Hiring a contractor
General info only. Check with a licensed pro and your local building department.
1. Check registration or license
Many Denver-area cities and counties require contractors to be registered or licensed. What official pages say:
- Denver Community Planning and Development: Single-family home only (not ADUs, townhomes, condos or duplexes). Must be legal owner and resident with matching photo ID; not trusts, LLCs or corporations. (source, checked 2026-10-30)
- Lakewood Public Works – Permit Counter: Must be registered with Lakewood and have an eTRAKiT contractor account. (source, checked 2026-10-30)
- Adams County Building Safety (One Stop Permitting Center): Must be registered with the county and give a Certificate of Liability Insurance before permitting. (source, checked 2026-10-30)
- Douglas County Building Division: Must be registered (Contractor Registration Program). (source, checked 2026-10-30)
- Arvada Building Services: No contractor license needed if you own and live in the home. (source, checked 2026-10-30)
Statewide trades (electrical, plumbing): DORA License Lookup. Denver: Denver licensee search (checked 2026-10-30). Full steps: how to check a license and questions to ask.
2. Questions to ask
- Are you registered or licensed in my city or county?
- Who will pull the permit?
- Can I see your certificate of liability insurance?
- Is the quote written and itemized?
- What is the payment schedule?
- Who does the work — your crew or subcontractors?
3. Get it in writing
Get the scope, price, timeline and permit responsibility in a written contract.
Denver says: "Don't make final payment until building inspections have been approved." (source, checked 2026-10-30)