Meet Shawn Vernon, the heart behind Home Renovations Colorado. With decades of hands-on experience, Shawn has built a reputation for craftsmanship, honesty, and communication. His approach is simple—listen first, deliver quality, and make sure every homeowner ends the project smiling.

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Why did you decide to start Home Renovations Colorado?

 

Because I love the business. I love making people happy at the end of a project when they see what we’ve built together. That smile on their face—that’s what drives me. It’s a passion.

 

There are five rules we follow to be a great company to work with for our clients:

• First, I take that initial call seriously. Ask questions and really understand what the homeowner wants so you’re prepared when you show up.

• Second, can't be late—and if you are, make that call. Be resepectful of their time and trust in me. If it's unavoidable because of a traffic accident or whatever, make that call.

• Third, when I arrive, I listen. There’s a big difference between needs and wants. Needs might be a bigger deck or a new shape. Wants might be a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, or lighting. I always include the “wants” as optional line items in the proposal so homeowners can decide what fits their budget.

• Fourth, show up prepared. From that first call, I already know what they’re interested in and so I can have the right information or materials ready.

• AFifth, communicate—start to finish. Homeowners should always know what’s happening today, what’s coming tomorrow, and when the project will be done.

 

When you do those things and deliver your best work, you get that smile—and that’s what this business is all about.

 

It’s a tough time for small businesses. How are you navigating that?

 

Yeah, it’s challenging right now. People are cautious with the economy and social media hype about recessions. But at the same time, they still want these projects—and many have saved for them. So my focus is on being dependable and transparent so people feel confident moving forward.

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Why should a homeowner hire Home Renovations Colorado instead of a big-box company or general contractor?

 

Because I follow through. There are a lot of contractors out there who start jobs and don’t finish. I’ve taken on plenty of remodels that were left half-done. The difference is communication and trust.

From day one, I tell clients exactly what’s happening: “Today we’re installing cabinets,” or “We’re finishing decking.” I share estimated completion dates and updates along the way. Homeowners should always know what’s going on—and that’s where most companies drop the ball. We don’t.

 

Let’s talk about budget. How do you help clients bring their dream projects to life within their budget?

 

Everybody’s got big dreams, right? The key is figuring out what’s most important within their budget. I always start by identifying their needs—that’s the must-have stuff like structural work, deck size, or safety upgrades. Once the needs are covered, I offer options for the wants—things like upgraded materials, lighting, or built-in features. Those can always be added later. The important thing is to communicate clearly and provide a detailed proposal that outlines everything—no vague “handwritten” estimates. Homeowners should know exactly what’s included and what’s optional.

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What are some examples of “needs” versus “wants” in a typical deck project?

 

Needs might include upgrading to Trex or composite decking, fixing the frame, making it a bit bigger, or adding basic design details. That’s the foundation of a solid deck.

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Wants are extras—like built-in seating, a fire pit, or an outdoor kitchen. Those are great to have, and I always include them as optional items in the proposal so clients can choose. Meeting the needs first makes you a winner as a businessperson. The rest can come later.

 

You probably work with all kinds of clients—from people with Pinterest boards to those who know every detail. How do you approach those differences?

 

I start by understanding what they’re bringing to the table. Maybe it’s a photo, a color palette, or a full material list. My job is to listen, ask questions, and make sure I understand what they really want.

Then I can offer advice based on my knowledge of products and materials—railings, decking types, finishes, all that. I’ll explain options or differences, but I’m never pushy. I just want them to understand what could work better or be more cost-effective. Communication is everything.

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Finally, tell us a little about your experience and what qualifies you to give that kind of advice.

 

I’ve been in this business for a long time. I’ve seen it all—from small repairs to full-scale remodels—and I know what works and what doesn’t. That experience helps me guide homeowners through decisions with confidence. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: do great work, keep communication open, and make sure the homeowner loves the result.

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Ready to start your own home renovation project? Call Shawn Vernon at Home Renovations Colorado today to talk about your vision, your goals, and how to make it happen—on time, on budget, and done right.