General Contracting Contractors in St Louis, Missouri
Licensed Establishments
827
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through October - spring and summer construction season
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
3-7 business days for initial quote, 1-2 weeks for detailed estimates
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodeling | $15,000 – $65,000 |
| Bathroom remodeling | $8,000 – $35,000 |
| Room additions | $25,000 – $85,000 |
| Basement finishing | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Roof replacement | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Whole house renovation | $75,000 – $300,000 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Missouri requires Residential Contractor License for projects over $3,000. Must pass written exam, provide financial statement, maintain $20,000 surety bond. Commercial contractors need additional Commercial Contractor License. Licenses renew annually. No continuing education required but must maintain insurance and bonding.
Permit Requirements
St Louis requires building permits for structural work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems. Permit fees range $50-$500 depending on scope. Must submit plans for review, expect 7-14 day approval process. Some neighborhoods have additional historic district requirements.
Inspection Schedule
Typical schedule includes foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical), insulation, and final inspections. Must call 24 hours ahead to schedule. Failed inspections require re-inspection fees.
Insurance Minimums
Missouri requires $300,000 general liability minimum for licensed contractors. Workers compensation required if employing others. Many clients require $1 million liability coverage. Surety bond of $20,000 required for residential contractor license.
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet basic requirements
Must be 18+ years old, provide Social Security number, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions. Submit financial statement showing ability to conduct business.
- 2
Obtain surety bond
Secure $20,000 surety bond from approved provider. Bond costs typically 1-3% annually based on credit score. Bond must remain active throughout license period.
- 3
Schedule and pass exam
Register for written examination covering Missouri construction law, safety regulations, and business practices. 70% passing score required. Exam offered monthly at testing centers.
- 4
Submit application
Complete application with exam results, bond documentation, insurance certificates, and financial statements. Include $200 application fee and any supporting documents.
- 5
Maintain license
Renew annually by December 31st. Submit renewal application, maintain surety bond, provide current insurance certificates, and pay renewal fees.
About This Market
St Louis general contracting runs hot and cold with the seasons and the economy. You've got steady demand from older housing stock needing updates, plus new construction in suburbs like Chesterfield and O'Fallon. Competition is thick - Census shows 827 licensed outfits across Missouri, many working the metro area. Kitchen and bath remodels drive consistent work, while bigger additions and whole-house jobs separate the established crews from weekend warriors. Costs stay reasonable compared to coastal markets, but material delays and skilled labor shortages are real problems. The general contracting game in St Louis means navigating Missouri's licensing maze and St Louis City's permit bureaucracy. Get your residential contractor license first - it's not optional for jobs over three grand. The written exam isn't brutal, but the bonding and insurance requirements will cost you. Peak season runs April to October, so line up winter work early or plan for lean months. Historic districts add red tape, and some neighborhoods have their own rules. Smart contractors build relationships with inspectors and pull permits early - the city doesn't mess around with code violations.
Data Sources:
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