Local Guide · General and residential contractors · Austin, TX
What should Austin homeowners know before hiring a general contractor?
Austin lists the residential work that's exempt from building permits, and floodplain properties may need permits even then. Here is what to check before hiring.
Texas has no state general contractor license, so in Austin focus on permits, references and the protections in state law. Austin exempts some residential work from building permits, such as finish work and small sheds, but says a permit may still be required if the property is in a floodplain.
Key facts for Austin, TX
- Austin says a permit may still be required for exempt work if the property is in a floodplain.
- Austin exempts painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work from building permits.
- Austin exempts one-story detached accessory structures of up to 200 square feet with no plumbing, outside flood hazard areas.
- Austin exempts fences up to 7 feet high, unless in a flood hazard area.
- Austin exempts retaining walls up to 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or in a flood hazard area.
- Austin says work exempt from a permit must still comply with building codes and city ordinances.
What residential work is exempt in Austin?
Austin Development Services exempts finish work like painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and countertops. It also exempts one-story sheds up to 200 square feet with no plumbing, fences up to 7 feet and retaining walls up to 4 feet, with conditions. Exempt work must still meet code.
Why does the floodplain matter?
Austin says a permit may still be required if your property is in a floodplain, even for work on the exempt list, and points owners to its FloodPro map. Check before your contractor starts.
What protects Austin homeowners?
Without a state license, get references, a written contract and the Texas Know Your Rights disclosure (Property Code 53.255). Keep the 10 percent statutory reserve (Property Code 53.101).
How to choose a provider in Austin, TX
- Check city contractor registration where it exists.
- Confirm the company is a registered Texas business.
- Get the Know Your Rights disclosure before signing.
- Get a written contract with scope, timeline, cost and payment terms.
- Keep the 10 percent reserve until 30 days after completion.
- Confirm licensed trades and who pulls the permits.
Nearby
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit for new cabinets in Austin?
No. Austin exempts cabinets, countertops and similar finish work from building permits.
Can I build a small shed without a permit in Austin?
A one-story shed up to 200 square feet with no plumbing, outside flood hazard areas, is exempt.
Does the floodplain change permit rules in Austin?
Yes. Austin says a permit may still be required in a floodplain even for listed exempt work.
Does Texas license general contractors?
No. Texas has no state general contractor license.
What should my Austin contract include?
A written description of the work, timeline, cost and payment terms, as the Texas disclosure recommends.
Sources
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.
