General Contracting contractors in
Aurora, Colorado.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Aurora. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Colorado requires Residential Contractor license through DORA. Must pass PSI exam, provide 4 years experience or education equivalent, maintain $50K surety bond, carry liability insurance. Commercial work requires additional endorsements. License renewal every 3 years with 24 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Aurora requires building permits for most general contracting work through Aurora Building Division. Residential permits $100-500 base fee plus valuation fees. Commercial permits calculated on project value. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits required separately for trade work.
Inspection Schedule
Foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before covering, insulation inspection, final inspection. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC require separate trade inspections at rough-in and final stages.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $50,000 per occurrence, $100,000 aggregate for licensing. Most contractors carry $1-2 million. Workers compensation required if employees. Surety bond $50,000 required for licensing.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Document 4 years of construction experience or complete approved education program. Combine work experience with formal training if needed. Gather employment records, tax returns, and reference letters.
Complete PSI Exam Application
Submit application through DORA website with $300 license fee plus $60 exam fee. Provide experience documentation, references, and background check authorization. Processing takes 10-15 business days.
Schedule and Pass PSI Exam
Schedule exam at PSI testing center after application approval. 4-hour exam covers Colorado construction codes, business law, and safety regulations. Must score 70% or higher to pass.
Obtain Surety Bond and Insurance
Secure $50,000 surety bond and minimum liability insurance before license activation. Bond costs $500-1500 annually depending on credit score and experience.
Activate License and Register with Aurora
Submit bond and insurance documentation to activate license. Register with Aurora for local business license if required. License active for 3 years with continuing education requirements.
About This Market
Aurora's general contracting market runs hot with steady residential growth in neighborhoods like Stapleton and newer developments southeast of the city. You've got 1403 licensed establishments statewide competing for work, but Aurora's building boom keeps demand strong. Kitchen and bathroom remodels drive the bread-and-butter work, with home additions and basement finishes following close behind. Material costs and labor shortages push pricing up, especially for skilled finish work. Colorado's contractor licensing isn't a joke - DORA runs a tight ship with their residential contractor requirements. You need that PSI exam, four years of documented experience, and a $50K bond before you touch anything. Aurora's building department moves permits reasonably fast, but factor inspection delays into your timeline. Peak season runs April to September when weather cooperates and homeowners open their wallets. Winter work means indoor projects and tighter margins. Keep your insurance current and your paperwork clean - the state audits contractors regularly and Aurora inspectors know their codes.
- Licensed establishmentsUS Census Bureau - County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsColorado DORA Division of Professions and Occupations
- Permit costsAurora Building Division fee schedule
- Insurance requirementsColorado Revised Statutes Title 12
- Cost estimatesLocal contractor surveys and market analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for general contracting in Aurora, CO?
Colorado requires a Residential Contractor license through DORA for most general contracting work. You must pass the PSI exam, document 4 years experience, maintain a $50K surety bond, and carry liability insurance. License costs $300 initially plus exam fees.
How much do building permits cost in Aurora?
Aurora building permits start at $100-500 base fee plus valuation fees calculated on project cost. A typical $50K kitchen remodel runs $400-600 in permit fees. Separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits add $50-150 each according to Aurora Building Division fee schedule.
What's the average cost for a kitchen remodel in Aurora?
Full kitchen remodels in Aurora run $25,000-80,000 depending on size, materials, and finishes. Mid-range projects average $45,000-55,000. High material costs and skilled labor shortages in the Denver metro area drive pricing above national averages.
How long does it take to get permits approved in Aurora?
Aurora Building Division typically processes residential permits in 10-15 business days for complete applications. Complex projects or revisions add time. Plan review can extend to 30 days for larger commercial projects according to city processing schedules.
Do I need workers compensation insurance as a general contractor in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires workers compensation if you have employees. Sole proprietors can opt out but subcontractors with employees must carry coverage. Penalties for non-compliance include fines up to $500 per day per employee according to Colorado Department of Labor.
General Contracting contractors in Aurora
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