Find Certified Contractors in Dallas, Texas

The City of Dallas Development Services Department requires permits for most construction, renovation, and major repair projects to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards.

Projects Requiring Permits:

• Structural changes (adding/removing walls, expanding rooms)
• Additions, garages, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC modifications
• Roofing (if re-roofing value exceeds $500)
• New windows and doors (especially if altering size)
• In-ground pools and attached patios

What Usually Doesn't Need a Permit:

• Fences under 4 feet in front yard, under 6 feet elsewhere
• Storm windows, gutters, and insulation
• Interior cosmetic updates (paint, flooring, cabinets)
• Accessory structures under 200 sq ft without utilities
• Re-roofing valued at $500 or less
• Prefabricated pools under 5,000 gallons

Apply Online: Permit applications are submitted through DallasNow.

The state of Texas only requires contractors to obtain licensing for specialty services, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lawn treatment, mosquito control, and security systems, among others.

For more information on the types of licensing required, and for a broader list of services, please visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

General Liability: Dallas-area projects typically require $500,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage. Commercial clients and larger residential projects often require $1,000,000 per occurrence minimum.

Workers' Compensation: Workers' comp is optional in Texas, but non-subscribers can be sued directly for work injuries—employees don't have to prove negligence. Contractors on City of Dallas or Dallas County projects must carry coverage.

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor carries appropriate liability coverage for the scope of work they perform. You can verify specialty trade licenses at the Texas TDLR License Search.

With clay soil, flat land, and with droughts and floods becoming about as common as brisket and white bread, roofs, yards, and foundations are suffering, and as a result, inspections, repairs, and refurbishments are on the rise.

For a state that sees some of the hottest temperatures in the country, HVAC and pool maintenance services are a speed-dial requirement in DFW. Many homeowners are adding outdoor living spaces onto their homes in the form of decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens. Landscaping and frequent lawn care are also key to keeping trees and lawns looking neat and trim.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Dallas annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Dallas, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.