What Colorado Homeowners Should Know about General Contractor Licensing and Insurance

If you're hiring a General Contractor (GC) in Colorado, one of the first things you should be asking is:

"Are you insured and licensed?"

But what does that even mean — and why do you need to know?

Let's break it down so you can hire intelligently, stay safe, and save yourself some dough.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Licensed Contractor in Colorado?

There is no statewide contractor license for General Contractors in Colorado.

Licensing occurs at the city and county level instead — and requirements can vary widely where you live.

For example:

• Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs require contractors to license themselves for most types of work (especially for anything structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, etc.).

• Smaller towns or counties may not require a license for handyperson-type work like small repairs or painting.

Note:

Even if a handyperson or GC is performing non-structural work, most municipalities do require a local business license or registration.

Pro Tip: Always ask where they are licensed — and request the license number if you need to. You can usually verify it on your local building department's website.

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What Does Being "Licensed" Include?

A licensed contractor or handyman means they've:

• Passed local requirements (which can include passing exams, showing work experience, and/or being insured).

• Agreed to follow local building codes and safety standards.

• Been officially endorsed by the city or county they're working in.

Hiring an unlicensed person (where a license is required) exposes you to serious risks — from substandard work to legal liability.

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Why Is Insurance So Important?

When someone says they are "insured," there are typically two things that means:

• General Liability Insurance:

Guards against accidental damage to your property while working.

Example: When a handyman floods your basement, his insurance is meant to pay — not you.

• Workers' Compensation Insurance:

Guards against worker injuries on your property.

Without it, you can be held personally responsible if someone gets hurt.

Bottom Line:

Always hire someone with up-to-date general liability and workers' comp insurance — and ask for proof (called a Certificate of Insurance, or COI).

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What Happens If You Employ Someone Who Is Uninsured or Unlicensed?

Regrettably, it occurs all too often — and it can be a tragedy:

• If they damage your house, you'll be left footing the repair cost.

• If they hurt themselves within your home, you'll find yourself facing lawsuits or hefty medical expenses.

• If they do inferior work, you'll have scant or no way of recourse using the law.

Worse, in cities that have permit and inspection regulations, unlicensed work might not be able to pass code, and you will be paying for costly retakes.

Using an insured and licensed contractor in Colorado is not a checkbox, it's your best protection from shoddy work, costly mistakes, and even lawsuits.

Before you sign on the dotted line, ask:

• Are you licensed (and where)?

• Are you insured? (Can I see your Certificate of Insurance?)

• If they hedge or make excuses — keep looking.

  
  

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How Alpine Home Repairs Protects You

We do it right here at Alpine Home Repairs — not because it's mandated by law, but because it's how you build trust.

We are:

✅ Licensed where required

✅ Comprehensively insured for workers' compensation and general liability

✅ Experienced in Colorado building codes and city regulations

We're happy to give you peace of mind along with quality work on every job — big or small.

Alpine Home Repairs