You can file suit against the contractor. Since he is not responding to you, you can file suit for negligence and breach of contract (if you had a written contract with the contractor). You can file suit in a small claims action in Texas Justice Court--the court that handles small claims matters in Texas.
There's also a special complaint you can file with the Contractors State License Board against a contractor who fails to pull a permit. It's listed on the CSLB website (.cslb.ca) under "File a Complaint". The CSLB is very good about going after contractors who fail to pull a permit.
Projects that are cosmetic, such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets, and trim work, etc., do not require permits. Additionally, permits are not required when replacing fixtures or existing wiring or plumbing. Homeowners are allowed to perform work in their own homes without a building contractor license.
Typically a building permit is required if you decide to build, remodel, repair or demolish a structure on your property. We have a few exceptions for some general repairs. Our No Permit Required List identifies the types of projects that would not require a permit. 1901 S.
A building permit is required in the unincorporated areas of the county any time an individual, company, corporation, or group of individuals acting as an organization constructs, builds, or s a new building to be used for commercial, public accessible, or multi-family residential purposes; OR a pre-built building ...
Laws in Texas are strict concerning licenses, permits, and the local building code. Which makes it all the more critical you follow them. You won't need a permit for a storage shed of less than 200 square feet not used for business, work, or as a living space in Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Houston, or Austin.
In the City of Los Angeles, if the size of floor space exceeds 120 sq. ft. or the structure is over 12 feet in height, you need a permit. Any electrical work will require an electrical permit.
What's the biggest you can build in Texas without a permit? Very generally speaking, the biggest you can build in Texas without a permit is 200 square feet.