Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Who is considered the original contractor?

1. A contractor who does not work on-site

2. A contractor who contracts directly with the property owner

3. A subcontractor

4. A project manager

The correct answer is: A contractor who contracts directly with the property owner

The original contractor is defined as the individual or company that takes on the primary responsibility for a construction project and contracts directly with the property owner. This contractor is generally responsible for managing the overall project, including hiring subcontractors, securing materials, and ensuring that the work complies with local building codes and regulations. By entering directly into a legal agreement with the property owner, the original contractor establishes a direct line of accountability and is often the sole point of contact for the client regarding project updates, concerns, and payments. In contrast, the other roles mentioned do not fulfill the same function. A contractor who does not work on-site may still be involved in the project but does not contribute directly to the hands-on construction or management aspects that the original contractor oversees. A subcontractor typically works under the original contractor and is hired for specific tasks, diluting their direct responsibility to the property owner. A project manager focuses on the coordination and delivery of the construction project but may not have the same contractual relationship with the property owner as the original contractor. Thus, the defining traits of a contractor who contracts directly with the property owner align perfectly with the role of the original contractor.