How to Choose the Right Contractor in Southern Oregon: A Complete Guide

Hiring a contractor is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a homeowner. Whether you are building a custom home, remodeling your kitchen, or adding a deck, the contractor you choose will have a direct impact on the quality, timeline, and cost of your project. For homeowners in Southern Oregon—including Medford, Ashland, Eagle Point, Central Point, and the surrounding Rogue Valley—finding the right fit is especially important given our region's unique building conditions and close-knit communities.

After more than 12 years of serving Southern Oregon, we have seen what works and what does not when it comes to hiring a contractor. This guide will walk you through the seven most important things to consider before signing on the dotted line.

1. Verify Their License

Oregon law requires all contractors to be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). This is not optional—it is the law. A valid CCB license means the contractor has met bonding and insurance requirements designed to protect you as the homeowner.

Before hiring anyone, look up their CCB number on the Oregon CCB website. You can verify that their license is active, check for any complaints or disciplinary actions, and confirm the type of work they are licensed to perform.

Kammerzell Contracting has been a licensed Oregon contractor since 2012 under CCB #198366. You can verify our license status at any time through the Oregon CCB.

Be wary of any contractor who cannot provide a valid CCB number, makes excuses about their license, or asks you to pull permits yourself. These are red flags that could leave you exposed to liability if something goes wrong.

2. Look for Local Experience

Southern Oregon is not like other parts of the state. Our region has unique challenges that only an experienced local contractor will understand:

• Wildfire risk: Building in the Rogue Valley means understanding fire-resistant materials, defensible space requirements, and local fire codes that have become increasingly strict in recent years.
• Terrain and soil: From rocky hillsides in Jacksonville to clay soils in White City, our terrain demands specific foundation and drainage solutions.
• Local building codes: Each municipality in Jackson County has its own permitting process and code requirements. A local contractor will know these inside and out.
• Climate: Hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters mean materials and construction methods need to account for significant temperature swings.

When interviewing contractors, ask them specifically about projects they have completed in your area. How many years have they worked in Southern Oregon? Do they have relationships with local suppliers and inspectors? A contractor who knows the region will save you time, money, and headaches.

3. Check Reviews and References

Online reviews are a good starting point, but they should not be the only factor in your decision. Look at Google Reviews, check the contractor's profile on the Better Business Bureau, and browse any photos or testimonials on their website.

Beyond online reviews, ask the contractor for three to five references from recent projects—ideally projects similar to yours in scope and budget. Then actually call those references. Here are some questions worth asking:

• Did the project stay on budget? If not, how were overages handled?
• Was the project completed on time?
• How was the contractor's communication throughout the project?
• Were there any surprises during the project?
• Would you hire this contractor again?

A confident, reputable contractor will be happy to provide references and will have no issue with you reaching out to past clients.

4. Get Multiple Bids (But Do Not Just Choose the Cheapest)

It is always smart to get at least three bids for any significant project. This gives you a sense of the market rate and helps you compare approaches. But here is the critical piece of advice: the cheapest bid is rarely the best value.

An unusually low bid often signals one or more of these problems:

• Cutting corners on materials: Cheaper materials may save money upfront but lead to costly repairs down the road.
• Underestimating the scope: A low bid might not account for the full scope of work, leading to expensive change orders later.
• No insurance or proper licensing: Unlicensed contractors can underbid because they are not paying for the bonds and insurance that protect you.
• Subcontracting to unqualified workers: Some low-bidding contractors subcontract work to the cheapest labor they can find.

Instead of focusing solely on price, compare the detail and completeness of each bid. A thorough bid should include a detailed scope of work, a materials list, a timeline, a payment schedule, and warranty information. The contractor who takes the time to create a detailed bid is usually the one who will take the time to do quality work.

5. Communication Matters

A construction project can last weeks or even months. During that time, you will be in regular contact with your contractor. The quality of that communication will have a major impact on your experience.

Pay attention to how a contractor communicates from the very first interaction:

• Do they return your calls and emails promptly?
• Do they show up on time for estimates and meetings?
• Do they listen to your ideas and answer your questions clearly?
• Are they transparent about potential challenges or costs?
• Do they explain things in plain language, not jargon?

If a contractor is hard to reach, vague in their answers, or dismissive of your concerns during the sales process, those issues will only get worse once the project is underway. Good communication is not a luxury—it is a necessity for a successful project.

6. Get Everything in Writing

A handshake and a verbal agreement are not enough. A proper written contract protects both you and the contractor. Before any work begins, make sure you have a signed contract that includes:

• Detailed scope of work: Exactly what will be done, including materials, finishes, and specifications.
• Project timeline: Start date, estimated completion date, and key milestones.
• Payment schedule: When payments are due and how much each installment will be. Never pay the full amount upfront.
• Change order process: How changes to the scope or budget will be handled and approved.
• Warranty information: What is covered after the project is complete and for how long.
• Permits and inspections: Who is responsible for obtaining permits and scheduling inspections.
• Dispute resolution: How disagreements will be resolved if they arise.

A trustworthy contractor will not hesitate to put everything in writing. If someone pushes back against a formal contract, consider it a serious red flag.

7. Trust Your Gut

After you have done your research, checked licenses, called references, and compared bids, there is one more thing to consider: how do you feel about this person?

A construction project means inviting someone into your home for an extended period. You need to feel comfortable with their professionalism, their crew, and their approach. If something feels off—even if you cannot pinpoint exactly what—trust that instinct. There are plenty of good contractors out there, and the right one will make you feel confident and at ease.

Why Southern Oregon Homeowners Choose Kammerzell Contracting

At Kammerzell Contracting, we have built our reputation on the very principles outlined in this guide. Here is what sets us apart:

• Licensed and established: CCB #198366, actively serving Southern Oregon since 2012.
• Deep local knowledge: We live and work in the Rogue Valley. We understand the terrain, the climate, and the building codes that affect your project.
• Transparent communication: We believe you should always know what is happening with your project, what it costs, and why.
• Quality craftsmanship: From custom homes to kitchen remodels to commercial projects, we take pride in work that lasts.
• Comprehensive services: Custom homes, remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, siding, concrete, and commercial—all under one roof.

We would love the chance to earn your trust and bring your project to life. Whether you are in the early planning stages or ready to break ground, our team is here to help.