While the State of Texas does not require contractors to be licensed, builders should check with the applicable city, county and/or Homeowner Association regarding any local regulations regarding contractor oversight.
Houston does not require a general contractor license, but permits are needed on a job-by-job basis. Subcontractors and trades in Houston can obtain permits for: Demolition. Remodeling.
The building permit application process is completed via the iPermits portal. Once the application process is complete, a project number will be assigned. The project number is a unique number that all of the permits associated with project will be pulled under.
Understanding General Building Permits A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alteration, change of occupancy, renovations, relocations, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Electrical, Plumbing and A/C, and Heating may also be required.
Hire contractors who are licensed and insured. Texas does not require general contractors to be licensed or bonded, but they are required to be a state-registered business. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about additional licensing requirements in your area.
Texas Handyman Limitations Most states put a financial limit on what you can do without a contractor's license – usually limiting jobs to $500, $1,000, or even $3,000. However, in Texas, that isn't the case. There are currently no limits on job size for unlicensed contractors.
Not all contractors in Texas need to hold a license. Whether or not you need a license depends on your trade and the area in which you're working.
A building permit is required for most residential projects inside the corporate city of Houston limits; these include, but are not limited to: Construction work on new or existing buildings. Remodeling (excluding painting, wallpapering)
Size and height: Usually, building permits are not required to build a small shed, less than 200 square feet and 15 feet high, in Texas. Location: Where the shed will be located is an important factor and covers the shed's proximity to other structures, among other restrictions.