Remodeling and general contracting in Lake St. Louis, Missouri

The housing in Lake St. Louis

A mix of 1970s and 1980s contemporaries, ranches and split-levels near the lakes, and larger 1990s to 2010s two-stories and villas in the Hawk Ridge area and south of the interstate.

A whole-home update in a Lake St. Louis house from this period is mostly about finishes and layout, since wiring and plumbing are modern. That keeps cost per square foot lower than in older homes, and the result feels like new construction.

Basements and foundations

Walkout basements are the norm on lake lots, and many were partially finished decades ago with paneling and drop ceilings. We frequently gut those and rebuild with modern insulation. Hillside lots move a lot of water, so foundation drainage and window well drains get close attention.

Homes built in Lake St. Louis between the late 1970s and the 2000s nearly all have full poured basements, and a large share were finished once already by an owner or handyman, often without permits. We open a few walls before quoting, because what is behind them decides whether this is a refresh or a rebuild.

Kitchens, baths and interiors

Older lake homes often have compartmentalized main floors, low soffited kitchens and original baths. Removing a wall to open the kitchen toward the lake view is a common request and usually involves a beam. Newer homes follow the standard 2000s plan and update easily.

The kitchens of Lake St. Louis's building-boom years follow a formula: oak cabinets, a soffit, a peninsula or small island, and a desk by the phone jack. The plumbing and structure are usually fine, so budget goes into layout improvement, cabinetry and surfaces.

Decks, additions and exteriors

Tall decks facing the water are the signature project. Many are original and overdue for replacement. Steep rear yards make footing access and stair design the hard part. The community association reviews decks, docks, colors and roofed structures.

Builder decks in Lake St. Louis from these decades were minimal and are now at or past the end of their safe life. Replacement is a chance to correct ledger flashing, deepen footings and build something sized for how families use outdoor space today.

Permits in Lake St. Louis

The City of Lake Saint Louis issues building permits, and the Lake Saint Louis Community Association reviews exterior changes separately for member properties.

We prepare the drawings, submit the application, meet the inspectors and close the permit. If your subdivision has an architectural committee, we put together that package as well. Our permit guide and HOA approval guide explain both processes.

Services in Lake St. Louis