12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor in Denver
Most homeowner regrets about contractors come from not asking the right questions before signing. These 12 questions apply to any trade — roofing, plumbing, remodeling, HVAC — and will help you separate qualified Denver professionals from contractors to avoid.
Find Home Remodeling in DenverKey Takeaways
- 1Always verify licenses independently — don't accept verbal confirmation
- 2Call references and ask specific questions about timeline, budget, and problem resolution
- 3Get every material specified in writing before signing
- 4Milestone-based payment schedules protect you — never pay more than 30% upfront
- 5All change orders must be in writing before work proceeds
Licensing and Insurance Questions
1. Are you licensed for this type of work in Colorado and Denver? Always verify independently — check DORA for state licenses.
2. Can you provide certificates of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation? Call the insurer to verify coverage is current.
3. Will you pull all required permits? A contractor who suggests skipping permits is either unlicensed or cutting corners.
Experience and References Questions
4. How long have you been operating in Denver? Local experience means knowledge of Denver codes, climate, and subcontractors.
5. Can you provide 3 references from similar projects in the past 12 months? Call them and ask: on time? on budget? how were problems handled?
6. Do you have photos of completed projects similar to mine?
Scope, Timeline, and Cost Questions
7. What exactly is included in your quote — and what is not? Get every material specified by brand and grade.
8. What is the project timeline, and what could cause delays? Get written start and completion dates.
9. How do you handle change orders? All changes must be in writing before work proceeds.
Payment, Warranty, and Communication Questions
10. What is your payment schedule? Milestone-based payments are standard. Never pay more than 30% upfront.
11. What warranty do you offer on your labor? Get it in writing.
12. Who is my point of contact, and how often will you communicate project status? Weekly updates are reasonable for any project over 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask a contractor?
"Will you pull all required permits?" — this reveals whether a contractor is operating legitimately and protects you from liability.
How do I verify a contractor's license in Colorado?
Use the Colorado DORA license lookup at dora.colorado.gov. For Denver city licenses, check Denver Community Planning and Development.
What should I do if a contractor asks for full payment upfront?
Walk away. Legitimate contractors do not require full payment before work begins.
How do I protect myself if a contractor does poor work?
Document everything with photos and written communication. Withhold final payment until punch list items are resolved.
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