H&H Builders LLC ✓
Company Background
Denver’s premier structural remodeling specialist with engineering expertise transforming homes since 1998
About H&H Builders LLC
Founded in 1998 in Denver, Colorado, H&H Builders LLC is an award-winning home remodeling company with a unique and powerful advantage: we’re the only Denver-area residential remodeling firm owned by a structural engineer. This distinction isn’t just a credential—it fundamentally transforms what’s possible with your home. While cosmetic remodeling merely updates surfaces, structural remodeling opens up your space by removing walls, adds second stories or expansions, brings in more light, takes advantage of scenic views, and connects your home to the outdoors. Owner John Happel’s expertise as a structural engineer means your remodel’s structural integrity is covered from Day 1, and you can confidently undertake projects that other contractors can’t safely handle.
Design-Build Excellence with Engineering Foundation
We use a comprehensive design-build process that integrates design, planning, and construction under one in-house team. Unlike the traditional Design-Bid-Build approach where homeowners hire an architect separately (paying 8-15% of their budget upfront) only to discover contractors’ bids far exceed what they can afford, our process keeps you on budget from the start. We explore what you want to do with your home, set a realistic budget range, design your remodel with that budget in mind, and build your project—transforming your home without the stress of coordinating multiple professionals. This seamless integration means new or added structural members are incorporated into your design from the very beginning, load-bearing components are well-hidden within your remodel, and additions blend beautifully with your existing home’s architecture.
Award-Winning Craftsmanship & Expertise
Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition throughout the Denver construction community. We’ve received multiple awards including the prestigious 2023 Denver Homebuilders Association MAME Award, validating our dedication to superior craftsmanship and innovative structural solutions. Our certifications include Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation and Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) credentials, ensuring every project meets the highest standards for safety, quality, and design. We specialize in structural remodeling that can handle major projects including whole-house makeovers, second-story additions and popups, historic home preservation while modernizing functionality, accessible remodeling for aging-in-place and special needs, kitchen remodeling with structural modifications, and complete interior reconfigurations that transform how you live in your home.
Serving Denver Metro with Distinction
For over 25 years, we’ve served homeowners throughout the Denver metropolitan area including Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Louisville, Westminster, Centennial, Arvada, Cherry Hills Village, Lakewood, Lafayette, Superior, Golden, Thornton, Littleton, Northglenn, Wheat Ridge, and Greenwood Village. Our goal is simple: exceed your expectations through innovative structural remodeling that improves not just your home, but your life. We understand that you spend so much time in your home—especially your downtime when you want to relax and unwind. Issues like insufficient space, outdated kitchens, dark rooms, inefficient layouts, and tiny closets create stress rather than comfort. Our seamless process means you can reimagine your home and then relax as we make your vision a reality. Remodel your home and change your life with Denver’s only structural engineer-owned remodeling company.
Structural Remodeling & Design-Build Services
Comprehensive solutions backed by engineering expertise for Denver metro homeowners
Structural Remodeling
Expert structural modifications including removing load-bearing walls to open spaces, adding or modifying foundations, structural repairs and reinforcements, and ensuring code compliance with engineer-certified solutions that transform your home safely.
Additions & Popups
Second-story additions, main-level expansions, balconies and decks, and seamlessly integrated additions that complement your existing home’s architecture while maximizing structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Whole House Remodeling
Complete home transformations including floor plan reconfigurations, structural modifications throughout, interior and exterior upgrades, and comprehensive design-build coordination creating cohesive living environments tailored to your lifestyle.
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen renovations with structural modifications like removing walls for open-concept layouts, custom cabinetry and countertops, modern appliances and fixtures, and functional designs that enhance both cooking and entertaining spaces.
Historic Remodeling
Preserve historic home character while modernizing functionality through careful structural modifications, period-appropriate materials and details, code compliance with historic preservation standards, and seamless integration of modern systems.
Accessible Remodeling
Aging-in-place modifications including wheelchair-accessible entrances and bathrooms, structural modifications for barrier-free living, grab bars and support systems integrated thoughtfully, and universal design principles ensuring safety and independence.
Leadership Team
Expert professionals bringing engineering precision and design excellence to every Denver project
John Happel
John Happel founded H&H Builders in 1998 with a vision to bring structural engineering expertise to residential remodeling—making Denver’s only structural engineer-owned remodeling company. With over 40 years of experience in residential construction and home remodeling, a Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) credentials, and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation, John ensures every project is structurally sound while opening up possibilities other contractors can’t safely achieve. As former Director and Chair of the Council of Professional Remodelers of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, John’s leadership extends beyond H&H Builders to elevate industry standards. He oversees the design-build team working on your remodel, ensuring smooth project execution and the best possible home remodeling experience. His structural engineering expertise means you can confidently open up spaces by removing walls, add rooms or second stories, and undertake major structural modifications that dramatically improve your home’s functionality and value.
Sherial Starr
Sherial Starr brings invaluable expertise to H&H Builders’ design-build team, having entered design through renovating her family’s investment properties—hands-on experience that taught her how to maximize design investments and deliver exceptional value. Her extensive training in renovations and kitchen and bath design includes certification from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD), setting her apart from other designers. When you work with Sherial, she helps create a complete and cohesive vision for your home through a collaborative approach, guiding and advocating for you every step of the way. She handles intricate design details that complement the structural modifications John’s engineering expertise enables, eliminating stress typically associated with the design process and allowing you to simply enjoy a seamless remodeling experience. Her ability to integrate beautiful design with structural remodeling possibilities means your home transformation is both stunning and functionally superior.
Service Areas Throughout Denver Metro
Award-winning structural remodeling and design-build services across Colorado’s Front Range
Denver
Structural remodeling expertise throughout Denver including wall removals, additions, whole-house makeovers, and historic preservation with engineer-certified solutions.
Boulder
Design-build services in Boulder featuring structural modifications, second-story additions, kitchen remodeling, and accessible home modifications.
Aurora
Comprehensive remodeling throughout Aurora with structural engineering expertise for load-bearing wall removal and home expansions.
Arvada
Expert structural remodeling in Arvada including popups, additions, whole-house renovations, and open-concept transformations.
Lakewood
Award-winning design-build remodeling services throughout Lakewood with structural modifications, kitchen renovations, and home additions.
Broomfield
Structural remodeling excellence in Broomfield featuring second-story additions, wall removals, and complete home transformations.
Golden
Historic and modern remodeling in Golden with structural engineering expertise ensuring code compliance and beautiful results.
Centennial
Comprehensive design-build services in Centennial including structural modifications, accessible remodeling, and whole-house renovations.
Westminster
Expert structural remodeling throughout Westminster with additions, popups, kitchen renovations, and open-concept transformations.
Thornton
Professional remodeling services in Thornton featuring structural modifications, home additions, and design-build excellence.
Littleton
Award-winning structural remodeling in Littleton including load-bearing wall removal, additions, and whole-home transformations.
Longmont
Design-build remodeling expertise in Longmont with structural engineering solutions for complex renovation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about structural remodeling and design-build services with H&H Builders
Structural Remodeling & Design-Build Questions
Essential information about working with Denver’s only structural engineer-owned remodeling company
Why choose H&H Builders for structural modifications and remodeling in Denver?
H&H Builders is the only Denver-area residential remodeling company owned by a structural engineer, giving us capabilities and expertise other contractors simply cannot match. Owner John Happel’s Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Licensed Professional Engineer credentials, and over 40 years of experience mean your structural remodel’s integrity is guaranteed from Day 1. We can confidently handle major structural modifications like removing load-bearing walls to open spaces, adding second stories, expanding your home, and undertaking whole-house makeovers that other contractors can’t safely achieve. Our design-build process integrates engineering, architecture, and construction under one team, ensuring your project stays on budget and on schedule without the coordination headaches of working with multiple professionals.
What is structural remodeling and how is it different from cosmetic remodeling?
Cosmetic remodeling updates surfaces and finishes without modifying load-bearing elements of your home. Structural remodeling, by contrast, involves repair, modification, removal, or addition of load-bearing components such as walls, posts, beams, and foundations—construction that changes how your house is physically put together. Structural remodeling opens up far more possibilities: adding new living space with additions or popups, creating open-concept floor plans by removing walls, adding exterior living space like balconies or decks, making your floor plan more functional and efficient, and dramatically improving how you use and enjoy your home. Proper structural remodeling requires engineering expertise to ensure code compliance and protect your home from collapse risks—which is why working with H&H Builders’ structural engineer-owned team is so valuable.
What are the advantages of H&H Builders’ design-build process?
In the traditional Design-Bid-Build process, homeowners hire an architect separately (paying 8-15% of their budget upfront), receive plans, then discover contractors’ bids far exceed what they can afford—this happens 50% or more of the time! Our design-build process eliminates this problem by integrating design and construction under one team. We explore your vision, set a realistic budget range, design your remodel with that budget in mind, and build your project—all in-house. Benefits include: no separate architect fees eating into your budget, realistic designs you can actually afford to build, seamless communication with one team handling everything, structural members incorporated into design from the beginning, fewer surprises and change orders during construction, and optimal construction solutions suggested during the design phase. Your project stays on time and on budget because it was designed with construction realities in mind.
What areas does H&H Builders serve in the Denver metro area?
We serve communities throughout the Denver metropolitan area including Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Louisville, Westminster, Centennial, Arvada, Cherry Hills Village, Lakewood, Lafayette, Superior, Golden, Thornton, Littleton, Northglenn, Wheat Ridge, Greenwood Village, and surrounding Front Range communities. Our Denver office at 12295 Pennsylvania St positions us perfectly to serve the entire metro area efficiently. We’ve been remodeling Denver-area homes since 1998, building deep relationships throughout the region and earning multiple awards for our craftsmanship and innovative structural solutions.
How do I get started with a structural remodeling project with H&H Builders?
Call us at (303) 450-7006 to schedule an appointment and begin exploring your project possibilities. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss what you want to do with your home, review your budget range, and explain our design-build process. We’ll help you understand what’s structurally possible for your home—whether it’s opening up spaces by removing walls, adding a second story, expanding your main level, creating more functional layouts, or undertaking a complete whole-house transformation. Our team will work collaboratively with you to design your remodel with your budget in mind, then build your project with the quality craftsmanship and structural engineering excellence that have earned us 25+ years of success and multiple industry awards. Reimagine your home and change your life with Denver’s structural remodeling specialists!
Client Success Stories
Real experiences from homeowners throughout the Denver metro area
Our Process & Expertise
Learn about our design-build approach and structural remodeling capabilities
