10 Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor in Oregon Before You Hire
Hiring the wrong concrete contractor in Oregon can cost you thousands in repairs, legal fees, and headaches. Oregon's CCB licensing system protects homeowners — but only if you know how to use it. These 10 questions will help you identify qualified, trustworthy contractors and avoid the bad actors.
Questions 1–5: Licensing, Insurance & Experience
These foundational questions establish whether a contractor is legally authorized to work in Oregon and has the experience to handle your project.
- 1. Are you licensed with the Oregon CCB? (Ask for their CCB number and verify at oregon.gov/ccb)
- 2. Are you bonded and insured? (Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured)
- 3. How many years have you been doing concrete work in Oregon?
- 4. Can you provide 3 local references from similar projects in the past 12 months?
- 5. Do you have experience with Oregon's specific soil and climate conditions?
Questions 6–10: Project Specifics & Contract Details
These questions dig into the specifics of your project and protect you contractually.
- 6. Will you pull all required permits for this project?
- 7. What concrete mix design will you use, and what PSI strength?
- 8. What is the project timeline and what are the payment milestones?
- 9. What warranty do you offer on your workmanship?
- 10. Who will actually be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?
Red Flags to Watch For in Oregon
These warning signs indicate a contractor you should avoid, regardless of how low their price is.
- Asks for more than 50% deposit upfront
- Can't provide a CCB license number
- Offers a verbal-only quote with no written contract
- Pressure to sign immediately or 'price only good today'
- No local references or refuses to provide them
- Significantly lower bid than all other quotes (usually means corners will be cut)
How to Verify an Oregon Contractor's CCB License
Visit oregon.gov/ccb and search by contractor name or CCB number. The database shows license status, expiration date, bond and insurance status, and any complaints or disciplinary actions. This free check takes 2 minutes and can save you thousands.