General Contracting contractors in
Portland, Oregon.

What license do I need to work as a general contractor in Portland, Oregon?

You need a CCB (Construction Contractors Board) General Contractor license issued by the State of Oregon. This is mandatory for any project exceeding $2,500 in value. The license requires passing the Oregon Contractors exam, posting a $10,000 bond, and maintaining Workers' Compensation insurance. Renewal occurs every 2 years with a 6-hour continuing education requirement. Without this license, you cannot legally bid, advertise, or execute construction work in Oregon. Violations result in fines and potential criminal liability. Source: Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).

How much does a typical kitchen remodel cost in Portland?

A mid-range kitchen remodel (roughly 200 sq ft) in Portland runs $35,000–$75,000 including labor, materials, permits, and contingency. This assumes standard cabinetry, mid-grade counters, basic appliances, and standard electrical/plumbing. High-end remodels exceed $100,000. Budget drivers include labor (median GC wage $65.89/hr per BLS), permit costs ($1,200–$2,500), material availability, and structural issues (common in Portland's older homes). Timelines typically 8–12 weeks including inspections. Costs vary significantly by neighborhood and existing condition.

What permits are required for a roof replacement in Portland?

Roof work exceeding 500 sq ft requires a City of Portland building permit. You must submit the permit application with plans/specifications, pay the permit fee ($400–$800 depending on project value), and pass plan review (5–10 business days). Once approved, the roof work triggers a weather-tight inspection (after decking/underlayment installed) and a final inspection. If you're replacing asphalt shingles like-for-like on a small section (under 500 sq ft), permit may be waived—verify with the city. Unpermitted roof work voids homeowner insurance and creates title issues. Source: City of Portland Building & Development Services.

How long does the inspection process take for a remodel project?

Typical residential remodel projects require 3–4 inspections over 3–4 weeks: (1) framing/structural (7–14 days after framing complete), (2) rough-in electrical/plumbing/HVAC (7 days after framing), (3) insulation/drywall (before wall closure), and (4) final walkthrough (after finishing). Each inspection is scheduled 2–3 days in advance and typically takes 1–2 hours. If an inspection fails, you lose a week rescheduling the reinspection. Plan conservatively: add 3–4 weeks minimum to your project schedule for inspection cycles alone, more during peak season (May–August) when inspectors have longer queues. Source: City of Portland Building & Development Services inspection scheduling.

What insurance do I need as a general contractor in Oregon?

Oregon CCB requires minimum General Liability insurance of $250,000 per occurrence / $500,000 aggregate—this is non-negotiable for licensure. You must also carry Workers' Compensation insurance if you employ any workers; SAIF or private carriers require minimum $2M aggregate typically. Builders Risk (project-specific coverage) is not mandated by the state but is required by lenders and recommended by all professional operators—typical cost $1M+ per project. Vehicle liability is mandatory if you operate company vehicles. Expect to pay $1,200–$2,500 annually for GL + Workers' Comp as a solo operator or small crew. Source: Oregon Construction Contractors Board licensing requirements and SAIF/Oregon Workers' Comp Division.