The Best Commercial Contractors in Denver, Colorado

In the bustling city of Denver, Colorado, embarking on a commercial construction project can be both exhilarating and daunting. With the average commercial project ranging between $150,000 to well over $2 million, every decision holds significant weight. From selecting materials to finalizing designs, each choice contributes to the project’s timeline, cost, and ultimate success. Yet, amidst the excitement, there’s a constant awareness of potential challenges, as construction timelines often stretch up to 18 months, leaving room for unforeseen hurdles that can arise along the way.

Denver, nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, is home to approximately 713,000 residents with a median income of $50,000. The demand for reliable and skilled commercial contractors is palpable within this dynamic urban landscape. Permit data extracted from Denver’s building department reveals a landscape dotted with 32 contractors specializing in commercial projects, each vying to bring their expertise to the forefront of the city’s evolving skyline.

Selecting among the commercial general contractors in Denver is more than just finding the lowest bid or the quickest turnaround time. It’s about entrusting your vision to a team of professionals who understand the intricacies of Denver’s construction landscape. The adage holds true: the difference between a competent contractor and a subpar one can translate into significant disparities in both time and money. With the average cost of Construction hovering around $12.7 per square foot over the past two years, the importance of making an informed decision becomes ever more apparent. So, as you embark on your journey to bring your commercial aspirations to life in the Mile High City, careful consideration and due diligence in selecting the right partner will undoubtedly pave the way for a prosperous project.

Overview: The Best Commercial Contractors in Denver, Colorado

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

Snyder Building Construction

10065 E. Harvard Ave., Suite #801, Denver, CO 80231

Crafting ground-up, office tenant improvement, and restaurant or retail services for Colorado’s Front Range clients is not completed by mere skill. Alongside a team-oriented approach in design and building, Snyder Building Construction has nurtured long-lasting relationships to support the firm. Though it is a relatively young firm, it has already won the BBB Torch Award, which honors organizations for displaying a dedication to integrity and ethical business practices. Among its projects, its most notable is the Magnolia Hotel in Downtown Denver. Previously a 1910 bank, this structure has a historical charm and significance to the downtown proper. The entire project involved building and upgrading the conference spaces, common areas, and even the phone booths alongside the premier ballroom across the street. Overall, the hotel was designed to keep its historical charm while still gaining a new, modern ambiance.

i2 Construction LLP

15690 Parkerhouse Rd., Unit #2, Parker, CO 80134

I2 Construction LLP is most familiar with its dedication to building collaborative relationships with all of its clients and other organizations. Over the 22 years of its existence, this Denver-based firm has specialized in crafting complex commercial projects ranging from elaborately designed corporate interiors, technical medical or laboratory facilities, and new building construction alongside exterior additions and improvements. Over the years, it has received many recognitions, such as Outside Magazine’s 2020 Best Places to Work award and the AIA’s Denver Design Awards’ 2016 Merit Award for interior architecture. Its work on HomeAdvisor’s new first-generation build-out on 36th and Walnut. In 152,000 square feet, this structure presents a fun, modernistic, yet retro elements in the game rooms, offices, even conference rooms, and common spaces. Other fun and unique features include an enclosed playground-style indoor slide that ends right in front of a collection of communal games, activities, and the bar area. Alongside this consists of two levels of large indoor gas fireplaces with a sitting area. Combining these features, the space works as a modern yet classic conversation and entertainment space.

Gilmore Construction Corporation

4949 Ironton St., Denver, CO 80239

When the years of experience undergone by the team are combined, Gilmore Construction Company is a veteran with more than 150 years of experience. During these years, it has been recognized not just for crafting quality builds but also for being one of Colorado’s largest minority-owned commercial construction companies. Over time, this reputation has been highlighted in many publications, including multiple issues of Denver Business Journal, The Denver Post,  and Colorado Real Estate Journal among many others. Building 67, in particular, is the design-build renovation that highlights its skills in complex designs most well. Located at the Denver Federal Center, the project emphasized flexibility and long-term adaptability of the workplace solution and the well-being of the building’s occupants. Timeless aesthetics also come hand-in-hand with energy and resource conservation.

In 2023, this construction company in Denver earned a spot in Building Design + Construction’s prestigious Top 150 Contractors list. This recognition underscores W.E. O’Neil Construction’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the construction industry. It also serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire team at W.E. O’Neil Construction, reaffirming its position as a trusted partner for clients seeking exceptional construction solutions.

PG Arnold Construction

3109 28th St., Boulder, CO 80301

Though still a young construction company, PG Arnold Construction has an exceptional portfolio recognized with a ranking in the 2020 issue of BizWest 500. Since its establishment a decade ago, this commercial contractor in Denver has been crafting nearly flawless projects built on pillars of sustainability and efficiency for the communities in which they will be built in. Among these human-centric projects is the 207 Canyon office. A renovation of a 14,000 square foot commercial office space, five tenant spaces were also renovated alongside landscaping, a new siding deck and walkways, and updated interiors throughout the entire structure. Aside from completing great projects like this, PG Arnold Construction also expresses community support by partnering with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Attention Homes, and the Humane City of Boulder Valley.

Coda Construction Group

444 Lipan St., Denver, CO 80204

Coda Construction Group is an exceptional general contractor that has completed over 1,600 commercial projects. One of these projects is the notable Hindman Sanchez project. A complete gut and renovation, the project involved outfitting a living wall off the reception area with living plants while the entire space was redone. Now, it includes glass-front offices, brand-new millwork, a modular arts wall, and a mixture of all-new flooring. With projects like this, Coda Construction Group is known for being one of the area’s most trustworthy contractors with over 250 years of combined experience.

In 2017, The Denver Post recognized this commercial general contractor in Denver as one of the Top Workplaces, a testament to its commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment. It supports over 80 community non-profit organizations, engaging small, minority, and women-owned businesses as valued project partners and mentors. Embracing sustainability, it implements long-term strategies to achieve a zero waste stream process, significantly reducing water usage, and minimizing carbon output.

Saunders Construction Company

1660 17th St., Suite. LL1, Denver, CO 80202

An industry veteran, Saunders Construction has been a reliable industry giant for 50 years. During this time, it has worked as a full-service general contractor, design builder, and construction manager for the commercial building industry. It is one of Colorado’s largest construction firms and is experienced in a wide range of project types, including more than 15 recreational facilities and more than 10 offices, which highlights its ability to work with complex designs. Projects like this have helped the firm gain over 100 industry awards and attention from Engineering News-Record (ENR), The Daily Sentinel, and The Colorado Sun. It has also been included in rank lists like The Denver Post’s 2020 list of Top Workplaces and has received 11 of ENR’s Best Project Awards. Saunders Construction is a member of the Citadel Group—an alliance of seven regional construction-related companies with operations in 19 cities.

GE Johnson Construction Company

5613 DTC Pkwy., Suite #450, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

GE Johnson Construction Company is a 54-year-old firm with the 100th rank in ENR’s prestigious 2019 list of Top 400 contractors. Over time, this commercial contractor in Denver has been recognized with other prestigious awards, such as ENR’s 2020 Best of the Best Projects awards and the Best Regional Projects awards. Considering its titles combined with its veteran reputation, 90% of GE Johnson Construction Company’s clientele comprises satisfied repeat clients. So far, one of its most notable projects is The Prism, which is located on the prime “Wall Street of The Rockies” in Denver. A nine-story mixed-use building, it has 107,074 square feet of Class A office space and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Aside from a spread of space, this building’s exterior has a glass crinkle-wall style that works as the building’s exterior envelope, playing with geometric shapes while bringing the structure a unique and sophisticated look.

W.E. O’Neil Construction

229 Vallejo St., Denver, CO 80223

Acquired knowledge from years ago plus the modern construction techniques of today resulted in the highly reputable W.E. O’Neil Construction. This veteran firm has completed several commercial projects ranging from aerospace facilities to retail structures and offices. The firm is constantly improving its team through the strategic people planning process involving individual development plans and the sharing of technological knowledge. This constant development then assures that it has a high clientele rate, 80% of which comprises repeat clients. It has also been recognized in publications like Colorado Real Estate Journal and Mile High CRE and has honors like a place in BD+C’s 2017 lists of Top 75 retail construction firms and Top 115 contractors. This recognition has opened possibilities for creating complex projects like the mixed-use S’PARK Market in Boulder. A 5,500-square-foot four-story project, this loft-style creative office space has several notable amenities, including a plaza that’s open enough for outdoor dining around a fire pylon. The project is also one of the first Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) Silver projects in Colorado under a LEED v4 Neighborhood. This rating requires green infrastructure, walkability, and proximity to jobs and retail, among other things.

Shaw Construction

300 Kalamath St., Denver, CO 80223

The 59-year-old Shaw Construction is considered one of the pioneers of construction philosophies, methods, practices, visions, and approaches. Over the years, this company has maintained high-quality standards that can be seen even in its self-performed trades: concrete, masonry, and framing. This capability has been recognized in publications like The Denver Post, Engineering News-Record (ENR), and Longmont Times-call, among many others. In 2019, the firm was awarded by The Denver Post for Top Work Places and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) ‘s Excellence in Construction Award. So far, this commercial construction company in Denver’s expertise is most notable in the Roth Living Headquarters. Built for Subzero, Wolf and Cove Appliances, it is a 26,743 square foot structure that combines the industrial look prompted by exposed steel and concrete structure, mechanical and electrical systems with artistic finishes like the indoor steel and glass grand stair adjacent to the floating fin wall that looks like its floating. Its exterior meanwhile showcases silver flat rock metal panels.

dcb Construction Company, Inc.

909 East 62nd Ave., Denver, CO 80216

A company with a long history of building various projects in the area, dcb Construction Company, Inc. has a sterling reputation for delivering high-quality design-build construction projects. Since its establishment in 1960, it has completed over 2,000 projects for various construction projects, including self-storage, recreation, and retail. The 57,00-square-foot jet hangar facility AeroColorado has a design that balances efficiency and elegance. Aside from a clear floor plan, it also integrates energy efficiency through the solar generating system.

Roche Constructors, Inc.

1235 W. 124th Ave., Suite #100, Westminster, CO 80234

Roche Constructors, Inc. has been awarded as an accredited quality contractor for ten years. This reputation is highlighted through its 47-year history and is highly recognized even in its additional regional offices in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Westminster, Colorado. Over the years, the firm has also been featured in publications like Denver7, Denver Business Journal, and multiple issues of the Greeley Tribune. The Super Target Store No. T-2052 in Denver is another piece proving the team’s honed capabilities. A project that was given a complete exterior and interior update in 2018, the structure included complex work, including remodeling the Guest Service area by installing a panelized wall system and hickory wall cladding, new flooring throughout the store, and the installation of MicroLite accent beams throughout the sales floor, faux wood panels in the training and employee lounge areas. By completing projects like this, the recognition showered upon the firm also extends to earned awards like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)’s 2016 Rocky Mountain Excellence in Construction Eagle Award.

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the best commercial contractors in the Denver area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.