Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Who must prepare drawings if the floor area is 4000 square feet or more?

1. A licensed contractor

2. A licensed architect or engineer

3. A building code inspector

4. A project manager

The correct answer is: A licensed architect or engineer

In Oregon, when the floor area of a construction project is 4000 square feet or more, the law requires that the drawings must be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. This requirement ensures that the design complies with building codes, regulations, and standards that pertain to health, safety, and welfare. Licensed architects and engineers have the necessary education, training, and experience to handle the complexities involved in larger projects. They understand the structural, mechanical, and aesthetic aspects of building design and can effectively coordinate these components. This not only helps in maintaining quality control but also minimizes risks associated with construction flaws that could lead to safety hazards or costly rework. In contrast, while licensed contractors are responsible for executing the plans on-site, they are not necessarily trained in the intricacies of drawing preparation. Building code inspectors ensure compliance with codes during the construction process rather than prepare drawings. Project managers focus on the overall coordination and management of the project but do not create architectural or engineering drawings. Therefore, the role of preparing the drawings falls specifically to licensed architects or engineers for larger projects to guarantee a professional level of design and compliance.