Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is a conversation. Reach out through our contact form or give us a call and we’ll set up an initial consultation to learn about your project, your goals, and your timeline. From there, if it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule a site visit and walk you through our pre-construction process, which begins with a Cost & Planning Agreement. This phase is where we do the foundational work including: coordinating with either your or our architect, refining your scope, and developing a realistic estimate before construction ever begins. We’d rather invest the time upfront to get it right than rush into a build without a solid plan behind it.

Both. We regularly collaborate with homeowners and business owners who already have an architect in place. In fact, some of our best work has come from strong contractor-architect partnerships. We also offer design/build services for clients who prefer a single, coordinated team managing everything from concept through completion. If you’re early in the process and haven’t engaged an architect yet, we can help guide that conversation and connect you with the right people for your project type and budget.

Transparently and in writing. Before any change is made to the scope of work, we issue a formal change order that clearly outlines what’s changing, why, and what the cost and schedule impact will be. You’ll never be surprised by a bill at the end of the project for work you didn’t explicitly approve. Our pre-construction process is specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of major surprises. The more complete and coordinated your plans are before we break ground, the fewer unknowns arise once we’re in the field.

Yes. While Nederland is our home base, we regularly deliver projects across Boulder County and the broader Colorado Front Range including: Louisville, Lafayette, Boulder, Sugarloaf Mountain, Golden and surrounding mountain communities. If you’re unsure whether your project location is within our service area, reach out and we’ll let you know. We’re always happy to talk through a project before anyone commits to anything.

More than most people expect, and we think it’s important to be upfront about that. Working at elevation in Colorado introduces real variables that simply don’t exist on a flatlands job site. Weather windows are shorter and less predictable. Material deliveries take longer and cost more. Certain trades have limited availability in mountain communities. Permitting timelines in mountain jurisdictions can differ significantly from metro areas. We account for all of this in our scheduling and estimating from the start, and we communicate proactively when conditions shift. Our experience working in the mountains for over two decades means we plan for these realities rather than being caught off guard by them.

Passive House is the most rigorous energy-efficiency standard in residential construction. A certified Passive House is designed and built to maintain a comfortable interior temperature year-round with minimal mechanical heating or cooling which is achieved through a highly insulated building envelope, advanced air sealing, high-performance windows, and a balanced ventilation system. The result is a home that’s quieter, healthier, more durable, and dramatically cheaper to operate over its lifetime. It’s not the right fit for every project or every budget, but for clients who are building new and thinking long-term, it’s worth a serious conversation. Harris Dewart has the experience and certification to build to this standard, and we’re happy to walk you through whether it makes sense for your specific goals.

Ignition-resistant construction refers to building methods and materials specifically selected to reduce a structure’s vulnerability to wildfire. This includes things like non-combustible siding and roofing materials, enclosed eaves, ember-resistant vents, and thoughtful site planning around defensible space. For anyone building or renovating in the mountain communities of Colorado, particularly in or near forested areas, it’s not just worth considering; it’s increasingly required by local code. Beyond code compliance, it’s simply smart building practice in our environment. Harris Dewart incorporates wildfire mitigation into our mountain residential projects as a standard part of the conversation, not an afterthought.

In many cases, yes. We take planning for operational continuity seriously from the start. We work with business owners to develop phased construction schedules that minimize disruption to daily operations, staff, and customers. This requires clear communication, careful coordination of trades, and realistic scheduling, which are all areas where our team has extensive experience. We’ll be upfront with you during pre-construction about what’s feasible, the trade-offs, and how to structure the work to protect your business throughout the build.

We handle all of it. As your general contractor, Harris Dewart is responsible for hiring, scheduling, and overseeing every subcontractor on your project from framing and mechanical to finish carpentry and landscaping. You have one point of contact, one contract, and one team accountable for the outcome. You should never have to chase down a plumber or wonder why the electrician hasn’t shown up. Managing that complexity is exactly what we’re here for.

Yes, fully. Harris Dewart is a licensed general contractor in the state of Colorado, and we carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage on every project. We’re happy to provide documentation at any point in the process. If you’re evaluating contractors and one of them can’t answer this question clearly and quickly, that’s important information.

The Cost & Planning Agreement outlines the professional services we provide before construction begins. This includes facilitating the development of your plans, visiting the site, coordinating with your architect, exploring alternatives, and identifying any challenges early in the process. Our goal at the end of the pre-construction phase is to provide you with an estimate based on permit-ready plans. In addition, we strive to create a complete, realistic, and dependable foundation for your project so that once construction begins, there are fewer surprises, delays, or cost changes.

As your design becomes more complete, we refine the estimate to include accurate material costs, labor projections, allowances, and optional upgrade choices. Our goal is to make sure your design and your budget align early so there are fewer surprises once construction begins.

Yes. We manage the permitting process for you, including preparing the required documents, coordinating with your architect and engineers, and submitting the application to the correct jurisdiction. Once construction begins, we schedule and oversee all required inspections to ensure the project meets building codes and local requirements. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you always know what’s happening.

Every project is different, but we will give you an estimated timeline once your design and scope are finalized. The schedule depends on factors like complexity, permitting timelines, material lead times, and seasonal conditions. During construction, we’ll keep you informed with regular updates and let you know if anything affects the timeline. Our priority is to keep your project moving efficiently while maintaining quality at every step.