General Contractor Portland | Licensed Builder

Boss PDX is a licensed general contractor (Oregon CCB #232383, Washington License BOSSPPL793RN) serving Portland, OR and the surrounding metro area. We handle residential remodeling, additions, commercial buildouts, and everything in between — with fixed written scopes, dedicated project management, and a 4.9-star rating from the homeowners and businesses we've worked for.

If you already know what you need, jump straight to the service that fits your project:

Or, if you're ready to talk about your project, request a free estimate or call 844-BOSS-PDX.

What Services Does a Portland General Contractor Handle?

A general contractor coordinates every aspect of a construction project — from pulling permits and scheduling inspections to managing the trades that do the actual building. Instead of hiring a plumber, an electrician, a framer, and a roofer separately and trying to sequence their work yourself, a GC brings all of those trades under a single contract, a single schedule, and a single point of accountability. In Portland, where permitting requirements vary by jurisdiction and code enforcement is active, having a licensed GC manage the process means fewer delays, fewer compliance issues, and a finished project that passes inspection the first time.

Residential Remodeling & Additions

Kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, and basement finishing are the most common projects Portland homeowners hire a general contractor for. These projects typically involve multiple trades — plumbing, electrical, framing, finish carpentry — and require permits from your local building department. We handle kitchen remodels from layout changes to final trim, bathroom renovations from cosmetic refreshes to full gut-and-rebuild jobs, home additions and extensions including second-story additions and bump-outs, and basement finishing for homeowners looking to add livable square footage below grade.

Garage conversions and ADU construction are Portland's fastest-growing residential category. The city's ADU-friendly permitting rules and strong rental demand have made accessory dwelling units one of the best investments a Portland homeowner can make — and a garage conversion is often the most cost-effective path to getting one built.

Homeowners converting garage space into offices or living areas can also explore our garage office conversion guide — one of our most popular resources.

Exterior & Structural Work

Portland's climate puts unique demands on exterior construction. Over 150 days of measurable rainfall per year means that roofing, siding, and deck construction all require proper flashing, drainage planes, and moisture management to perform long-term. We also handle concrete and foundation work — from new pours to foundation crack repair — and framing and structural work including load-bearing wall modifications, beam replacements, and seismic retrofits. Every exterior and structural project we take on is built to meet current Oregon building code, including the energy efficiency requirements that have gotten stricter in recent code cycles.

Commercial & Restaurant Buildouts

Commercial tenant improvements and restaurant remodels operate under a different set of requirements than residential work. Commercial projects require commercial plan review, ADA compliance verification, and often fire and life safety review from the local fire marshal. Restaurant buildouts add health department permitting, grease trap requirements, Type I and Type II hood ventilation, and fire suppression systems on top of standard building code. We manage all of these requirements under a single contract, sequencing the work to minimize the time your business spends closed or your space sits vacant.

Ready to get started? Request a free estimate — we'll walk the site, discuss your goals, and provide a written scope you can hold us to.

How Much Does a General Contractor Cost in Portland?

General contractor fees in Portland typically range from 10% to 20% of total project cost for oversight and coordination. The exact percentage depends on project complexity, duration, and the number of trades involved. Here are typical total project cost ranges by type:

Kitchen remodel: $25,000–$85,000+ depending on scope
Bathroom remodel: $15,000–$50,000+
Home addition: $150–$350 per square foot
Garage conversion: $30,000–$80,000
ADU construction: $150,000–$350,000+
Deck construction: $15,000–$50,000+
Basement finishing: $30,000–$75,000+
Commercial tenant improvement: $50–$150 per square foot

The GC fee covers coordination of 8 to 15 trades on a typical project, a single point of liability for the entire scope of work, permit management and inspection scheduling, materials procurement at contractor pricing, and protection under Oregon's CCB bond and insurance requirements. Without a GC, the homeowner assumes the coordination burden and the liability — and in Oregon, any construction work valued over $750 legally requires a licensed contractor.

Every Boss PDX estimate is a fixed written scope — not a verbal ballpark that changes once demolition starts. Get your free estimate to see exact pricing for your project.

How Do I Choose a General Contractor in Portland?

Choosing the right general contractor is the single most important decision you'll make on any construction project. The difference between a good GC and a bad one isn't just quality of work — it's whether the project finishes on time, on budget, and without a dispute that ends up at the CCB. Here's what to look for.

Verify Their Oregon CCB License

Every general contractor in Oregon must hold an active Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license. You can look up any contractor on the Oregon CCB license search. Check for: active status, no unresolved complaints, and a bond in good standing. A contractor without an active CCB license cannot legally perform work in Oregon, and any contract you sign with an unlicensed contractor is unenforceable. Boss PDX CCB #232383 — look us up.

Check Insurance & Bonding

A properly licensed GC carries general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a surety bond. Ask for certificates of insurance before you sign a contract — not after. If a contractor can't produce them same-day, that's a red flag. General liability protects your property. Workers' comp protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your job site. The surety bond provides recourse if the contractor fails to complete the work. All three are required by Oregon law, and all three should be verifiable.

Ask for Written Scopes, Not Verbal Estimates

The number one source of contractor disputes in Oregon is scope disagreement — the homeowner thought one thing was included, the contractor thought it wasn't, and neither put it in writing. A good general contractor provides a detailed written scope before work begins, covering materials, labor, timeline, payment schedule, and what's specifically excluded. If a contractor gives you a number over the phone or scribbles it on a business card, that's not an estimate — it's a guess you can't hold anyone to. Boss PDX provides a detailed written scope on every project, and every change to that scope goes through a written change order before work proceeds.

Evaluate Communication Style

How quickly do they respond to your initial inquiry? Do they show up on time for the estimate appointment? Do they explain the process clearly, or do they rush through it? A contractor who's hard to reach before they have your money will be harder to reach after. Pay attention to how organized their estimate process feels — it's a preview of how organized the project will be.

Read Reviews and Ask for References

Check Google reviews, ask for 3 to 5 recent references, and actually call them. When you talk to references, ask about timeline accuracy, communication during the project, and how change orders were handled. A contractor who has great reviews but won't provide direct references is a contractor whose best work may be behind them. Review our references and learn about our partner network.

What Should I Expect During a Construction Project?

Understanding the construction process before it starts reduces surprises and helps you plan around the disruption. Here's how a Boss PDX project moves from first call to final walkthrough:

Free Consultation — We visit the site, discuss your goals, and assess feasibility. We'll identify anything structural, mechanical, or code-related that's going to affect scope before we put a number on paper. Schedule yours.
Written Estimate — You receive a detailed scope of work with materials, labor, timeline, and total cost. Every line item is spelled out. If something isn't in the scope, it isn't in the price. No surprises.
Contract & Permits — Once you approve the scope, we handle all permit applications and jurisdiction coordination. We know which departments to call, what plan reviewers flag, and how to sequence submissions to minimize wait time.
Construction — One lead carpenter and one project manager are assigned to your job from start to finish. You get weekly updates on progress, schedule, and any issues that arise. You have direct access to your project manager for questions at any time.
Inspections — We schedule and manage all required inspections with the local building department as work progresses, not all at the end. This catches problems while they're still cheap to fix.
Punch List & Walkthrough — Final walkthrough happens with you present, punch list in hand. We address every remaining item before project closeout.
Warranty — We stand behind our work and maintain relationships with every trade partner for ongoing service needs. Warranty terms are documented in your contract.

Do I Need a General Contractor or Can I Hire Trades Directly?

In Oregon, any construction work valued over $750 requires a licensed contractor (ORS 701.005). For projects involving multiple trades — plumbing, electrical, framing, finish carpentry — a general contractor provides significant advantages over managing individual trade contractors yourself:

Single point of accountability and liability — one contract, one responsible party, one person to call when something needs attention.
Permit coordination — many jurisdictions won't issue permits to homeowners for complex work involving structural changes or multiple trade disciplines.
Trade scheduling — a plumber can't rough-in until framing is done; an electrician can't wire until plumbing is roughed in. Sequencing trades correctly is what prevents a three-week project from becoming a three-month project.
Code compliance — a GC knows what inspectors look for in your specific jurisdiction, which varies significantly between Portland BDS, Washington County, Clackamas County, and the smaller cities.
Insurance coverage — if a subcontractor is injured on a self-managed job, the homeowner may carry liability. A GC's workers' compensation coverage protects you.

For simple single-trade projects — a faucet replacement, painting a room, replacing a light fixture — you may not need a GC. For anything involving structural changes, permits, or multiple trades, a general contractor saves time, money, and legal exposure.

What Areas Does Boss PDX Serve?

Boss PDX serves the entire Portland metropolitan area, including Portland (all quadrants), Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Tualatin, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Newberg, Canby, and surrounding communities in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.

We also hold a Washington state contractor license (BOSSPPL793RN) for projects in Vancouver, Camas, and the greater Clark County area.

Each jurisdiction has its own permitting process, inspection cadence, and code requirements. Washington County's process doesn't run the same as Multnomah County's, and Clackamas County has its own timeline and plan review standards. We work across all of them regularly and build every estimate around the actual jurisdiction your property sits in — not a generic Portland-area assumption.

Why Portland Homeowners Choose Boss PDX

Licensed & Insured — Oregon CCB #232383, Washington BOSSPPL793RN. Verify us on the CCB site.
Fixed Written Scopes — Every project starts with a detailed written scope. No verbal estimates, no scope creep.
Dedicated Project Management — One lead carpenter and one project manager assigned to your job from start to finish.
Partner Network — We maintain a vetted network of trade partners across every specialty, from plumbing and electrical to custom millwork and finish carpentry.
Design-Build Capability — For projects that need design support, we coordinate with architects and designers as part of the project, not as an afterthought.
Portland-Specific Knowledge — We know which jurisdictions move fast, which plan reviewers flag what, and how to sequence permits to keep your project on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Contractors in Portland

How long does a typical remodeling project take in Portland?

Timeline depends on scope and permitting. A bathroom remodel typically runs 3 to 6 weeks of construction time. A kitchen remodel is 6 to 12 weeks. Home additions and ADUs can be 4 to 8 months including permits. Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) permit turnaround currently adds 4 to 8 weeks for most residential projects — we factor that into every timeline we quote.

Do I need a permit for my remodeling project?

In Portland and most Oregon jurisdictions, permits are required for any structural changes, electrical work, plumbing modifications, or changes that affect egress, fire separation, or energy code compliance. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, fixtures that don't move plumbing — generally doesn't require permits. We handle all permit applications as part of our scope.

What is the difference between a general contractor and a handyman?

In Oregon, a handyman or limited contractor can perform work up to certain dollar thresholds and complexity limits. A general contractor holds a full CCB license and can manage projects of any size, coordinating multiple trades under a single contract. For projects involving structural work, permits, or budgets over $10,000, you need a licensed general contractor.

Can Boss PDX help with design and architecture?

Yes. We offer design-build services where we coordinate architectural design and construction under one contract. For complex projects, we work with licensed architects and bring them into the project early to align design intent with construction feasibility and budget. This approach eliminates the gap between what gets designed and what actually gets built.

How do I get a free estimate from Boss PDX?

Request a free estimate online or call 844-BOSS-PDX. We'll schedule a site visit, discuss your project goals, and provide a written scope with detailed pricing. No obligation, no pressure.

Does Boss PDX handle commercial projects?

Yes. We handle commercial tenant improvements, restaurant remodels, retail buildouts, and office renovations. Commercial projects require different permitting, ADA compliance, and often fire marshal review — we manage all of it.

What warranties does Boss PDX offer?

We provide a workmanship warranty on all completed projects. Specific warranty terms are outlined in your contract. Materials carry their own manufacturer warranties, which we help you register and understand.

How does Boss PDX handle change orders?

Change orders happen — you discover something behind a wall, or you decide mid-project to upgrade a finish. Every change order is documented in writing with the cost and timeline impact before work proceeds. No surprise bills.

Is Boss PDX licensed to work in Washington state?

Yes. We hold Washington state contractor license BOSSPPL793RN in addition to our Oregon CCB #232383. We regularly work in Vancouver, Camas, and Clark County.

What should I have ready before requesting an estimate?

A general idea of what you want to accomplish is enough. Photos of the existing space, any inspiration images, and a rough budget range are helpful but not required. We'll walk the site and help you define the scope during the consultation.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a garage conversion, a commercial buildout, or any project in between, Boss PDX is ready to help. Request your free estimate online or call 844-BOSS-PDX to schedule a site visit. We'll provide a written scope you can hold us to — that's how every Boss PDX project starts.

You can also explore our references, learn about our team, or browse our service pages to learn more about what we do.

Portland Oregon General Contractor