COLORADO GREEN BUILDING GUILD

Choosing a Contractor

Find a Green Building Professional Search the BGBG member directory of business members by service offered!

Quick Links: Residential Rebates and Incentives Commercial Rebates and Incentives Professional Certifications GEO Recharge Colorado to search rebates specific to your project

Remember, the cheapest bid is not always the best one. Follow these procedures to discover a contractor who offers both a fair price and peace of mind.

• Get a referral from friends or nonprofits you trust.
  BGBG Find a Professional
  GEO Recharge Colorado
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• Choose a contractor that keeps open the communication line all the time.  For any  construction project to be successful, the owner must be involved in the building process.

• Look for a contractor who specializes in the type of work you need done. Familiarize yourself with certifications required to perform this kind of work. (See "Who Does What" below)

• Determine which rebates or other financial incentives apply to your project. Ask your contractor how they will ensure that the work is compliant with any incentive program requirements you may qualify for.

• Check licenses and insurance with your city's Contractors Licensing Board.
  Boulder County Licensed Contractor List
  City of Boulder Licensed Contractor List

• Ask questions like: How much experience do you have with this specific kind of project? Are you insured, and what does your insurance cover? What types of warranties do you offer? Does your company perform regular maintenance?

• Check for certifications and trainings. Find out about certifications held by BGBG members

• Choose a credible contractor. Conduct research about qualified and reputable candidates in your area.
  If you can, get in touch with the previous client of the contractor you are eyeing. Make sure that you check and double-check his credentials and his capabilities.

• Give serious attention to your contract details. Better yet, study the contract well before giving it a go. It has to provide enough protection for you as much as it does for the contractor itself. Insurances and cost are just some of the factors you must study carefully.

• Check credit history, financial stability and litigation history

See Boulder DA "Before you Build" reference guide

Who Does What?

Depending upon the type of project you are planning, your first step in hiring the right contractor is to understand the difference between the various service providers and specific areas of expertise offered:

Architects – design homes, additions, and major home remodeling / renovations that call for structural changes.

Design / Build Contractors – handle all aspects of a project, from start to finish.

Designers – have expertise in certain areas of home remodeling and décor; such as kitchens, bathrooms, and home theater design.

General Contractors – manage all aspects of a project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining materials and building permits, and scheduling inspections. They work hand-in-hand with architects and designers.

Specialty Contractors – install particular aspects of a project; such as cabinets, bathroom fixtures, etc