Contractor Problems in Oregon: Complaints and Your Options

Where to file a complaint

Send the contractor a 30-day pre-complaint notice by certified mail, then file no sooner than 30 days after mailing. For an existing structure, file within one year of substantial completion or when work stopped. Mediation is voluntary, and the board says it resolves roughly 70% of disputes. If it fails, you must file in court or the file closes. Source

Bond or insurance

The board says the only path to a contractor's bond is a signed court judgment. Payment takes at least 60 days after the board receives a certified judgment and the bond cannot pay attorney costs. The page does not state the bond amount. Source

Contract and cancellation rules

The board requires a written contract for any project costing more than $2,000 and recommends always using one. Its guide says Oregon law allows a buyer to cancel a home solicitation sale contract involving repairs or remodels with three days' notice. Source

Liens on your home

A contractor who contracts directly with a residential owner for more than $2,000 must give an Information Notice to Owner about Construction Liens. If a contract goes over $2,000 during the job, the notice must be mailed or delivered within five days after the contractor knows. A contractor who doesn't give the notice as required loses the right to claim a lien. Source

This is general information, not legal advice. A topic we don't list means we couldn't confirm it on an official page, not that the protection doesn't exist.

Oregon licensing and costs · All states

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.