No doubt, the economic downturn has affected the construction industry in many ways.
One problem is that some overstretched contractors are not paying their subs from the money they receive from building owners. Not surprisingly, subcontractors have been busy filing liens, and usually recovering on them.
What can owners do who are forced to pay twice (to the sub and the contractor) other than engaging in lengthy and expensive litigation?
Try filing a Complaint with Construction Contractors Board (CCB), which offers attractive benefits, including:
- limited filing fees
- possible recovery of attorneys fees and costs
- quicker resolution (no protracted litigation)
- simpler and less formal hearing procedures (hearsay evidence admissible)
- $20,000 recovery through contractor's bond if successful
Yes, there IS a pot of money if you win, even if the overstretched contractor is on the brink of going belly-up. In Oregon, succesful CCB claimants simply submit the CCB decision to the surety and get paid.
Not a bad option, at least when your claim is not too far in excess of the $20,000 bond requirement.