North Texas Construction Contractors

June 8, 2022

Understanding Construction Oversight and Licensing in Texas

There isn’t much oversight in construction businesses in Texas compared to other states. Consequently, it is easier to enter the construction industry. However, as a consumer, you may get the short end of the stick. Therefore, always look for DFW contractors who participate in the community (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, fundraising events), are accredited, and have good references.

Fast-Paced Construction in Texas

Construction in Texas is very fast-paced. Thus, people thinking about getting into the industry can do very well if managed correctly.

Who Needs a Texas Contractor License?

DFW contractors have various licensing requirements based on the type of work they do. For foundation repair, they do not need a special contractor’s license.

Handymen, Builders, and Home Improvement Specialists

State regulators in Texas do not require them to have a general contractor license. However, they need to check contractor license requirements in their city. Additionally, they should be prepared to apply for a Texas Business License, which is a requirement for every business in Texas. For more information, visit the Texas Business License website.

Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC Contractors

If you plan to work in any of these trades as a secondary service, you will need to apply for a specialized contractor license. Each type of license has different requirements, determined by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations website for more details.

Electricians’ Licenses

For electricians in Texas, there are many different types of individual contractor licenses. These range from Electrical Apprentice to Master Electrician to Residential Appliance Installer.

Regardless of the type of service, you need to register with the Texas Licensing and Regulations board. Each license has minimum requirements for the number of hours of on-the-job training and a passing score on the electrician exam.

Upon submitting proof of your experience to the licensing board, you will receive information on how to take the exam. Once you pass, you can submit your license application. Visit the National Electrical Contractors Association for more insights.

Plumbers’ Licenses

Plumbing contractor licenses in Texas fall into four categories:

Tradesman plumber-limited
Journeyman
Master
Plumbing inspector

To obtain your license in this trade, you must meet the requirements of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. These include a minimum number of hours of experience, educational courses, and a passing score on the required examination. After passing the exam, you can apply online for your license. For more information, visit the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.

HVAC Licenses

There are two types of HVAC contractor licenses in Texas: Class A and Class B.

Class A licenses can work on any size HVAC unit. Conversely, Class B licenses can work on cooling systems of 25 tons and under, and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under. To qualify for either license, you must have a minimum of 48 months of work or educational experience and pass the Air Condition and Refrigeration exam. Learn more at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

Support Ethics in Texas Construction

Supporting ethical standards in the construction industry is crucial. DFW contractors in Texas sometimes face challenges in finding people to do labor-intensive work. As a result, they may cut corners and exploit illegal immigrants. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but labor-intensive jobs in Texas mean that workers endure extreme heat. Supporting businesses that pay workers the bare minimum only benefits owners getting more jobs. Therefore, become an active promoter of ethical business standards. Ask your local foundation repair contractor how they treat their employees. For more information on ethical business practices, visit the Ethical Trading Initiative.

DFW Contractors