The Wild West of Contracting
The remodeling industry unfortunately has a reputation for flakes, delays, and blown budgets. Choosing the right partner is the single most important decision you will make regarding your home renovation. Here is how to protect yourself and your investment.
Look Beyond the Price Tag
The biggest mistake homeowners make is choosing the lowest bid. A significantly lower bid almost always means the contractor has missed crucial scope details, plans to use subpar materials, or intends to hit you with endless change orders once demolition begins. You want a comprehensive, detailed estimate, not just a low number.
Questions You Must Ask
Before signing a contract, interview the builder and ask these critical questions:
- Are you a licensed and insured General Contractor in my specific city/county? (Requirements vary wildly between Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, etc.)
- Do you handle architectural design and engineering in-house, or do I need to hire an architect separately? (This defines whether they are a true design-build firm).
- Who will be managing my project day-to-day? You want a dedicated project manager, not a contractor who is swinging a hammer on three different jobs at once.
- Can you provide references from projects similar in size and scope to mine?
The Value of Process
A professional firm will have a documented, repeatable process. At AAA Home Improvements, our 6-step process—from the initial discovery call to the final walkthrough—is designed to eliminate surprises and ensure transparent communication every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get multiple bids for my remodel?
Yes, but make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A design-build firm's proposal will look very different (and more comprehensive) than a rough estimate from a solo general contractor.
What is a typical deposit for a remodeling project?
In Colorado, it is standard for reputable contractors to ask for a deposit to cover initial design, engineering, and permitting costs, typically ranging from 5% to 15% of the estimated project total.