Home projects in Broomfield

Broomfield grew from a small farm town on the Denver-Boulder highway into its own county in 2001, when it became the City and County of Broomfield. The oldest subdivisions near the original town date from the 1950s and 1960s. The city then expanded through the 1980s and 1990s, and newer master-planned communities like Anthem Highlands and Broadlands sit to the north. That range means a Broomfield homeowner might be updating a 60-year-old ranch or finishing the basement in a 15-year-old two-story.

Because Broomfield is both a city and a county, there's only one Building Division to deal with, no matter where in town you live.

Licensing in Broomfield

Broomfield's municipal code is direct: anyone in the business of building, altering, remodeling, repairing, equipping, moving or wrecking buildings and structures must be licensed as a contractor under B.M.C. chapter 15-32. A new contractor applying for a Broomfield license submits:

• a completed, signed license application
• a current general liability insurance certificate naming the City and County of Broomfield as certificate holder
• for plumbing and electrical contractors, copies of their current state and master licenses

What that means for you: a contractor who has never worked in Broomfield may need to get licensed before the permit can be issued. Ask early so it doesn't delay your start date. Verify trade licenses on Colorado's DORA lookup.

Owner-builder permits

Broomfield has separate guidance on homeowner permits for owners doing their own work. The city publishes building guides and base plan requirements for common projects, along with review timelines that tell you how long plan review typically takes. Read the guide for your project type before drawing plans. A basement finish or deck plan that follows the guide's checklist usually moves through review faster.

Housing across Broomfield

1950s-1960s ranches near the original town. Brick and frame ranches with basements, often with a single bath and an original kitchen. Typical work: electrical panel upgrades, kitchen openings, second bathrooms and window replacement.

1970s-1990s subdivisions. Bi-levels, tri-levels and two-stories, many now on their second roof and third furnace. Hail damage, aging HVAC and dated interiors are the common triggers.

2000s-present master-planned communities. Anthem, Broadlands and similar neighborhoods with HOAs or metro districts. Homes are newer, and the main projects are basement finishes, decks, landscaping and additions where the HOA allows. Expect design review for exterior changes.

Projects that fit

Basement finishing. Broomfield's many unfinished basements are the most common project. Test for radon first. CDPHE says about half of Colorado homes test above the EPA action level, so mitigation before framing is common. Plan code-compliant egress for any bedroom, and check the city's building guide for basements.

Roof replacement after hail. Broomfield sits in the metro's hail belt. Colorado law requires a written roofing contract describing the scope and materials, and it prohibits roofers from waiving your deductible.

Heat pumps. Replacing an aging furnace and AC with a cold-climate heat pump is increasingly common. Under Colorado's heat pump tax credit, registered contractors claim the credit and must pass a minimum discount to you; for 2026 air-source installations that minimum is $333. Check the Colorado Energy Office's current terms, and ask your utility about any rebates.

Kitchen remodels. In older ranches, opening the kitchen usually means a structural beam. In newer homes, the work is cabinets, counters and layout.

Decks. Anthem and other newer communities often back onto open space with views worth a bigger deck. Permits and HOA approval are both typical.

Wind along the Front Range

Broomfield's open position between Denver and Boulder exposes it to strong chinook and downslope winds in winter as well as summer hail. Those winds lift loose shingles, strip siding and test fence posts. When you replace a roof or siding, ask about high-wind installation methods, such as the manufacturer's enhanced nailing pattern, and check whether the warranty depends on them.

Recycling building materials

Broomfield's sustainability division has partnered with Resource Central on a program that lets residents, homeowners and contractors alike, donate unwanted new or used building materials, with free curbside pickup available on request. Before your demo, ask your contractor to set aside reusable cabinets, doors, fixtures and lumber.

A checklist before you hire

• Confirm the contractor holds a Broomfield license, or will get one, before the permit.
• Get their insurance certificate.
• Confirm that the electrician and plumber hold state licenses.
• Check HOA or metro district design rules for exterior projects.
• Ask which city building guide applies and whether your plans follow it.