Oregon CCB Dispute Resolution Guide

What Happens at CCB Mediation in Oregon?

About 70% of Oregon contractor disputes are resolved at CCB mediation. Here's exactly what happens, how to prepare, and what your options are if mediation doesn't succeed.

Before a dispute reaches mediation — verify the contractor's license, bond, and insurance.

Verify a License

What is CCB mediation?

CCB mediation is a free, voluntary dispute resolution service provided by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. After you file a CCB complaint and the board confirms it has jurisdiction, your case is typically assigned to a CCB mediator who will facilitate a structured conversation between you and the contractor.

The goal is not to assign blame or make a legal ruling — it is to help both parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution without going through the time and expense of litigation. Approximately 70% of disputes are resolved at mediation when both parties participate in good faith.

Mediation is not your only option, but it is typically faster, cheaper, and less stressful than court. Understanding how it works — and how to prepare — significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome.

The CCB mediation process — step by step

1

Complaint filed and jurisdiction confirmed

After your complaint is submitted, a CCB Dispute Analyst reviews it to confirm the board has jurisdiction — the contractor was licensed during the work, you have a direct contractual relationship, and the filing is within the time limits. Once confirmed, you'll be asked to pay the $50 processing fee and your case is assigned to a mediator.

2

Mediation scheduled — on-site or by phone

The mediator contacts both parties to schedule. Two formats are used:

  • On-site mediation — held at the property. Used when the disputed work is still visible and the mediator needs to inspect it. Most common for workmanship disputes where the problem hasn't been corrected yet.
  • Telephone mediation — used when the work has already been corrected by another contractor and there is nothing left to inspect, or when both parties are geographically distant.
3

The mediation session

The mediator is a neutral CCB employee — not a judge, not an advocate for either side. Their role is to keep the conversation focused, help both parties understand each other's positions, and guide negotiations toward a resolution. The process is not a trial — there is no formal presentation of evidence and the mediator does not issue rulings on who is right or wrong.

4

Settlement agreement or referral to court

If both parties agree on terms, the mediator prepares a written settlement agreement at the session. Both parties sign it immediately for on-site mediations, or it is emailed for telephone mediations. Settlement agreements are binding contracts — a breach is handled in court and may result in the contractor's license being suspended. If no agreement is reached, the CCB notifies you that you must file in court within 30 days to keep the complaint open.

How to prepare for CCB mediation

The most successful mediations happen when both parties arrive prepared, with authority to make final decisions and a clear idea of what outcome they are seeking. Here's how to prepare:

Documents to bring

  • The original written contract and any signed change orders
  • All invoices and payment receipts — proof of what you paid and when
  • All written communications with the contractor — emails, texts, letters
  • Photos and videos of the disputed work, taken at multiple stages if possible
  • Written estimates from other contractors to correct or complete the work — this is the single most important preparation step for monetary disputes
  • Any permits and inspection records for the project
  • A clear written list of every item you are disputing and the amount you believe each is worth

The most important preparation tip

Get written estimates from at least two other licensed contractors to correct or complete the disputed work before the mediation. These estimates give the mediator a concrete, objective starting point for monetary negotiations. Without them, you're negotiating from a position of weakness. The CCB explicitly states that having estimates "is going to be a very good idea." This also means you should find licensed contractors to assess the work as early as possible in the dispute process.

What the mediator will and won't do

The mediator will:

  • Keep the conversation respectful and on-topic
  • Help both sides understand each other's position
  • Facilitate negotiation toward a resolution
  • Inspect the disputed work at on-site mediations
  • Prepare and sign the settlement agreement if reached
  • Declare a conflict if they have a direct relationship with the contractor

The mediator will not:

  • Assign blame or decide who is right
  • Force either party to accept any terms
  • Act as a judge or issue a ruling
  • Review text and email trails in detail
  • Allow emotions to dominate the session
  • Advocate for either the homeowner or the contractor

If mediation fails — your options

If no agreement is reached, the CCB sends you a notice to file in court. You have 30 days from that notice to file a court action and provide the CCB with proof of filing. Missing this deadline closes your complaint and you lose access to the contractor's surety bond through the CCB process.

Small Claims Court

Maximum judgment: $10,000. Fastest and simplest — no attorney required. If your damages are $10,000 or under, this is the recommended path. Filing typically takes a few weeks.

Circuit Court

No maximum. Required for damages over $10,000. Typically requires an attorney. Attorney fees are not covered by the contractor's surety bond — you pay them regardless of outcome.

A court judgment or arbitration award is the only path to accessing the contractor's surety bond. See our detailed guide on how to collect from a contractor's surety bond in Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

A free voluntary dispute resolution service where a neutral CCB mediator facilitates negotiations between a property owner and a licensed contractor. About 70% of disputes are resolved at mediation when both parties participate. It is faster and cheaper than going to court.

The mediation itself is free. There is a $50 statutory processing fee to file the complaint, which is only requested after the CCB confirms it has jurisdiction. You are not asked to pay at the time of filing.

The mediation session typically takes 2 to 4 hours. The overall timeline from filing a complaint to mediation is typically 4 to 8 weeks depending on CCB workload and scheduling availability.

The CCB notifies you to file in court within 30 days. Small Claims handles up to $10,000 without an attorney. Circuit Court handles larger amounts but typically requires an attorney. A court judgment is the only way to access the contractor's surety bond. See our guide on how to collect from a surety bond.

Yes. As long as the contractor was actively licensed at some point during the work period and you have a direct contractual relationship with them, the CCB can likely take the complaint and proceed to mediation. Call 503-934-2247 if you are close to a filing deadline.

Last updated: February 2026. Information sourced from the Oregon CCB Consumer Protection page.

Mediation Timeline
  • Day 0 Pre-Complaint Notice sent by certified mail
  • Day 30 Earliest you can file the formal complaint
  • Wk 4–8 CCB confirms jurisdiction, $50 fee due, mediation scheduled
  • Session Mediation held — 2 to 4 hours. 70% resolve here
  • If fail 30 days to file in court or complaint closes
Mediation Preparation Checklist
  • Written contract and change orders
  • All invoices and payment receipts
  • Photos and video of disputed work
  • All emails and texts with contractor
  • At least 2 estimates to correct work
  • Permit and inspection records
  • Written list of disputed items + amounts
  • Authority to make final decisions
Related Guides
CCB Contact