What is an Oregon Contractor License Surety Bond?
Oregon Contractor License Surety Bonds are required by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) in order to receive a contractors license in the state. These bonds are meant to reimburse the CCB for unpaid orders issued by the board against an Oregon contractor’s license. For example: An Oregon contractor performs work not meeting the requirements set forth by the state or breaches a contract in which the contractor has entered. The CCB reviews the complaint and issues a monetary judgement or order against the licensed contractor. The contractor is then required to pay the judgement. However, if the contractor does not or cannot pay the judgement, the CCB can claim on the contractor license bond and may provide payment depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim. These surety bonds are required and governed by ORS Chapter 701 and OAR Chapter 812.
Who needs an Oregon Contractor License Surety Bond?
All residential and commercial contractors performing construction services in Oregon and those applying for a construction license need a surety bond. Additionally, other various construction-related services also need surety bonds. These range from residential developers to home inspectors which are discussed in further detail below.
Who is exempt from the Oregon Contractor License Surety Bond requirement?
Not all Oregon contractors and related service providers need to provide a surety bond to the Construction Contracts Board. For example: Handymen and women, gutter cleaners, and pressure washers do not need a surety bond. This exemption may not be available if you advertise your services. It’s best to contact the CCB for specific questions about licensing and bonding exemptions at 503-378-4621 or ccb.info@state.or.us.
What Oregon Contractor License Surety Bond amount do I need?
The construction license bond surety amounts for Oregon vary by type of contractor and the work being performed. Listed below is an outline of bond amount needed by type of contractor:
- Residential specialty contractor: $15,000
- Residential general contractor: $20,000
- Residential locksmith services contractor: $10,000
- Residential limited contractor: $10,000
- Residential developer: $20,000
- Home services contractor: $10,000
- Home performance score contractor: $10,000
- Home inspector services contractor: $10,000
- Commercial General Contractor Level 1: $75,000
- Commercial General Contractor Level 2: $20,000
- Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1: $50,000
- Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 2: $20,000
- Commercial Developer: $20,000
Please visit our Oregon Construction License Guide for detailed descriptions of each license type and their requirements.
How much does an Oregon Construction License Surety Bond cost?
There are a few factors which determine the cost of your construction license bond. Primarily the bond amount needed and personal credit score of the company’s owners are the deciding factors for the cost of your surety bond. Some construction license bonds such as the $10,000 Residential Limited Contractor Bond can cost as low as $100 per year. Others like the Commercial General Contractor Level 1 can cost $750 per year. The cost of these bonds can increase as the personal credit score of the company’s owners decreases.
Can I get a bad credit Construction License Surety Bond?
Absolutely. There are very few cases where an individual can’t obtain a construction license bond even if their credit score is well below average. Our surety companies entertain credit scores of all levels ranging from bad to excellent. The best way to see if you qualify and how much your bond will cost is to apply using our online application. The surety bond applications are processed immediately and you’ll generally receive your contractors license bond quote in less than an hour.
How do I contact the Oregon Construction Contractors Board?
Oregon Construction Contractors Board
201 High St. SE
Suite 600
PO Box 14140
Salem, OR 97309-5052
Phone: 503-378-4621
Fax: 503-373-2007
Email: ccb.info@state.or.us
Web: http://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/index.aspx
How do I apply for a Oregon Construction License Surety Bond?
- Complete our online Oregon Construction License Surety Bond application, or
- Download and complete our printable Oregon Construction License Surety Bond application, and
- Receive your surety bond quote in minutes!