# TheHomeProjectGuide.com
> Source-checked home project guides for the Denver metro. Every fact links to an official page and its check date. "Unknown" = not confirmed yet.

## Pages
- [Home projects, done right — Denver metro guide](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/): Source-checked home project guides for the Denver metro: permits, planning, materials, costs and hiring a contractor.
- [For Homeowners](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/homeowners/): Homeowner hub: permits, planning, materials, costs and hiring a contractor in the Denver metro.
- [Denver-area permit guides](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/): Permit guides for Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Thornton, Westminster and Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties.
- [Denver home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/denver/): Denver home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Aurora home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/aurora/): Aurora home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Lakewood home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/lakewood/): Lakewood home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Jefferson County home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/jefferson-county/): Jefferson County home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Arapahoe County home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/arapahoe-county/): Arapahoe County home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Adams County home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/adams-county/): Adams County home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Douglas County home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/douglas-county/): Douglas County home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Thornton home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/thornton/): Thornton home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Westminster home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/westminster/): Westminster home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Arvada home permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/permits/arvada/): Arvada home permits: what needs a permit, how to apply, fees and inspections, from official pages (checked 2026-10-30).
- [Cost guides](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/costs/): Home project cost guides with cited sources only.
- [How to hire and vet a contractor](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/hiring-a-contractor/): How to check a Denver-area contractor's registration, what to ask, and what to get in writing.
- [Software & tools for contractors](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/software/): Software and tools for contractors, via our sister site IntegratedOwner.com.
- [How we review](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/how-we-review/): How TheHomeProjectGuide.com checks facts, plus our affiliate and owner disclosures.
- [About](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/about/): About TheHomeProjectGuide.com, a source-checked home project guide for the Denver metro.
- [Glossary](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/glossary/): Plain-English home construction words.
- [Contractor red flags and scam warnings (Colorado)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/contractor-scams/): Contractor red flags and scam warnings (Colorado): Warning signs of contractor fraud, from the Colorado Attorney General and Stop Fraud Colorado. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Hail and roof insurance claims in Colorado](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/hail-roof-insurance-claims/): Hail and roof insurance claims in Colorado: What the Colorado Division of Insurance says to do after hail damage. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Mechanics' liens and lien waivers in Colorado](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/mechanics-liens-lien-waivers/): Mechanics' liens and lien waivers in Colorado: How unpaid subs and suppliers can put a lien on your house, and how lien waivers protect you. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Radon testing in Colorado homes](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/radon-testing/): Radon testing in Colorado homes: How to test for radon and get help with mitigation, from CDPHE. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Call 811 before you dig (Colorado)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/call-811-before-you-dig/): Call 811 before you dig (Colorado): Colorado law requires a free utility locate before digging. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Lead paint rules for older homes (EPA RRP)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/lead-paint-older-homes/): Lead paint rules for older homes (EPA RRP): Pre-1978 homes: renovation firms must be lead-safe certified. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Denver Water rebates for toilets and sprinklers](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/water-rebates-denver-water/): Denver Water rebates for toilets and sprinklers: Rebates for Denver Water customers on efficient toilets and sprinkler nozzles. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Federal home energy tax credits: what changed](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/energy-tax-credits/): Federal home energy tax credits: what changed: The IRS says the two main home energy credits end for property placed in service after 2025. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [How to check a contractor's license in the Denver area](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/check-contractor-license/): How to check a contractor's license in the Denver area: Colorado licenses some trades statewide; cities and counties license the rest. Here is where to look. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Questions to ask a contractor before you hire](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/questions-to-ask-a-contractor/): Questions to ask a contractor before you hire: A plain checklist based on FEMA's "Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor." Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [HOA basics before a home project (Colorado)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/hoa-approval-basics/): HOA basics before a home project (Colorado): What the state HOA Information & Resource Center does and does not do. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Xcel Energy rebates in Colorado (heat pumps, insulation)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/xcel-energy-rebates-colorado/): Xcel Energy rebates in Colorado (heat pumps, insulation): Rebates Xcel lists for Colorado homes. Amounts change, so check before you buy. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Seasonal home maintenance checklist (Denver area)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/seasonal-home-maintenance/): Seasonal home maintenance checklist (Denver area): Fall, winter, spring and summer tasks from Aurora Water and Denver Water. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Wildfire-ready homes and hail-resistant roofs (Colorado)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/wildfire-and-hail-ready-roofs/): Wildfire-ready homes and hail-resistant roofs (Colorado): Colorado State Forest Service wildfire steps, and the new state roof grant program. Source-checked 2026-10-30.
- [Kitchen remodel checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/kitchen/): Printable kitchen remodel checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Bathroom remodel checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/bathroom/): Printable bathroom remodel checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Basement finish checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/basement-finish/): Printable basement finish checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Roof replacement checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/roof/): Printable roof replacement checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Windows and doors checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/windows-doors/): Printable windows and doors checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Deck checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/deck/): Printable deck checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Flooring checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/flooring/): Printable flooring checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Painting (interior and exterior) checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/painting/): Printable painting (interior and exterior) checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Home addition checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/additions/): Printable home addition checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [HVAC and water heater checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/hvac-water-heater/): Printable hvac and water heater checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Siding checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/siding/): Printable siding checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [Fencing checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/fencing/): Printable fencing checklist: planning, permit check, hiring, materials, inspections and punch list.
- [For Contractors](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/): Contractor hub: free listing, pro guides, software and tools for Denver-area contractors.
- [Colorado and city licensing by trade](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/licensing/): Colorado and city licensing by trade: Who licenses what: the state for electricians and plumbers, cities and counties for most other trades.
- [Insurance and bonding basics](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/insurance-bonding/): Insurance and bonding basics: Workers' comp rules from the state, and what we haven't confirmed yet.
- [Lien law and lien waivers for pros](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/lien-law/): Lien law and lien waivers for pros: The basics homeowners are told, so you know what they will ask for.
- [Pulling permits](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/permit-pulling/): Pulling permits: Who can pull permits in Denver and where to look for other cities.
- [EPA lead RRP firm certification](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/epa-lead-rrp/): EPA lead RRP firm certification: Pre-1978 homes: your firm must be certified.
- [Getting leads for free](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/free-leads/): Getting leads for free: No-cost ways to be found. No paid ads here.
- [Paint calculator](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/calculators/paint/): Paint calculator: Gallons of paint for a room. Free, runs in your browser.
- [Flooring square footage (with waste)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/calculators/flooring/): Flooring square footage (with waste): Square feet of flooring to buy, plus a waste allowance. Free, runs in your browser.
- [Mulch and gravel calculator](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/calculators/mulch-gravel/): Mulch and gravel calculator: Cubic yards for a bed or path. Free, runs in your browser.
- [Deck boards estimate](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/calculators/deck-boards/): Deck boards estimate: Number of deck boards for a rectangular deck. Free, runs in your browser.
- [Project budget planner](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/calculators/budget/): Project budget planner: Add up your quotes and set a contingency. Free, runs in your browser.
- [Homeowner calculators](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/calculators/): Free homeowner calculators: paint, flooring, mulch and gravel, deck boards and a budget planner.
- [Heat pump cost guide (Denver area)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/costs/heat-pump/): Heat pump costs in the Denver area: Xcel rebate rules and federal credit status, from official sources. No unsourced prices.
- [Tank vs tankless water heater](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/tank-vs-tankless-water-heater/): Tank vs tankless water heaters compared using DOE and Xcel Energy documents.
- [LVP vs hardwood flooring](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/lvp-vs-hardwood/): LVP vs hardwood flooring from USDA Forest Products Lab and EPA sources.
- [Quartz vs granite countertops](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/quartz-vs-granite/): Quartz vs granite countertops: OSHA silica alert and EPA radon facts.
- [Asphalt vs metal roofing](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/asphalt-vs-metal-roofing/): Asphalt vs metal roofing: DOE cool roof facts and shingle maker impact and wind ratings.
- [Vinyl vs fiber-cement siding](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/vinyl-vs-fiber-cement-siding/): Vinyl vs fiber-cement siding: FEMA wildfire guidance, James Hardie warranty, and ASTM D3679 certification.
- [Composite vs wood decking](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/composite-vs-wood-decking/): Composite vs wood decking: Trex warranty and EPA treated-wood facts.
- [Material comparisons](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/materials/): Home material comparisons from manufacturer and government sources.
- [Our promise: no selling your project, open ranking rules](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/our-promise/): Our promise: we never sell your project to multiple contractors, you choose who sees it, and no one can pay to rank — including the site owner.
- [Before you sign: contract checklist and lien waiver tracker](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/tools/before-you-sign/): Free contract review checklist and printable lien waiver tracker for Colorado homeowners. Runs in your browser; nothing saved.
- [Project brief builder: a quote-ready scope](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/tools/project-brief/): Build a quote-ready project scope in your browser and print it as a PDF. Questions change by project type. Nothing is sent or stored.
- [Project briefs: what homeowners bring you](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/project-briefs/): How the free homeowner project brief works and what it asks contractors to include in quotes. No paid leads, nothing sold or routed.
- [Permit history: look up permits at an address (Denver)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/tools/permit-history/): Look up building permits at a Denver address using official city search and open data. Includes a cited prototype using a free dataset.
- [Attic insulation checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/attic-insulation/): Attic insulation checklist for Denver-metro homeowners with ENERGY STAR recommended R-values.
- [Home EV charger checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/ev-charger/): Home EV charger checklist: Level 1 vs Level 2, panel capacity, permits and certified equipment (U.S. DOE).
- [Rooftop solar checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/solar/): Rooftop solar checklist for Denver-metro homeowners based on the U.S. DOE Homeowner's Guide to Going Solar.
- [Landscaping and sprinklers checklist](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/landscaping-irrigation/): Landscaping and sprinkler checklist with Denver Water 2026 drought watering rules.
- [Frozen pipes: prevent, thaw, and what to do](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/frozen-pipes/): How to prevent and safely thaw frozen pipes, from Denver Water.
- [Carbon monoxide alarms: Colorado rules](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/carbon-monoxide-alarms/): Colorado carbon monoxide alarm law (C.R.S. 38-45) for home sales, remodels and rentals, plus state fire safety tips.
- [Your rights in a Colorado roofing contract](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/roofing-contract-rights/): Colorado roofing contract law (C.R.S. 6-22-103 and 6-22-104): written contract, 72-hour cancel, insurance-denial cancel, no deductible waivers.
- [Colorado lien deadlines for pros](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/lien-deadlines/): Colorado mechanic's lien deadlines from C.R.S. 38-22-109 and 38-22-110: 10-day notice of intent, 4-month filing, 6-month lawsuit.
- [Writing a clear estimate and contract](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/clear-estimates/): How to write a clear estimate and contract homeowners trust: FTC homeowner guidance plus Colorado roofing contract rules.
- [Colorado roofing contract law (C.R.S. 6-22)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/roofing-contract-law/): Required terms for Colorado residential roofing contracts under C.R.S. 6-22-103 and 6-22-104.
- [Fall protection basics (OSHA)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/fall-protection/): OSHA fall protection basics for contractors: the 6-foot construction rule and 29 CFR 1926.501.
- [Employee or independent contractor?](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/worker-classification/): Employee vs independent contractor for Colorado construction businesses: IRS three-category test and CDLE presumption.
- [Remodel checklists](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/checklists/): Printable homeowner remodel checklists for the Denver metro: kitchen, bath, basement, roof, solar, EV charger, insulation and more.
- [Free homeowner tools](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/tools/): Free, private homeowner tools: project brief builder, contract and lien waiver checklist, lien deadline dates, permit history lookup.
- [Scams after hail, storms and wildfires](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/scams-after-storms/): FTC advice on avoiding contractor scams after hail, storms and wildfires in Colorado: warning signs, safe payment, insurance checks and FEMA.
- [Home improvement loan scams](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/home-improvement-loan-scams/): How contractor home improvement loan scams work and how to avoid them, from the FTC.
- [Wildfire-ready home: defensible space](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/wildfire-defensible-space/): Colorado State Forest Service wildfire defensible space steps: home ignition zone, Class A roof, 1/8-inch vent mesh and the 0–5, 5–30, 30–100 ft zones.
- [Lead water service lines (Denver Water)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/lead-service-lines-denver/): Denver Water lead service line replacement: who is likely affected, no direct charge replacement, consent, reimbursement and free filters.
- [Asbestos before you remodel (Colorado)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/asbestos-before-remodeling/): Colorado asbestos rules before a home remodel: CDPHE trigger levels (32 sq ft, 50 linear ft), certified inspectors, 1988 exception and abatement.
- [Call 811 before you dig (Colorado)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/call-811-before-you-dig/): Colorado 811 before you dig: three business days notice, free public utility locates, the 18-inch hand-dig rule and private lines.
- [Silica dust rule for construction (OSHA)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/silica-dust/): OSHA respirable crystalline silica construction standard basics for contractors: Table 1, written plan, competent person, exams and training.
- [W-9s and 1099-NEC for subcontractors](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/w9-and-1099-nec/): W-9 and Form 1099-NEC basics for Colorado contractors paying subcontractors, including the IRS $2,000 threshold for tax years after 2025.
- [Colorado sales and use tax for contractors](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/colorado-sales-use-tax/): Colorado sales and use tax for contractors from DOR FYI Sales 6: lump-sum vs time-and-materials, building permits and home-rule cities.
- [Homeowner guides](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/guides/): Source-checked homeowner guides for Colorado: scams, hail claims, wildfire, lead lines, asbestos, 811, liens, CO alarms and more.
- [Guides for pros](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/guides/): Contractor guides for Colorado: licensing, insurance, liens, estimates, roofing law, OSHA fall and silica, 1099s, sales tax and more.
- [Denver-metro contractor directory](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/directory/): The Denver-metro contractor directory is launching soon. Contractors can join.
- [Verification policy (planned)](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/verified/): Planned verification policy. The directory is not live yet; no listings or badges are shown.
- [Colorado lien deadlines: where to look](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/tools/lien-deadline-dates/): Where to read Colorado mechanic's lien law and why to ask an attorney. No date calculator.
- [Listings coming soon](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/listing-example/): Contractor listing pages are coming soon.
- [Why list with us](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/why-list/): The contractor directory is launching soon. Basic listings will be free.
- [Contractors: join](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/contractors/join/): Contractor sign-up is coming soon.
- [Disclaimer](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/disclaimer/): General information only; not legal, tax, insurance, financial, engineering or safety advice. No warranty. Owner disclosure.
- [Privacy](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/privacy/): Privacy: no personal data collected yet; forms not active; host may log basic technical data.
- [Terms of use](https://thehomeprojectguide.com/terms/): Terms of use: general information only, no warranty, limitation of liability, Colorado law.