resolution. With an unlicensed contractor, your only recourse is small claims court.
Keyser Construction is licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for our CCB number and a current insurance certificate any time.