Houston Bathroom Remodel Permits 2026
Houston bathroom remodel permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
Houston Bathroom Remodel permit basics
- Building department: City of Houston Department of Public Works
- Department URL: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org
- Permit fee typical: $150 - $900 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: 3-7 business days (fastest large city)
- Inspections required: 3-5 inspections (rough plumbing, rough electrical, framing, final)
Houston Bathroom Remodel common issues
Ventilation requirements (50 CFM minimum), GFCI placement, waterproofing in showers (tile + grout no longer accepted as waterproof).
Houston-specific permitting context
Houston has NO ZONING - easier permitting than most large cities. Flood plain rules from post-Harvey are strict. TDLR licenses for HVAC, electrical, plumbing apply.
Climate factors: Subtropical climate with heavy AC demand year-round; hurricane exposure (Harvey 2017 reshaped flood maps); subsidence in clay soils
Texas licensing for Bathroom Remodel contractors
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) - for HVAC, electrical, plumbing only; no statewide GC license - no statewide license, but Houston likely requires local registration.
Mechanics lien deadline in Texas: 15th day of 4th month after last work (residential); 15th day of 3rd month (commercial). Preliminary notice: Notice to owner required by 15th day of 2nd month after first work for residential.
Houston Bathroom Remodel sales tax
Texas sales tax: 6.25% + local (~8.2% combined avg, capped at 8.25%). NEW CONSTRUCTION labor exempt. REMODELING and REPAIR labor on real property TAXABLE. Lump-sum vs. separated contracts treated differently.
Verify with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
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