Home repair in Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge homes at a glance

Median year built

1976

Built before 1960

22%

Built since 2000

19%

Owner-occupied

48%

Median home value

$234,700

Main heat

Electric, 67%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates

What Baton Rouge’s housing means for repairs

Baton Rouge's housing peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, and half its homes predate 1976. About 22% of units were built before 1960 and about 19% after 2000. About 55% of homes are detached single-family houses, and about 48% are owner-occupied, with many rentals near LSU and Southern University.

About 67% of homes heat with electricity, usually heat pumps or electric furnaces tied to central AC. Older houses in Spanish Town and the Garden District sit on raised piers, with wood floors that sag when damp air and termites get underneath. Ranch houses from the 1960s and 1970s usually sit on slabs over clay, with original panels, cast iron drains and ductwork in hot attics.

Weather that wears on Baton Rouge homes

Baton Rouge has a hot, humid subtropical climate, with long summers and some of the heaviest rainfall of any US city. Slow-moving storms can drop huge amounts of rain in a day or two, which is what happened in August 2016, when the Amite and Comite Rivers overflowed and flooded tens of thousands of homes. Hurricanes and tropical storms bring wind and rain, as Gustav did in 2008. The humidity feeds mold in closets and attics, and Formosan termites, an aggressive species well established in south Louisiana, chew through framing. Clay soils shift between wet and dry spells and crack slabs.

Common repairs in Baton Rouge

• AC repair

  AC runs most of the year in Baton Rouge, and humidity and heat wear down capacitors, coils and drain lines.

• Formosan termite damage

  Colonies hollow out sill plates, door frames and floor joists, and the damage often shows up as sagging trim.

• Flood damage rebuild

  After high water, drywall, insulation, flooring and lower cabinets usually need to come out and go back in.

• Sagging pier-and-beam floors

  Moisture and termites under raised houses soften joists and beams, causing soft or uneven floors.

• Roof leaks after tropical storms

  Wind-driven rain gets under shingles and around vent boots during tropical systems.

What these repairs cost

The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.

Fix guides for Baton Rouge homeowners

• Tiles are loose or the wood finish is cloudy after a water leak

  Water from leaks or high water loosens tile and clouds floor finishes in Baton Rouge homes.

• Water is leaking under the sink

  A leak under the sink turns into mold and rot fast in Baton Rouge's humidity.

• Roof leaks in one spot and stains the ceiling below

  Tropical storms leave single-spot roof leaks across Baton Rouge, and this guide helps you find the source.

• Door sticks and won't close properly

  Humidity and shifting clay make doors swell and stick in Baton Rouge houses.

Seasonal checklist

Spring

Watch for winged termite swarms around porch lights on warm evenings in April and May, and call for an inspection if you see them.

Hurricane season

Clear gutters and drainage ditches near your house and check the roof before June.

Summer

Pour a cup of bleach or vinegar down the AC condensate line monthly to keep algae from backing it up.

Winter

Wrap pipes on raised houses before rare hard freezes, since they run through open air under the floor.

Common questions

How do I protect my Baton Rouge house from Formosan termites?

Keep mulch and wood away from the foundation, fix leaks quickly and schedule an annual termite inspection. Formosan colonies are large and can do serious damage in a short time. A pest company handles treatment, and a carpenter repairs the damaged wood.

What should I do first after my Baton Rouge home floods?

Pull out wet drywall, insulation and flooring within a day or two to stop mold. Run fans and dehumidifiers until the framing is dry. Have an electrician check outlets and the panel before you turn power back on.

Why are the floors sagging in my raised Baton Rouge house?

Damp air under pier-and-beam houses softens joists and beams, and termites speed it up. Settling piers can add to it. A contractor needs to get under the house to see which parts need sistering, shimming or replacement.

Neighborhoods served

• Spanish Town
• Beauregard Town
• Garden District
• Mid City
• Southdowns
• Old South Baton Rouge

Other Louisiana cities

• Home repair in New Orleans
• Home repair in Shreveport