General Contracting Contractors in Denver, Colorado
Licensed Establishments
1,403
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through October
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
3-7 business days
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Bathroom remodel | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Home addition | $40,000 – $120,000 |
| Basement finish | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Deck construction | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Roofing replacement | $12,000 – $30,000 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Colorado requires a Residential Contractor license for projects over $500. Must pass written exam, provide financial statements, maintain $50,000 surety bond. Commercial work requires additional endorsements. License renewal every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Denver requires building permits for structural work, additions, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Permit fees range $100-$2000+ based on project scope. Submit plans to Denver Community Planning and Development.
Inspection Schedule
Foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before drywall, electrical/plumbing rough-in inspections, insulation inspection, final inspection before occupancy
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $500,000, workers compensation required if employees, automobile liability $100,000. Many clients require $1,000,000+ coverage.
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet prerequisites
Must be 18+ years old, provide Social Security number, and have 2 years relevant experience or education in construction
- 2
Submit application
Complete application through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website with $300 application fee
- 3
Financial documentation
Submit financial statements showing net worth of $6,000+ and provide credit report
- 4
Pass written exam
Schedule and pass the residential contractor exam covering building codes, business practices, and Colorado regulations
- 5
Obtain surety bond
Purchase $50,000 surety bond from approved bonding company
- 6
Submit insurance proof
Provide certificates of insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements
- 7
Pay licensing fees
Pay final licensing fee and receive contractor license valid for 2 years
About This Market
Denver's general contracting market runs hot with steady demand driven by population growth and aging housing stock. Competition is fierce among the 1403 licensed establishments statewide, with material costs and skilled labor shortages pushing project prices up 15-20% over pre-2020 levels. Residential remodels dominate the work, particularly kitchens, bathrooms, and basement finishes that maximize square footage in expensive metro housing. Commercial work concentrates in office build-outs and retail spaces. You need your Colorado residential contractor license before touching anything over $500 - no exceptions. Denver's permitting process moves slower than you want, so factor 2-4 weeks into project timelines. Peak season runs April through October when weather cooperates. Insurance requirements bite harder here than other markets, and clients expect $1M+ coverage. Material delivery delays still plague projects, so build buffer time into schedules and lock in suppliers early.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contractors in Denver
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