Texas has no statewide general contractor license, but the City of Houston licenses contractors. Here's what that means for homeowners and how to verify a contractor.
Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license, so the license that matters for a Houston remodel is the one issued by the city where the work happens. Novara Construction holds City of Houston General Contractor License #237166. Before hiring any contractor, ask for their city license number, a certificate of insurance, and who will pull permits and perform licensed plumbing, electrical and HVAC work.
State vs. city licensing in Texas
The State of Texas licenses individual trades — plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians — but not general contractors or remodelers. Cities fill part of that gap: the City of Houston requires contractors to be licensed or registered before they can pull permits for work inside city limits.
Suburbs and unincorporated areas each have their own rules, so a contractor working in Katy, Sugar Land or Harris County may register separately with each jurisdiction.
What a city license tells you
A City of Houston license shows the contractor is on record with the city and can obtain permits for covered work. It does not replace insurance, references or a clear written contract — it's one of several checks.
Novara Construction holds City of Houston General Contractor License #237166, carries general liability insurance (certificate available on request) and provides a 1-year workmanship warranty.
How to verify a contractor before you sign
Ask for the license number and confirm the business name matches the contract. Request a certificate of insurance sent directly from the insurer. Ask who pulls the permit and which licensed trade partners will do plumbing and electrical work. Read recent reviews and ask for photos of comparable completed projects.
Next step
Ready to talk through your project? Request a free quote, call (281) 889-1068 or message us on WhatsApp. Novara Construction serves Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Cypress, Pearland, Spring and Beaumont.
Contractor verification checklist
| Check | What to ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| City license | License number and issuing city | Needed to pull permits in that city |
| Insurance | Certificate of insurance from the insurer | Protects you if property is damaged |
| Trade licenses | Names of licensed plumber/electrician | Required by the State of Texas |
| Permits | Who pulls them and when | Avoids unpermitted work at resale |
| Contract | Written scope, price, change-order process | Prevents disputes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Novara Construction licensed?
- Yes. Novara holds City of Houston General Contractor License #237166 and is general liability insured.
- Does Texas license general contractors?
- No. Texas has no statewide general contractor license; cities such as Houston license or register contractors locally, and the state licenses individual trades.
- Who pulls permits on a Novara project?
- Novara coordinates permits and inspections where the work requires them; licensed trade partners obtain permits for their own plumbing, electrical or HVAC work.
Related services and areas
Thinking about a project like this?
Tell us about your space and goals — we'll follow up with a free consultation.
Describe your project
