Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

When can an owner file a complaint about construction work?

1. Within 30 days of payment

2. Within one year after significant discovery

3. Within one year after the work was substantially complete

4. Within 90 days of hiring the contractor

The correct answer is: Within one year after the work was substantially complete

An owner can file a complaint about construction work within one year after the work was substantially complete. This time frame allows the owner to assess the completed work and determine whether it meets the specified standards and contractual obligations. The period after substantial completion is crucial because it marks the point at which the owner can objectively evaluate the project, considering the completion of all significant tasks. This timeframe is established to provide a reasonable opportunity for the owner to discover any defects or issues that may arise during regular use of the constructed items. It recognizes that not all problems may be immediately apparent upon project completion, which is why substantial completion serves as a starting point for the one-year period during which complaints can be made. The other options present specific conditions that do not align with the established timeframe for filing complaints. For instance, the 30-day period related to payment may not coincide with the owner’s awareness of quality issues, while the discovery aspect suggests that the owner might only notice flaws later, hence the one-year allowance post-substantial completion is more appropriate. The notion of a complaint within 90 days of hiring the contractor does not consider the time needed to evaluate the work effectively.