Local Guide · Foundation repair contractors · Texas
How do you check a foundation repair company in Texas?
Texas has no state foundation repair license, so city rules and engineers matter. Here is what San Antonio and Houston require and how to protect your payments.
Texas does not license foundation repair at the state level. Check city rules instead: San Antonio requires Residential Building Contractor registration for foundation repairs, and Houston's floodplain foundation repair permit expects engineered pier or pile drawings and inspections. Get an independent engineer's assessment, and keep the 10 percent statutory reserve.
Who licenses foundation repair contractors providers in Texas
No state foundation repair license in Texas (engineers licensed by TBPELS). Texas has no state license for foundation repair contractors. Some cities regulate them: San Antonio requires Residential Building Contractor registration for foundation repairs. Engineers who design repair plans must be licensed by TBPELS; check them on its rosters.
Check an engineer on TBPELS →Key facts for Texas
- Texas has no state license for general or residential contractors.
- San Antonio requires Residential Building Contractor registration for foundation repairs.
- San Antonio's Residential Building registration requires an FBI background check, insurance and a residential ICC or approved certification.
- Houston's floodplain foundation repair permit covers repair of slab fractures and stabilizing a structure that has moved.
- Houston says engineered piles or piers should be shown on drawings, and conducts pre-construction and final inspections.
- For Houston floodplain properties in certain flood zones, the permit requires a sealed cost estimate from a Texas engineer or architect or a notarized foundation contract, plus an appraisal.
- Texas owners must reserve 10 percent of the contract price during the work and for 30 days after completion.
What does San Antonio require?
San Antonio requires Residential Building Contractor registration for foundation repairs. Registration requires an FBI background check, photo ID, insurance and a residential ICC or Building Official-approved certification.
What does Houston require?
Houston's floodplain foundation repair permit covers repairing slab fractures and stabilizing a structure that has moved. Engineered piles or piers should be shown on drawings, the permit must be posted facing the street, and there are pre-construction and final inspections. In certain flood zones, the city also wants a sealed cost estimate or notarized contract and an appraisal.
Why involve an engineer?
Texas law exempts private dwellings from its engineering requirements in some cases (1001.056), but cities can still require engineered plans. An independent engineer's report gives you a plan to hold contractors to. Check engineers on the TBPELS rosters.
How do you protect your payments?
Keep the 10 percent statutory reserve until 30 days after completion (Property Code 53.101), and get warranty terms, including transferability, in writing.
How to choose a provider in Texas
- Get an independent engineer's assessment.
- Check city registration where it exists.
- Confirm the permit and inspections.
- Keep the 10 percent reserve.
- Get warranty terms in writing.
Questions people ask
Does Texas license foundation repair companies?
No state license exists. Some cities, such as San Antonio, require registration.
What does San Antonio require for foundation repair?
Residential Building Contractor registration.
Does Houston inspect foundation repairs?
Its floodplain foundation repair permit includes pre-construction and final inspections.
Do I need an engineer in Texas?
State law exempts some homes, but cities can require engineered plans, and an independent assessment is wise.
How much should I hold back?
Texas requires owners to reserve 10 percent until 30 days after completion.
Where do I check a Texas engineer?
TBPELS's engineering rosters.
Sources
- City of San Antonio DSD, Building and Home Improvement contractor registration
- Houston Permitting Center, Foundation repair (floodplain)
- Houston Permitting Center, Top 10 Things to Know About Permitting (March 2024)
- Texas Occupations Code 1001.056, engineering exemption for certain buildings
- TBPELS, Engineering Rosters
- Texas Property Code 53.101, funds required to be reserved
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
