How to Hire a
Framing Contractor in Oregon

1. Always Verify the CCB License First

In Oregon, every contractor doing structural work must hold an active Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license. This is non-negotiable — and it's the very first thing you should check before accepting any bid.

You can verify any Oregon contractor's license at search.ccb.state.or.us. It takes 30 seconds and shows you:

• Whether the license is active
• Whether the contractor is bonded and insured
• The license type and expiration date
• Any complaints or disciplinary history

If a contractor can't provide their CCB number or asks you to pay cash off the books to "save money," walk away. You have no protection if something goes wrong — and you may be liable for injuries on your property.

2. Ten Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Ask every contractor you're considering these questions before signing anything:

• What is your CCB license number? (And verify it yourself)
• Are you insured? Request a certificate of insurance naming you as additionally insured
• Who will actually do the work? Will they use their own crew or sub it out again?
• How many projects are you running concurrently? Too many = you get neglected
• What is your typical framing timeline for a project like mine?
• Have you framed projects in this city/county before? Local code knowledge matters
• Will you provide a written, itemized estimate? Never accept verbal quotes
• What does your payment schedule look like? Never pay more than 1/3 upfront
• Can you provide references from recent similar projects?
• Do you pull the permits, or is that on me?

3. Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

4. How to Get Accurate Estimates

Get at least three written estimates for any framing project. To get comparable bids:

• Have your plans or drawings ready before calling — contractors can't give accurate numbers without them
• Give every contractor the exact same scope of work to bid on
• Ask each contractor to break out labor and materials separately
• Ask what's NOT included — exclusions matter as much as inclusions
• Get a timeline commitment in writing alongside the price

5. What Framing Actually Costs in Oregon

Oregon framing labor costs vary by project type, complexity, and current lumber prices. Here are current 2025 ranges for the Willamette Valley and Portland Metro:

* All figures are labor estimates only. Lumber prices fluctuate. Contact us for a current, project-specific written estimate.

6. What Your Contract Must Include

• Contractor's full legal name, address, and CCB license number
• Detailed scope of work — what is and isn't included
• Total price or a not-to-exceed amount
• Payment schedule tied to completion milestones (never time-based)
• Start date and estimated completion date
• Who is responsible for pulling permits
• Change order process — any changes must be in writing
• Lien waiver requirements
• Dispute resolution process

7. Your Pre-Hire Checklist