Contractors and Repair Shops in Colorado
Licensing, written contracts, deposits and estimates for home improvement contractors and auto repair shops in Colorado.
Short answer: Colorado has no statewide general contractor license; the Attorney General advises checking with the Department of Regulatory Agencies and your local government to see whether a contractor is properly licensed. Colorado Attorney General, File a Complaint (Contractors and Home Repair); C.R.S. § 6-22-103
| Home improvement contractors | Colorado has no statewide general contractor license; the Attorney General advises checking with the Department of Regulatory Agencies and your local government to see whether a contractor is properly licensed. Roofing contractors must give the owner a signed written contract before starting work that states the scope, approximate dates and cost, contact and insurance information, a 72-hour rescission right with full refund of any deposit, and a statement that the contractor will hold payments in trust until materials are delivered or most of the work is done. If a contractor took your money and did not do the work, the Attorney General suggests making a theft report to local law enforcement. |
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| Auto repair rules | Under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act, a repair shop must get the customer's written consent before doing repairs and must give a written estimate of the total cost (including the expected completion date) before work begins, unless the customer waives it in writing; for cars towed in or dropped off after hours the waiver is limited to $100. Without further consent, a shop may not collect more than the estimate plus 10 percent or $25, whichever is less. If the customer asks when authorizing repairs, replaced parts must be returned (except body shop parts, airbag components and warranty-exchange parts). Storage charges are limited. The Attorney General says to report possible violations to your district attorney's office. |
Where to get help in Colorado
More Colorado consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Colorado
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Colorado
- Filing a Consumer Complaint in Colorado
- All Colorado consumer protection rules
FAQ
What are the rules for home improvement contractors in Colorado?
Colorado has no statewide general contractor license; the Attorney General advises checking with the Department of Regulatory Agencies and your local government to see whether a contractor is properly licensed. Roofing contractors must give the owner a signed written contract before starting work that states the scope, approximate dates and cost, contact and insurance information, a 72-hour rescission right with full refund of any deposit, and a statement that the contractor will hold payments in trust until materials are delivered or most of the work is done.
What are your rights with an auto repair shop in Colorado?
Under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act, a repair shop must get the customer's written consent before doing repairs and must give a written estimate of the total cost (including the expected completion date) before work begins, unless the customer waives it in writing; for cars towed in or dropped off after hours the waiver is limited to $100. Without further consent, a shop may not collect more than the estimate plus 10 percent or $25, whichever is less. If the customer asks when authorizing repairs, replaced parts must be returned (except body shop parts, airbag components and warranty-exchange parts). Storage charges are limited.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.