Houston Kitchen Remodel Permits 2026
Houston kitchen remodel permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
Houston Kitchen Remodel permit basics
- Building department: City of Houston Department of Public Works
- Department URL: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org
- Permit fee typical: $200 - $1,200 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: 3-7 business days (fastest large city)
- Inspections required: 4-6 inspections (electrical rough, plumbing rough, framing, insulation, drywall, final)
Houston Kitchen Remodel common issues
GFCI placement, ventilation requirements (microwave OTR vs hood), gas line work requires separate permit.
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 Kitchen 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 Kitchen 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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