STLCT

What General Contractors Do

• Manage entire construction projects from start to finish
• Hire, schedule, and oversee subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, etc.)
• Obtain necessary building permits from St. Louis City or County
• Ensure work meets local building codes and passes inspections
• Coordinate material delivery and manage project timelines
• Handle project budgeting and change orders

When to Hire a General Contractor

Hire a general contractor when your project involves multiple trades, requires permits, or will take more than a few weeks. This includes room additions, major renovations, kitchen or bathroom gut-jobs, basement finishing, and structural changes. For simpler single-trade jobs like painting or basic plumbing repairs, hiring a specialist directly is more cost-effective.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• How long have you been operating in the St. Louis area?
• Can you provide references from similar projects in my neighborhood?
• Who will be the on-site supervisor, and how often will they be present?
• How do you handle change orders and unexpected issues?
• What is your payment schedule, and do you require a deposit?
• Are you registered with St. Louis City/County as required?
• What subcontractors do you typically work with?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Demands large upfront payment (more than 10-15% or first materials)
• No physical business address or only a P.O. box
• Unwilling to provide written contract with detailed scope
• Pressures you to make quick decisions or sign immediately
• Cannot provide proof of liability insurance and workers comp
• No references or unwilling to share past project photos
• Offers unusually low bid compared to other contractors

Cost Considerations in St. Louis

General contractor fees typically add 15-25% to overall project costs to cover overhead, coordination, and profit. In St. Louis, expect to pay $150-$250 per square foot for quality whole-home renovations, with additions ranging from $200-$400+ per square foot depending on complexity. Always get itemized bids that break down labor, materials, permits, and contractor fees separately.