At-a-glance
- Licensing body: No state-level general contractor license
- License threshold: Plumbing and electrical work require separate state trade licenses; general remodel work is unlicensed at the state level
- Permit authority: City building department (Texas is heavily city-permitted)
- Typical fees: $100–$500 for a bathroom remodel permit
No state license means verify locally
Because Texas doesn't have a state remodel license, you can't verify credentials on a state site. Instead: verify the contractor is registered with your city (most Texas cities require contractor registration), verify current insurance certificates, and require a bond for larger projects.
Plumbing (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners) and electrical (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) work still requires state-licensed trades, no exceptions.
City permitting is where it happens
Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth each run large building departments. Suburb cities (Plano, Frisco, Sugar Land, The Woodlands) have their own. Timeline varies widely: Austin runs slow (15–30 business days); Dallas and Houston average 7–15.
Not sure which remodeler is right for your Texas home? Julia walks you through a 2-minute guided conversation and matches you with vetted local providers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed contractor in Texas?+
Not at the state level for general remodel work, but plumbing and electrical must be licensed trades.
Deep-dive planning guides
Texas-specific planning guides
Permits in other states
Ready to see your remodel profile?
BathGuide is a 2-minute guided conversation, not a contractor form. You'll see your personalized remodel profile before sharing anything. Matching with a local provider is optional and only happens if you want it.