In an effort to help homeowners during all construction phases where a contractor is involved, you can click on the following links to ensure that your contractor is licensed through the State (where applicable).
Single Family Home General Contractors
Effective September 1, 2007, the State of Texas requires that all New Home Builders (with a few exceptions) and all Contractors doiong construction on single family residences that cost $10,000 or more be registered with the State through the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). Contractors must also register with the City of Garland in order to obtain city permits.
Exceptions:
(a) Homeowners who are building their own homes are not required to register with the State; however, please be aware that the City of Garland does require the homeowner to register and pay the appropriate fees as a General Contractor.
(b) Non-Profit organizations (such as Habitat for Humanity) are required to update their registration forms annually but no fee is collected for the registration; please be aware that the City of Garland also requires the non-profit to fill out the registration forms and update their information on an annual basis, although no fee is collected for the registration.
http://www.trcc.state.tx.us/
Electrical Contractors
The State of Texas requires that any person doing electrical work in the state must be working for a State Licensed Electrical Contractor. The licensing process is handled through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Contractors must also register with the City of Garland in order to obtain city permits.
Exceptions:
Homeowners who live in and homestead their homes through Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) may do electrical work on their homes. The city requires a copy of your driver's license with the construction address on your permit matching the mailing address on your license. City staff will verify through DCAD that the billing address for tax purposes as the construction address and that the address has a homestead exemption.
Rental and non-residential properties must have state licensed and city registered contractors complete the repairs.
No Exceptions.
http://www.license.state.tx.us/LicenseSearch/
Plumbing Contractors
The State of Texas requires that any plumbing work done in the state must be done by a plumbing company that employs a state licensed master plumber and who carries at least $300,000 of liability insurance. The licensing process is handled through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Contractors must also register with the City of Garland in order to obtain city permits.
Exceptions:
Homeowners who live in and homestead their homes through Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) may do plumbing work on their homes. The city requires a copy of your driver's license with the construction address on your permit matching the mailing address on your license. City staff will verify through DCAD that the billing address for tax purposes as the construction address and that the address has a homestead exemption.
Rental and non-residential properties must have state licensed and city registered contractors complete the repairs.
No Exceptions.
http://www.tsbpe.state.tx.us/license_registration.asp
Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Contractors
The State of Texas requires that any person doing HVAC work in the state must be working for a State Licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor. The licensing process is handled through the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations. Contractors must also register with the City of Garland in order to obtain city permits.
Exceptions:
Homeowners who live in and homestead their homes through Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) may do heating and air conditioning work on their homes. A homeowner is not allowed to recover Freon or charge systems unless they are licensed by the state. The city requires a copy of your driver's license with the construction address on your permit matching the mailing address on your license. City staff will verify through DCAD that the billing address for tax purposes as the construction address and that the address has a homestead exemption.
Rental and non-residential properties must have state licensed and city registered contractors complete the repairs.
No Exceptions.
http://www.license.state.tx.us/LicenseSearch//
Irrigator Contractors
The State of Texas requires that any person doing work on an irrigation system must work for a State Licensed Irrigation Contractor. The licensing process is handled through the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. Contractors must also register with the City of Garland in order to obtain city permits.
Exceptions:
Homeowners who live in and homestead their homes through Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) may install and repair the irrigation systems at their homes. However, the testable backflow prevention device used (typically a double check backflow preventer) must be tested by a state licensed and city registered tester. Contact the Water Department at 972-205-3214 for a list of registered testers and testing requirements. The city requires a copy of your driver's license with the construction address on your permit matching the mailing address on your license. City staff will verify through DCAD that the billing address for tax purposes as the construction address and that the address has a homestead exemption.
Rental and non-residential properties must have state licensed and city registered contractors complete the repairs.
No Exceptions.
http://www5.tceq.state.tx.us/oce/olwe/#company
Dallas Central Appraisal District
For those homeowners who would like to check their property information on-line may do so at the following link. http://www.dcad.org/SearchAddr.aspx
State Licenses and Registrations
Residential Builder Registration
Residential builder registration is handled through the Texas Residential Construction Commission. The link below will take you to the registration information page where you can print a paper application or apply on line.
http://www.trcc.state.tx.us/Builders_Remodelers/default.asp
Electrical Licenses
The state has contracted with the International Code Council (ICC) to administer electrical tests. The following websites tell electricans how to obtain licenses:
http://www.license.state.tx.us/electricians/elec.htm
http://www2.iccsafe.org/contractor/dsp_state.cfm?state=TX
Plumbing Licenses
Plumbing tests are handled through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The link below will take you to the Applications & Forms page that will have pdf links for different types of plumbing tests.
http://www.tsbpe.state.tx.us/applications-forms.html
HVAC Licenses
Heating & Air Conditioning is handled through the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations. The link below will help with testing information.
http://www.license.state.tx.us/acr/acrexams.htm
Irrigation Licenses
Irrigation testing is handled through the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The link below will take you to the page that will help you with dates and information required for the irrigation testing.
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/compliance_support/licensing/li_exams.html