Use this contractor disputes guide to build a clear demand letter for St. Louis.
Understanding Contractor Dispute Resolution in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis homeowners and property owners regularly engage contractors for projects ranging from historic home renovations in neighborhoods like Lafayette Square and Soulard to modern additions in Clayton and Ladue, from essential repairs in South City to new construction throughout the metropolitan area. When contractor relationships go wrong, whether through substandard work, project abandonment, missed deadlines, or cost overruns, Missouri law provides remedies for recovering your losses. Understanding these rights is essential for any St. Louis property owner dealing with a contractor dispute.
Missouri's legal framework for contractor disputes draws from several sources: contract law principles, the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) in Chapter 407 RSMo for deceptive practices, mechanic's lien statutes in Chapter 429 RSMo, and common law remedies for negligence and breach of warranty. Unlike some states, Missouri does not have a comprehensive residential contractor licensing scheme at the state level, though certain trades require licensing and St. Louis City and County have their own contractor requirements.
Common contractor disputes experienced by St. Louis property owners include contractors who abandon projects before completion, work that doesn't meet building codes or professional standards, significant cost overruns beyond the contracted amount, use of inferior materials despite specifications, failure to obtain required permits, subcontractor and supplier liens filed against the property, and contractors who take payment and disappear. These disputes can involve significant sums and create lasting problems for property owners.
A well-crafted demand letter is typically your most effective first step in resolving a contractor dispute. It documents your complaint, demonstrates your understanding of Missouri law, establishes a timeline for action, and often motivates contractors to resolve disputes without costly litigation. Many contractors will take immediate steps to address legitimate complaints upon receiving a professional demand letter that clearly articulates their legal obligations and exposure.
This comprehensive guide will explain Missouri's legal framework for contractor disputes, help you evaluate the quality of work and calculate your damages, provide step-by-step instructions for creating an effective demand letter, identify critical deadlines you must meet, and highlight common mistakes that undermine contractor claims. Whether you're dealing with a small repair contractor or a major renovation company, understanding your rights protects your significant investment in your St. Louis property.
St. Louis-area contractors operate within a regulatory environment that includes city and county building departments, the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, and various trade-specific licensing boards. This guide will help you navigate these resources and pursue appropriate remedies for your situation.
Missouri Law Governing Contractor Disputes
Contract Law Fundamentals: Contractor disputes in Missouri are primarily governed by contract law principles. Your written contract (or oral agreement, though written is strongly preferred) establishes the scope of work, timeline, payment terms, and quality standards. Under Missouri contract law, both parties must perform their obligations in good faith. When a contractor breaches the contract, you may be entitled to damages including the cost to complete or correct the work, plus consequential damages resulting from the breach.
Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA): The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, Chapter 407 RSMo, prohibits deceptive and unfair business practices and applies to contractor transactions. Common MMPA violations in contractor cases include misrepresentation of qualifications or experience, false promises about project timelines or completion, advertising services with intent not to deliver as promised, and concealment of material facts about the work. Section 407.025 RSMo allows consumers to recover actual damages, and the statute provides for punitive damages for willful violations plus attorney's fees for prevailing plaintiffs.
Mechanic's Lien Law: Missouri's mechanic's lien statutes, Chapter 429 RSMo, give contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers the right to file liens against property for unpaid work. Property owners need to understand this law because even if you pay your general contractor, you may face liens from unpaid subcontractors or suppliers. Conversely, if you have a legitimate dispute with your contractor, you should understand how to protect your property from liens while the dispute is resolved.
Implied Warranties: Missouri law recognizes implied warranties in construction contracts. The implied warranty of habitability applies to new home construction and major renovations, requiring that work be performed in a workmanlike manner and that the structure be fit for its intended purpose. The implied warranty of good workmanship requires contractors to perform work according to professional standards, even if not explicitly stated in the contract.
Negligence Claims: When contractor conduct falls below professional standards and causes damage, negligence claims may be appropriate in addition to contract claims. Negligence requires proving the contractor owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused damages. Professional negligence in construction can result in both property damage and personal injury claims.
Contractor Licensing in St. Louis: While Missouri does not have statewide general contractor licensing, St. Louis City and St. Louis County have their own licensing requirements. St. Louis City requires contractor licenses through the Building Division. St. Louis County requires contractor registration through the Department of Public Works. Additionally, specific trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC require state-level licenses through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Unlicensed contractors may have limited ability to enforce contracts or file liens.
Building Codes and Permits: Missouri has adopted the International Building Code, and local jurisdictions enforce building codes through permit and inspection requirements. Work that doesn't meet code standards is generally considered defective. If your contractor failed to obtain required permits or if work fails inspection, you have strong evidence of defective performance. Building department records can be valuable in contractor disputes.
Statutes of Limitations: Missouri's statute of limitations for breach of contract is five years under Section 516.120 RSMo. Negligence claims also have a five-year limitation. MMPA claims have a five-year limitation under Section 407.100 RSMo. The limitation period for construction defects can be complex, with courts applying different rules depending on whether the defect was latent (hidden) or patent (obvious). Prompt action protects your claims.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contractor Dispute Demand Letters in St. Louis
Before taking formal action, create comprehensive documentation of the contractor's deficient performance. Photograph all problem areas from multiple angles, including wide shots for context and close-ups of defects. Video can capture issues that photos cannot, such as leaks or mechanical malfunctions. Document code violations, incomplete work, and any damage caused by the contractor's negligence. Create a written list of all deficiencies organized by area or trade.
Gather and carefully review your written contract, any change orders, and all communications with the contractor. Your contract establishes what work was promised, the timeline, the price, and quality standards. Emails, texts, and other communications may document additional promises, admissions, or changes to the agreement. Note any provisions regarding dispute resolution, notice requirements, or warranties.
For significant defects, obtain written assessments from qualified independent professionals. A licensed contractor, engineer, or inspector can provide a professional opinion on whether work meets code and industry standards. These assessments carry significant weight in negotiations and court proceedings. Get written reports and repair estimates from at least two qualified professionals.
Determine the full extent of your damages. Calculate the cost to repair or complete defective work (obtain estimates from other contractors). Add any additional damages caused by the contractor's breach, such as property damage, temporary living expenses, lost rental income, permit fees for work that must be redone, and costs to address code violations. Review what you've already paid the contractor versus the value of work actually received.
Identify the contractor's correct legal name and address. Search the Missouri Secretary of State database at sos.mo.gov for registered business information. Check if the contractor is properly licensed through St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or state licensing agencies as applicable. Verify the contractor's insurance status if possible. This information ensures your demand reaches the right entity and helps you understand the contractor's accountability.
Prepare a professional demand letter that includes your full name and contact information; the contractor's legal name and address; the property address where work was performed; a description of the contracted scope of work; specific deficiencies and code violations, organized clearly; reference to your contract terms and Missouri law violations; your calculation of damages with supporting documentation; your specific demands (repairs, refund, or compensation); a deadline for response (typically 14-21 days); and consequences if the contractor fails to respond.
In your demand letter, cite specific legal violations. Reference breach of contract for failure to perform as promised. Cite the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (Chapter 407 RSMo) if the contractor made misrepresentations or engaged in deceptive practices. Reference building code violations if applicable. Mention implied warranties of workmanship. Note that the MMPA provides for actual damages, punitive damages for willful violations, and attorney's fees.
Be specific about what you want. Options include demanding the contractor return and complete/correct the work to contract and code standards; demanding a monetary refund of amounts paid for incomplete or defective work; demanding payment of the cost you'll incur to have another contractor complete or repair the work; or a combination of these remedies. State a specific dollar amount if you're seeking monetary compensation.
Provide the contractor a reasonable time to respond, typically 14 to 21 days. This gives them opportunity to investigate your claims and propose solutions. Make clear that failure to respond by the deadline will result in you pursuing all available legal remedies, including regulatory complaints and court action.
Send your demand letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to create proof of delivery. Keep the green card return receipt with your records. Also send a copy via email if you have the contractor's email address. If you have contact information for the contractor's attorney or insurance company, consider sending copies to them as well.
If the contractor doesn't respond appropriately, file complaints with relevant regulatory agencies. File with the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for MMPA violations. File with St. Louis City or County building departments for permit or code violations. File with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration for licensed trade violations. File with the Better Business Bureau to document the dispute publicly.
If other remedies fail, pursue legal action. Missouri small claims court (Associate Circuit Court) handles claims up to $5,000. Regular Circuit Court handles larger claims. Consult with a construction litigation attorney for significant disputes. Consider whether mechanic's lien issues affect your approach. Be prepared to present your documentation, professional assessments, and damage calculations.
Evidence Checklist for Contractor Disputes in St. Louis
Written Contract and Related Documents: Your written contract is the foundation of your claim. Keep the original signed contract and all amendments, change orders, and addenda. Note the scope of work, timeline, price, payment schedule, and any quality specifications. Also keep any proposals, estimates, or bids that preceded the contract, as these may establish what was promised.
Payment Records: Document all payments you made to the contractor. Keep copies of canceled checks, credit card statements, bank transfers, and receipts. Track the total amount paid and when each payment was made. Compare payments to the payment schedule in your contract and to work actually completed at each stage.
Photographic and Video Evidence: Visual documentation is crucial for construction disputes. Photograph and video all defective work, incomplete work, code violations, and damage. Take photos from multiple angles with both wide shots and close-ups. Include reference objects for scale. Document conditions before contractor's work began, during construction, and after problems emerged. Organize photos chronologically with dates.
Communications: Save all communications with the contractor, including emails, text messages, letters, voicemails, and notes from conversations. Communications about schedule, quality, changes, payments, and complaints are all relevant. If important discussions were verbal, immediately document them in writing and send a confirming email to the contractor.
Contract Specifications and Plans: Keep copies of any architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications, or manufacturer instructions that were part of your project. These documents establish what the contractor was supposed to build and how. Deviations from plans and specifications are evidence of defective performance.
Professional Assessments and Reports: Obtain written opinions from qualified professionals about the defects. Licensed contractors, engineers, home inspectors, or specialty trade professionals can provide reports documenting code violations, workmanship defects, and repair requirements. Get at least two opinions for credibility. Keep reports with professional letterhead and credentials.
Repair Estimates: Obtain written estimates from qualified contractors for the cost to repair or complete the defective work. Get at least two or three estimates. Estimates should itemize specific work required and costs. These estimates establish your damages and provide evidence of reasonable repair costs.
Permit and Inspection Records: If permits were required for your project, obtain copies of permit applications, permits issued, inspection requests, and inspection reports from the St. Louis City or County building department. Failed inspections or lack of required permits are strong evidence of defective performance. Note any work that was done without required permits.
Building Codes and Standards: Identify the specific building codes and industry standards that apply to your project. Missouri uses the International Building Code, and local jurisdictions may have additional requirements. Document specific code sections that the contractor violated. Industry standards from trade organizations may also be relevant.
Warranty Documents: Keep any warranty documents provided by the contractor for their work, as well as manufacturer warranties for products installed. Note warranty terms, coverage, and how to make claims. The contractor's failure to honor warranties is an additional breach.
Timeline Documentation: Create a detailed timeline of the project showing when work was supposed to start and finish, when work actually occurred, delays and their causes, when problems were discovered, when you complained, and the contractor's responses. This chronology helps tell the story of the dispute.
Lien and Payment Documentation: If subcontractors or suppliers have filed or threatened liens, keep copies of all lien documents and correspondence. Document any payments you made directly to subcontractors or suppliers to satisfy liens. This is relevant to your total damages and may affect claims against the general contractor.
Critical Deadlines for Contractor Disputes in Missouri
Breach of Contract Statute of Limitations: Under Section 516.120 RSMo, Missouri's statute of limitations for breach of contract is five years from when the breach occurred. For construction contracts, this typically means five years from when the contractor's defective performance should reasonably have been discovered. However, courts may apply different rules for latent (hidden) versus patent (obvious) defects, with latent defects potentially extending the discovery date.
Missouri Merchandising Practices Act Claims: Claims under the MMPA must be brought within five years from the date of the violation under Section 407.100 RSMo. For contractor claims, the violation typically occurs when the misrepresentation was made or when the deceptive practice was discovered.
Negligence Claims: Negligence claims in Missouri generally have a five-year statute of limitations. For construction negligence, the limitation may run from when the negligent act occurred or when the resulting damage should reasonably have been discovered.
Mechanic's Lien Deadlines: Missouri's mechanic's lien law in Chapter 429 RSMo imposes strict deadlines. Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers have specific timeframes to file liens after completing work or supplying materials. Property owners should be aware that liens can be filed even after you've paid your general contractor, if subcontractors or suppliers weren't paid. Understanding lien deadlines helps you protect your property.
Demand Letter Response Period: After sending a demand letter, allow the contractor 14 to 21 days to respond. This is not a statutory requirement but provides a reasonable opportunity for resolution. Setting too short a deadline may appear unreasonable, while too long a deadline delays your remedies.
Building Permit Expiration: If your project required permits that are still open, be aware of permit expiration deadlines. Expired permits may complicate completion of work by another contractor. Contact the building department about permit status and any extensions needed.
Warranty Claim Periods: If your contractor provided a warranty, note the warranty period and any requirements for making warranty claims. Most warranties require written notice of defects within specific timeframes. Failure to comply with warranty notice requirements may limit your warranty remedies.
Small Claims Court Filing: Missouri Associate Circuit Courts handle small claims up to $5,000. You can file at any time before the applicable statute of limitations expires. For ongoing disputes, don't wait until near the deadline when evidence and witnesses may be harder to locate.
Regulatory Complaint Timing: While there are no strict deadlines for filing complaints with the Missouri Attorney General or building departments, filing promptly while evidence is fresh and the contractor is still in business improves your chances of meaningful resolution. Complaints about contractors who have ceased operations are difficult to resolve.
Insurance Claim Deadlines: If your contractor had liability insurance, there may be deadlines for making claims against that insurance. If you learn of the contractor's insurance coverage, notify the insurance company promptly and in writing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in St. Louis Contractor Disputes
Not Having a Written Contract: One of the most damaging mistakes is proceeding without a written contract or with an inadequate contract. Oral agreements are difficult to enforce because it becomes your word against the contractor's. Even written contracts that lack specificity about scope, materials, timeline, and quality standards create ambiguity that contractors can exploit. Always insist on a detailed written contract before work begins.
Paying Too Much Upfront: Missouri has no statutory limit on contractor deposits, but paying large amounts before work is completed puts you at risk. If the contractor disappears or performs poorly, recovering advance payments is difficult. Structure payments to match work progress: a modest deposit, then payments as specific milestones are completed, with a substantial final payment held until work is complete and satisfactory.
Failing to Document Throughout the Project: Many property owners don't document until problems become severe. By then, early evidence may be lost. Document from day one: photograph the site before work begins, during construction phases, and at completion. Keep a written log of activities, conversations, and concerns. Contemporaneous documentation is far more credible than after-the-fact reconstruction.
Not Verifying Permits and Inspections: Assuming the contractor will handle permits properly is a common mistake. Check with the St. Louis City or County building department to verify permits were obtained and inspections passed. Work done without required permits may need to be torn out and redone. You may be held responsible for unpermitted work even though the contractor was supposed to obtain permits.
Continuing to Pay Despite Problems: Some property owners continue making payments hoping the contractor will eventually fix problems. This reduces your leverage and increases your losses. If significant problems emerge, stop payments until issues are addressed. The final payment should be held until all work is satisfactory and final inspections pass.
Not Getting Independent Assessments: Relying solely on your own judgment about defects weakens your claim. Contractors may dispute your assessment and judges may find lay opinions less persuasive. Obtain written assessments from qualified independent professionals who can provide expert opinions on code compliance, workmanship standards, and repair costs.
Sending Demand Letters to the Wrong Entity: Direct your demand to the correct legal entity, not just the person you dealt with. If your contractor operates as a corporation or LLC, address your demand to that entity at its registered address. Search the Missouri Secretary of State database for correct business information. Demands to the wrong entity may not be legally effective.
Making Threats You Won't Follow Through On: Demand letters that threaten legal action but are never followed up lose credibility. If your deadline passes and the contractor doesn't respond, follow through with regulatory complaints and court action as you indicated. Empty threats teach contractors that they can ignore your demands.
Settling Too Quickly: When contractors offer settlements, some property owners accept quickly to end the dispute. Carefully evaluate whether the offer adequately compensates your losses before accepting. Consider all damages including future repair costs, code compliance issues, and consequential damages. Get any settlement in writing with specific terms.
Failing to Protect Against Liens: Even if you pay your general contractor in full, unpaid subcontractors and suppliers may file liens against your property under Missouri's mechanic's lien law. Understand lien risks and consider protections like lien waivers from subcontractors, joint checks to contractor and subcontractors, or direct verification that subcontractors are paid.
Not Consulting with an Attorney for Significant Disputes: While small disputes can often be handled without legal help, significant construction disputes involve complex legal issues. Missouri construction law, lien rights, insurance coverage, and litigation procedures require expertise. Consult with a construction litigation attorney for disputes involving substantial sums or complex issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contractor Disputes in St. Louis
Missouri does not have statewide general contractor licensing, but specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) require state licenses through the Division of Professional Registration. St. Louis City requires contractor licenses through the Building Division. St. Louis County requires contractor registration through the Department of Public Works. Always verify licensing before hiring and check with the relevant authority if you have a dispute about licensing requirements.
Missouri Associate Circuit Courts (small claims) handle claims up to $5,000. This covers many smaller contractor disputes. For larger claims, you can either reduce your claim to fit within the $5,000 limit or file in regular Circuit Court. St. Louis City civil courts are at 10 North Tucker Boulevard. St. Louis County Circuit Court is in Clayton. Larger contractor disputes often benefit from attorney representation.
Missouri's mechanic's lien law (Chapter 429 RSMo) allows contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to file liens for unpaid work. If you believe the lien is invalid because you don't owe the money claimed, you can challenge it in court. If you have a legitimate dispute about the work quality, the lien complicates but doesn't eliminate your claims. Consider consulting with an attorney about lien disputes and potential counterclaims.
Missouri law generally requires physical impact or zone of danger for emotional distress recovery, making it difficult to recover for purely economic construction disputes. However, if the contractor's conduct was particularly egregious or outrageous, limited emotional distress recovery may be possible in rare cases. Focus your claims on the more clearly recoverable economic damages: repair costs, diminished value, consequential damages, and if applicable, punitive damages under the MMPA.
Collecting from contractors who have ceased operations is challenging. Search for the contractor's current address and any assets. Check if the contractor had liability insurance that might cover your claim. File a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General even though recovery may be limited, as it documents the contractor's conduct. Consider whether anyone else may share liability, such as subcontractors who did defective work or bond holders if a bond was required.
Withholding final payment when work is defective is a legitimate way to protect yourself. However, do so carefully: document all defects in writing and give the contractor notice and opportunity to cure. If you withhold payment without justification, the contractor may file a mechanic's lien or sue you for breach of contract. Your reasons for withholding payment must be reasonable and documented.
Finding a good contractor to repair another contractor's defective work requires careful vetting. Get recommendations from trusted sources. Verify licenses and insurance. Get multiple written estimates that itemize the repair work needed. Choose contractors willing to document existing defects before starting repairs. Keep all documentation for your claims against the original contractor. Consider having defects assessed by an independent inspector before repairs begin.
If your contractor violated the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) through deceptive practices, Section 407.025 RSMo provides for recovery of attorney's fees by prevailing plaintiffs. Additionally, if your contract includes an attorney fee provision, that provision may allow recovery. Without MMPA claims or a contractual provision, Missouri generally follows the American rule where each party pays their own attorney's fees.
What to Expect When Resolving Contractor Disputes in St. Louis
Settlement expectations for contractor disputes in St. Louis depend on the severity of the defects, the strength of your documentation, the contractor's financial situation and insurance coverage, and both parties' willingness to resolve the matter without litigation. Understanding realistic outcomes helps you evaluate settlement offers and make informed decisions.
For disputes involving clear defects with strong documentation and professional assessments, many contractors will take corrective action or offer compensation upon receiving a well-drafted demand letter. Contractors who value their reputation and want to avoid legal exposure often prefer to resolve legitimate complaints. A professional demand letter citing Missouri law and presenting clear evidence of defects frequently produces results.
The type of resolution available depends on your situation. Some disputes are best resolved by having the original contractor return to correct the work under supervision and with clear standards. Other disputes are better resolved through monetary compensation that allows you to hire a different contractor for repairs. Consider which approach is more likely to result in quality work given your contractor's track record.
Damage calculations significantly affect settlement negotiations. Your damages include the cost to repair or complete defective work (supported by estimates from other contractors), consequential damages resulting from the breach, amounts you overpaid relative to the value of work received, and potentially punitive damages under the MMPA for willful violations. Present clear, documented damage calculations.
Contractor insurance can be relevant to settlement prospects. If the contractor has liability insurance, the insurance company may have resources to pay claims that the contractor individually does not. Inquire about insurance coverage and make claims against the policy when appropriate. Insurance companies may be more willing to settle than individual contractors.
The contractor's financial situation affects recovery prospects. Contractors who are financially struggling may be unable to pay judgments even if you win in court. Consider the contractor's apparent financial health when evaluating settlement offers. A reasonable settlement from a marginal contractor may be preferable to a larger judgment that proves uncollectible.
For disputes involving potential mechanic's liens, settlement dynamics are more complex. If you have defective work claims but the contractor threatens liens, both parties have leverage. Resolution may involve addressing your defects claims in exchange for lien waiver, or may require court proceedings to sort out competing claims.
When evaluating settlement offers, consider all factors: the strength of your evidence, the contractor's ability to pay, the time and cost of litigation, the risk of adverse court outcomes, and your immediate need to have repairs completed. Sometimes accepting a reasonable settlement is preferable to pursuing maximum damages through uncertain litigation.
Document all settlement negotiations. If you reach an agreement, reduce it to writing with specific terms: what work will be done, what payments will be made, timelines, and what claims are being released. Have the settlement agreement reviewed by an attorney if significant amounts are involved.
St. Louis Contractor Dispute Resources and Contacts
Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: Investigates complaints about contractor fraud and deceptive practices under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
Phone: (573) 751-3321
Toll-free: (800) 392-8222
Website: ago.mo.gov/civil-division/consumer
Address: Supreme Court Building, 207 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
St. Louis City Building Division: Handles building permits, inspections, and contractor licensing within St. Louis City limits.
Phone: (314) 622-3313
Address: 1520 Market Street, Room 2012, St. Louis, MO 63103
Website: stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building
St. Louis County Department of Public Works: Handles contractor registration and building permits for St. Louis County.
Phone: (314) 615-2525
Address: 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Website: stlouisco.com/YourGovernment/CountyDepartments/PublicWorks
Missouri Division of Professional Registration: Licenses and regulates certain trades including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians at the state level.
Phone: (573) 751-0293
Website: pr.mo.gov
Address: 3605 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109
St. Louis City Circuit Court - Civil Courts Building: Handles civil matters including contractor lawsuits. Small claims up to $5,000 are handled by Associate Circuit Court.
Phone: (314) 622-4405
Address: 10 North Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63101
Website: stlcitycircuitcourt.com
St. Louis County Circuit Court: Handles civil matters for St. Louis County residents including contractor disputes.
Phone: (314) 615-2560
Address: 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Website: stlouisco.com/lawandpublicsafety/circuitcourt
Better Business Bureau of Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois: Accepts complaints against contractors and maintains business reliability records.
Phone: (314) 645-3300
Website: bbb.org/us/mo/saint-louis
Address: 211 North Broadway, Suite 2060, St. Louis, MO 63102
Missouri Secretary of State Business Search: Search for contractor business registration information and registered agent addresses.
Website: sos.mo.gov/business
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: Provides free legal assistance to income-eligible residents for certain civil matters.
Phone: (314) 534-4200
Toll-free: (800) 444-0514
Address: 4232 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108
Website: lsem.org
St. Louis Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: Provides referrals to attorneys who handle construction and contractor disputes.
Phone: (314) 621-6681
Website: stlbar.com
Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri: Trade association that may provide resources for resolving disputes with member builders.
Phone: (314) 434-4100
Website: hbaonline.com
The Contractor Checkmate
Contract is King
Written agreement? Good. Verbal? Tougher, but texts and emails can help.
Document the Damage
Photos, videos, expert opinions. Every flaw is evidence.
Money Trail Matters
Payments, invoices, change orders… track every dollar.
The Contractor's Legal Nightmare
Many states require contractors to be licensed, and there can be serious penalties for unlicensed work or abandoning a project.
Missouri Contractor Disputes Laws
Applicable Laws
- Missouri No State License
- Local ordinances apply
Small Claims Limit
$5,000
Consumer Protection Agency
Local municipalities
Contractor Combat FAQ
When should I send a demand letter?
After reasonable attempts to resolve the issue directly fail. Give them a chance to fix problems, but don't wait indefinitely.
What if they're unlicensed?
That could be a major advantage. Many states void contracts with unlicensed contractors or allow full refund of payments made.
Can I withhold final payment for incomplete work?
Generally yes, especially if there's a written contract. Document the incomplete items and the amount you're withholding.
What if they filed a mechanic's lien?
You may still have claims against them. Dispute the lien if work wasn't completed satisfactorily. Consider consulting an attorney.
Should I get repair estimates from other contractors?
Yes. Independent estimates document the cost to fix problems and show what proper work should cost.
What about permits they never got?
Unpermitted work creates serious liability. The contractor may be required to obtain permits or undo work at their expense.
Can I recover more than my actual damages?
Often yes. Consumer protection laws may allow double or triple damages, plus attorney fees for contractor fraud or violations.
About FreeDemandLetter
FreeDemandLetter provides free, AI-powered demand letter generation with location-specific legal citations. Our content is reviewed by subject matter specialists and regularly updated to reflect current laws. We help thousands of people resolve disputes effectively—but we're not lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.