Basement Remodeling in Aurora, CO: Hiring Guide

Define the rooms before requesting bids

Give each bidder the same description of how you intend to use the basement. Mark living areas, storage, a bathroom and any sleeping space on a sketch. Have the contractor assess ceiling clearance, stairs, window openings, equipment access and existing walls and floors. For a proposed bedroom, ask the Permit Center to confirm applicable requirements before accepting a layout.

Point out water stains, damp smells, cracks and previous repairs during the walkthrough. Decide who will investigate each concern and whether the bid includes that investigation. Resolve moisture and structural questions before buying flooring or approving drywall.

For a separate rental space, describe that intended use to the city before requesting a construction quote. Ask about permission for the use as well as construction approvals. Require the bidder to specify which approvals and work they include for your intended use.

Verify the contractor and trade team

Aurora requires contractors to hold the appropriate license for building, altering or repairing structures. Use the city's contractor lookup to check the business you plan to hire. Confirm with the Building Division that its license covers your proposed work, and match the business name to your contract. [1]

Aurora does not issue separate electrical or plumbing contractor licenses. It requires those contractors to have current Colorado master and contractor licenses on file with the Building Division. Have your remodeler identify those businesses before you sign, then confirm their documentation with the city. [1]

Request proof of insurance, references for comparable basement work and a written description of who supervises the job. Ask references how the contractor handled changes, inspection corrections and the final punch list. Establish who coordinates subcontractors and who answers your questions during construction.

Set permit and inspection responsibilities

Call Aurora's Building Permit Center at 303.739.7420 with your address and proposed scope. Staff assist with permit status, plan review, inspection scheduling and code questions. Ask which applications and drawings your project needs, who should submit them and which inspection stages apply. [2]

Aurora says construction may begin after issuance of required permits. The permit holder must maintain approved plans and inspection documents on site and provide inspection access before covering work. Name the permit holder and inspection coordinator in your contract. Request inspection results before authorizing crews to close walls. [3]

Aurora reviews and inspects new electrical permit applications under the 2026 National Electrical Code, effective August 1, 2026. Have the electrician confirm the requirements applicable to your application. If a proposed detail needs clarification, Aurora offers preconstruction meetings and onsite inspector consultations on request. [2] [3]

Include radon testing in the renovation plan

Arapahoe County Public Health recommends considering radon testing before and after renovations and when someone spends significant time in a basement or lower level. Arrange testing during planning, share the result with your contractor and discuss how any mitigation work would fit into the layout. [4]

For a property in Arapahoe County, contact Public Health at 303-795-4584 about its free test-kit program. Confirm eligibility and availability for your address. Use a test of your home to guide decisions about your basement. [4]

EPA advises fixing homes at radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher and considering corrective work between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The chart presents national modeled lifetime radon-related lung cancer deaths among people who never smoked. EPA rounds the displayed estimates to about 7 deaths per 1,000 at 4 pCi/L and about 15 at 8 pCi/L. These figures do not measure exposure in Aurora homes or predict an individual's outcome. [5]

Compare complete scopes and agree on closeout

Request itemized bids based on the same layout and finish choices. Identify demolition, repairs, framing, insulation, electrical work, plumbing, heating changes, drywall, flooring and cleanup. Separate optional work from the base scope. Have each bidder state whether the total includes permit fees and inspection corrections.

For a bathroom, have the bidder describe the drain connection, any floor opening and restoration work. For windows or exterior excavation, discuss access and restoration. Require written allowances for fixtures and finishes and a change-order process that states the price and schedule impact before you approve changes.

Agree on payment milestones, access hours, dust containment and material storage. At closeout, request applicable inspection results, product information, warranty terms and a completed punch list. Keep these records with your contract and approved plans for future repairs or a home sale.

Modeled lifetime radon-related lung cancer deaths among people who never smoked

Choose the next step for your basement plan

Your hiring checklist

1. Describe the intended rooms and give each bidder the same layout.
2. Photograph stains, cracks, previous repairs and equipment access.
3. Verify the lead contractor and confirm trade documentation with the city.
4. Discuss the scope with the Permit Center before agreeing to a start date.
5. Arrange radon testing and discuss follow-up work before choosing finishes.
6. Compare itemized bids, exclusions, allowances and change-order terms.
7. Assign inspection coordination and agree on when crews may cover work.
8. Collect inspection results, warranties and the completed punch list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remodel my basement?

Ask Aurora's Building Permit Center to determine requirements for your proposed scope. Describe new rooms, wiring, plumbing, heating changes and structural alterations. Aurora says construction may begin after issuance of required permits. Resolve those requirements before agreeing to a start date. [2] [3]

How do I check a basement contractor's license?

Use Aurora's contractor lookup and confirm the appropriate license for your work with the Building Division. For electrical and plumbing contractors, confirm current Colorado master and contractor licenses on file with the city. [1]

Should I test for radon before finishing the basement?

Plan testing before and after the work. Arapahoe County Public Health recommends considering testing around renovations and when someone spends significant time downstairs. For an Arapahoe County property, ask about the free test-kit program and confirm eligibility. [4]

How should I compare remodeling quotes?

Give bidders the same layout and finish selections. Compare included work, exclusions, allowances, permit responsibilities and inspection coordination. Request separate prices for optional items and written change approvals. Ask for a project-specific schedule.