Construction law is a general reference to various areas of law as applied to the design, engineering, and construction of buildings—including residential buildings and commercial buildings—as well as bridges, roads, pipelines, railroads, water transmission and distribution systems, electrical power transmission systems, sewerage systems, and other structures.

In addition to the law governing the filing and removal of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens (also known as contractor liens), construction law includes contract law, employment law, personal injury law, insurance law, zoning law, and real estate law.

In Oregon, construction law encompasses a wide range of legal areas as they relate to the construction industry. This includes the creation and enforcement of construction contracts, which detail the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a construction project. Oregon's construction law also covers the use of mechanic's and materialmen's liens, which are legal claims made by contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers for payment for work performed or materials provided. These liens must be filed and removed in accordance with specific state statutes. Employment law is another key aspect, governing the relationship between employers and employees in the construction sector, including wage laws and workplace safety regulations. Personal injury law is relevant in cases of accidents and injuries on construction sites. Insurance law plays a role in construction through the requirement of bonds and insurance to manage risk. Additionally, zoning law and real estate law are integral to construction law in Oregon, as they dictate the permissible uses of land and the requirements for building on it. All these areas are governed by a combination of state statutes and federal law, and they collectively ensure that construction projects are carried out legally, safely, and fairly.