General Contracting contractors in
Denver, Colorado.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Denver. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Colorado requires Residential Building Contractor license for projects over $5,000. Must pass PSI exam covering business law, building codes, and trade knowledge. Requires 2 years verifiable experience or equivalent education. License renewal every 3 years with 24 hours continuing education. Commercial work over $100,000 requires additional Commercial Building Contractor endorsement.
Permit Requirements
Building permits required for most structural work, additions, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Denver Department of Community Planning and Development issues permits. Plan review required for most projects. Trade permits needed for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work unless contractor holds appropriate licenses.
Inspection Schedule
Footing/foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection after rough framing complete, rough-in inspections for electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation inspection before drywall, final inspection before certificate of occupancy
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if any employees. Bonding may be required for municipal projects or by local ordinance.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Document 2 years of verifiable experience in residential construction OR complete approved education program. Experience must be in construction supervision, project management, or hands-on trade work.
Submit License Application
Complete application through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Include experience documentation, references from previous employers or clients, and application fee of $300.
Pass PSI Examination
Schedule and pass the PSI contractor examination covering Colorado construction law, business practices, building codes, and trade knowledge. Exam fee $100, 4-hour time limit.
Provide Financial Documentation
Submit proof of financial responsibility including bank statements, bonding capacity, or financial statements showing ability to complete contracted work.
Obtain Insurance
Secure required general liability insurance minimums and workers compensation if applicable. Submit certificates of insurance to DORA.
Receive License
Upon approval, receive Colorado Residential Building Contractor license. License valid for 3 years and requires 24 hours continuing education for renewal.
About This Market
Denver's general contracting market is red-hot, driven by population growth, housing demand, and steady commercial development. You've got about 1403 licensed establishments across Colorado competing for work, with Denver metro taking the biggest slice. Kitchen and bath remodels dominate residential work, while commercial build-outs and tenant improvements keep the bigger outfits busy. Material costs and labor shortages are driving prices up 15-20% annually. Altitude affects concrete curing, weather delays are real, and clients expect mountain modern aesthetics.
To work this market, get your Colorado contractor license sorted first - no shortcuts on the PSI exam or experience requirements. Denver's permit process moves faster than most metros, but plan reviews still take 2-3 weeks minimum. Winter work is possible but limited - smart contractors line up spring projects in January. Labor costs are 10-15% above national average, and good subs book out months ahead. Know your soil conditions, especially expansive clay issues on the Front Range. Insurance costs are climbing with wildfire exposure, even in metro areas.
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsColorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
- Permit processesDenver Department of Community Planning and Development
- Cost rangesLocal market estimates and contractor surveys
- Insurance requirementsColorado contractor licensing statutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average cost of a kitchen remodel in Denver?
Kitchen remodels in Denver typically range from $25,000 to $85,000, with mid-range projects averaging around $45,000. Costs driven by high labor rates, material premiums due to altitude shipping, and strong demand. Source: Local contractor estimates and market analysis.
Do I need a license to do general contracting work in Denver?
Yes, Colorado requires a Residential Building Contractor license for any project over $5,000. Must pass PSI exam and show 2 years experience. License through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations.
How long do building permits take in Denver?
Denver building permits typically take 2-3 weeks for plan review on standard residential projects. Complex commercial projects can take 4-6 weeks. Express review available for simple projects. Source: Denver Department of Community Planning and Development.
When is the best time to start construction projects in Denver?
April through September is peak building season. Foundation work best done May-August to avoid freeze issues. Interior renovations possible year-round. Winter projects face weather delays and higher heating costs during construction.
What insurance do general contractors need in Colorado?
Minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate general liability insurance required. Workers compensation mandatory with employees. Professional liability recommended for design-build work. Source: Colorado contractor licensing requirements.
General Contracting contractors in Denver
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