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Are homeowners happy with your work?

Generally, yes. A total of 71 percent of homeowners are "extremely satisfied" with their new home or remodel, according to a CCB survey of 500 Oregon homeowners. Another 15 percent are "satisfied," and 9 percent are "dissatisfied." This question was asked of homeowners who had completed a recent project.

Your son - also an employee?

If you're a sole proprietor and are lucky enough to have a son or daughter working for you, they are EMPLOYEES and you must have workers' compensation coverage. Some types of businesses - corporations, for example - might be set up so that a family member is a corporate officer and the business has no employees. In this case, the corporation might not need workers' compensation coverage. As a sole proprietor, you are NOT a corporation. You do need workers' compensation insurance.

Some deadlines matter: 21 days

Let's say the CCB visits your job site and leaves behind a notice of intent to fine you for having employees but no workers' compensation coverage. But you want to plead your case. Legally, if you don't let us know by requesting a hearing within 21 days, you lose this right. The clock ticks and your fine becomes final.

You don't want to be on this list

"CCB Enforcement Actions" on this page takes you to a list of contractors that were fined for violations of construction regulations. A new list is posted on the CCB website the first working day of every month.

Get to know the CCB up close: Live classes

The CCB will offer its three-hour laws, regulations and business practices course at the annual JLCLIVE event, as well as in other Oregon locations this fall. At JLCLIVE on Dec. 2, you can take a CCB class from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., then visit the residential construction show exhibits at no additional cost. The event is at the Oregon Convention Center. JLCLIVE also sponsors workshops. You must register and pay for those separately through JLCLIVE. The CCB also offers classes this fall in Salem, Bend, Eugene and Wilsonville. Register for any of these classes.

More reasons to get a lead license: $$$

In the not-too-distant future, contractors that do not hold a valid Lead-Based Paint Renovators license when working on pre-1978 properties may face significantly increased exposure to fines and penalties. Be smart and get your training and license before you find yourself in a tough situation. It's much less costly to follow the requirements than it is to pay fines. Stay tuned as the Oregon and the EPA discuss changes to strengthen Oregon regulations.

Didn't I already do this?

If you are licensed for both residential and commercial contracting work, you must meet continuing education requirements for both endorsements. While residential courses count toward your commercial hours, keep in mind:

• You typically have more hours to complete as a commercial contractor so you aren't done when you finish your residential education.
• The CCB audits commercial contractors (after license renewal) to verify that they met education requirements. So, even if you completed residential requirements to renew, you may be asked to prove you completed commercial requirements later. Keep a file with proof of your continuing education!

Why update my address with CCB?

Besides the fact it's required by law:

All communications about your contractor license, including renewal forms and notifications of law changes, are mailed to that address.

If you don't get these notices, it could result in negative consequences, up to license revocation.

Here are three ways to update your address:

1. Change it through your online services account (go to our website and login)
2. Submit the address change form, also found on our website under "forms and fees"
3. Send an email to ccb.info@state.or.us

Harden your locks!

Use hard-to-cut locks on toolboxes and gates on jobsites. This tip comes from the Construction Industry Crime Prevention Program of the Pacific Northwest. The program reported that thieves cut the lock off a toolbox in Northeast Portland and took all sorts of tools. They tried to get into other tool boxes but this type of lock kept them out.

New DEQ training requirement for 1200-C project erosion and sediment inspections

Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, for 1200-C construction projects that are five or more acres, the designated erosion and sediment control inspector must be certified in a DEQ-approved erosion and sediment control program. DEQ has approved the following programs:

• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control
• Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality
• Washington State Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead
• Rogue Valley Sewer Services Erosion and Sediment Control Certification

Questions? Contact Erich Brandstetter, DEQ's stormwater program coordinator at brandstetter.erich@deq.state.or.us.