Residential & Commercial

Updating, remodeling or building a home or office is an investment you should protect from the start. Here's how:

  • Define and document your project scope, expectations and timeline so you can clearly and consistently communicate with potential contractors.
  • Seek experienced contractors only, and get referrals from people you know and trust, or contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) and industry organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the Colorado Association of Homebuilders (HBA).
  • Pre-qualify contractors by checking with the BBB for complaints, and visit the Colorado Secretary of State website to verify that they are registered and in good standing with the state of Colorado.
  • Set up meetings with your pre-qualified contractors to review your project. Request a copy of their license, proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, along with photos or references for similar projects. If they don’t provide requested information at the initial meeting, eliminate them from your list of potential contractors.
  • Call their references and ask questions that will validate their business values and practices (trust, reliability, communication/customer service skills, professionalism, quality, job site conditions, schedule, budget management, and follow up). If you are uncomfortable with your findings, address your concerns with the contractor, and if not satisfied, eliminate them from your list.
  • Provide consistent project details to each contractor you meet with. If the scope of your project changes, be sure the revised details are shared with all potential contractors. Establish a deadline for contractors to meet and review their proposals with you.
  • Review the proposals in person with each contractor. Be sure they provide you with a detailed proposal on company letterhead, including company name, address, phone numbers, payment terms, warranty, and detailed breakdown of tasks, deliverables and cost. You should receive a documented process for project scheduling/management, project communication, budget and change order management.
  • Select your contractor based on several criteria; price alone will put your investment and happiness at risk. When comparing contractors and proposals, break the selection criteria down into simple parts; 1) contractor in good standing, 2) professional/easy to work with, 3) credible insured/licensed contractor, 4) demonstrated business values/practices, 5) good communication/customer-service, 6) proven performance/quality 7) project follow-up and 8) competitive and balanced pricing.
  • Respect the work of others. Follow up with all contractors in the process and inform them of your decision.
  • Provide the deposit, get a receipt, sign duplicate copies of the proposal/contract, and start building.