Hiring a remodeling contractor is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your home, and asking the right questions up front protects your time, your money, and your property. Here’s what to ask, and why it matters, before you sign anything.
Licensing and registration: what to check depends on the trade
In Colorado, contractor regulation works differently than many homeowners expect. The state doesn’t issue a license for general remodeling or construction contractors — that’s handled locally, city by city or county by county. What the state does license directly, through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and its Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), is electricians and plumbers.
That means the right question depends on who’s doing the work. For a general remodeling contractor, ask about their current registration with the city or county where the project is located, not a state license — Colorado doesn’t issue one for that trade. For any electrician or plumber working on the project, ask specifically about their Colorado state license, since that trade is state-regulated. Requirements vary by municipality, so verify current local registration requirements directly with the city or county before work begins.
Insurance
Ask any contractor you’re considering for proof of liability insurance, and for workers’ compensation coverage if they have employees or subcontractors on the job. This protects you if something is damaged during the project or if someone is injured on your property. A contractor should be able to provide documentation without hesitation.
Get it in writing: what a solid estimate includes
A written estimate should spell out the scope of work, the materials to be used, the estimated timeline, and the total cost — not just a rough number given over the phone. Getting more than one estimate makes it easier to compare scope and pricing apples to apples, not just the bottom-line figure.
What the contract should cover
Before work begins, the contract should specify the full scope of work, the materials and their quality or brand where relevant, the payment schedule, the project timeline, and how changes to the scope will be handled and priced. It should also spell out warranty terms and who is responsible for pulling permits.
This is also where a contractor’s own process matters. The Build Squad’s approach is built around a documented set of commitments — clear communication, quality workmanship, honest recommendations, respect for your home, reliable scheduling, and no surprises — along with a structured closeout process that covers final walkthroughs, jobsite cleanup, and handing over care instructions, manuals, and warranty documentation at the end of a project. Ask any contractor you’re considering what their own process looks like, and ask for specifics rather than general assurances.
Payment structure and red flags
Be cautious of a contractor who asks for full payment up front, pressures you to decide immediately, or only accepts cash with no paperwork. A reasonable payment schedule ties payments to project milestones rather than a single large deposit before work starts. Also be wary of prices that seem unusually low, contractors without a permanent business address or references, and any pressure to skip a written contract.
Ready to talk about your project?
If you’re planning a remodel in the Denver area, we’re happy to answer questions and talk through what a solid process looks like for your project.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Advice, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam (updated December 10, 2025)
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Licensing and Permitting
- Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), Electrical and Plumbing Permits
Licensing and registration requirements can change and vary by city and county. Always verify current requirements directly with your local building department or with DORA before hiring a contractor.
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