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.
Some permits (especially for GENERAL CONTRACTORS) must be obtained on a job-by-job basis. PRIME AND/OR GENERAL CONTRACTORS ARE NOT PROFESSIONALLY LICENSED IN HOUSTON OR BY THE STATE OF TEXAS. THERE IS NO “GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE”.
The state of Texas doesn't require general contractors, home improvement specialists, or handyman services to hold a license. But remember: The area in which you're working might have other ideas on paperwork. In Texas, contractor license bonds are enforced at the city or county level.
Trade contractors, such as electricians and plumbers, need a state license and must also register with the city. Houston: General contractors are not required to register with the city. However, specific trades like electrical and plumbing work require appropriate state licensing.
To write a simple contract, title it clearly, identify all parties and specify terms (services or payments). Include an offer, acceptance, consideration, and intent. Add a signature and date for enforceability. Written contracts reduce disputes and offer better legal security than verbal ones.