A general contractor agreement is, as the name implies, generally an agreement between the owner of real estate and a building contractor for services to manage the construction (and sometimes the design) of a residential or commercial building according to certain specifications or plans provided by the owner.

A general contractor agreement includes a description of the scope of the work to be performed; the materials to be used; the general contractor’s obligations to hire and manage subcontractors to construct the various components of the building; the payment terms for the construction of the building and the management of the construction; the time for completion of the work; insurance requirements; and the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as construction liens or contractor liens) for labor and materials provided to improve the real estate.

In Oregon, a general contractor agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the relationship and obligations between a property owner and a general contractor who will oversee the construction of a residential or commercial building. The agreement typically includes detailed provisions regarding the scope of work, materials to be used, the contractor's responsibilities in hiring and managing subcontractors, payment schedules, timelines for project completion, insurance obligations, and the handling of mechanic's and materialmen's liens. Oregon law requires that construction contracts comply with state regulations, including licensing requirements for contractors under ORS Chapter 701. Contractors must be duly licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to legally perform work. The agreement must also adhere to Oregon's regulations on construction liens, as outlined in ORS 87.001 to 87.093, which govern the filing and enforcement of liens for unpaid labor and materials. It is important for both parties to understand their rights and obligations under the contract and to ensure that the agreement is in compliance with all relevant state statutes and regulations.