The 10 Best Saint Louis, MO General Contractors

Missouri does not have a general contractor’s license. However, all contractors and sub-contractors performing work or services within Saint Louis are required to have a graduated business license. Permits for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and demolition work will only be issued to city licensed or certified specialty contractors.

Contractors in Saint Louis must hold a graduated business license. There is no test of skills and knowledge, or required previous work experience necessary to be licensed. Applicants must obtain clearance from the Collector of Revenue’s Office and submit an application with the Office of License Collector. Licenses must be renewed annually.

Saint Louis contractors with employees must hold workers’ compensation. Although state law does not require contractors to carry general liability insurance, hiring those who do have an active policy is highly recommended. Request a copy of each insurance certificate for your records before any work begins.

A building permit is always required in Saint Louis for new construction, major alterations and additions and any structural changes such as the installation or removal of beams, joist replacement or bearing support. New construction includes main buildings, garages, carports and accessory buildings more than 50 square feet. Other common projects that require a permit include building or work on porches, decks and most retaining walls, fences, most pools, roofs and the conversion of a basement or attic space to living space. If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, contact the Saint Louis Building Division at 314.622.4671.

The Building Permits Section of the Building Division is responsible for issuing permits. The permitting process is done to ensure proposed projects comply with all local codes and regulations to protect public safety. You and your contractor should establish at the start of project planning who will acquire the necessary permits. The Building Division provides different methods to acquire a permit depending on specifics of each project. The majority of permits can be issued same day with an immediate review through the Hot Spot Desk. Projects over $80,000 and those that require approval by multiple departments are logged for further review. Mechanical and plumbing permits can be acquired online. More details are available on the Saint Louis Building Division’s website.

Contractors in Saint Louis do not have to hold a surety bond to conduct work on residential properties. There is no state homeowners recovery fund for financial compensation for faulty work.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the Saint Louis Office of the License Collector; building permit data, gathered from the Saint Louis Building Division; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Saint Louis, Missouri. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Saint Louis. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.