Yes. In Louisiana, residential home-improvement work over $7,500 must be done by a contractor registered with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Residential projects over $75,000 require a residential license, and commercial work over $50,000 a commercial license. Look up the number on the LSLBC site before you sign.
Foundation Repair Baton Rouge recommends every homeowner check this, whoever they hire. Most foundation jobs in Baton Rouge fall between $5,000 and $25,000, which puts them squarely in the registration range.
The Louisiana thresholds
| Work | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residential home improvement over $7,500 (up to $75,000) | LSLBC home improvement registration |
| Residential project over $75,000 | Residential building contractor license |
| Commercial project over $50,000 | Commercial contractor license |
| Mold remediation, any value | Mold remediation license |
Sources: LSLBC; Procore Louisiana contractor licensing guide.
The classification that covers raising and leveling
On the commercial side, the LSLBC’s “Foundations and Pile Driving” classification — a subclassification of Heavy Construction — covers piles, pressure grouting and “all other types of deep and shallow foundations,” and explicitly “allows a contractor to raise and level buildings and houses.” For large or commercial jobs, ask whether the contractor holds it.
A five-minute check before you sign
- Ask for the number. A registered contractor will give you their LSLBC registration or license number without hesitation. It should be printed on the contract.
- Look it up. Use the license search on the LSLBC website. Confirm the business name matches and the status is active.
- Check insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability and, if they have employees, workers’ comp.
- Get it in writing. Scope, piling count, unit prices, payment schedule and any warranty terms.
- Watch the deposit. Be cautious of large upfront payments before work starts.
Permits
Structural modifications in Baton Rouge generally require a permit from the City-Parish Permit and Inspection Division. Foundation and pier replacement usually count. A contractor should know the requirement for your parish and include it in the scope. Other parishes — Livingston, Ascension, West Baton Rouge, Iberville — have their own permit offices.
Bottom line
Registration is required for most foundation jobs in Louisiana, and it takes five minutes to verify. For more on vetting, see how to choose a foundation repair company, or call Foundation Repair Baton Rouge.