Harris County

Home permits and project costs in Houston, TX

Houston has no zoning but strict floodplain rules; elevation certificates and drainage review can gate additions and slab work.

Verified August 2026

Local cost index

-3%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+5%

vs national baseline

Population

2,302,878

Homeownership

43%

Do you need a permit in Houston?

For most structural work, yes

Houston enforces statewide irc adoption for residential construction, amended locally through Harris County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Houston

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$9,900 – $33,400	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$5,300 – $15,800	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,400 – $11,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,200 – $5,500	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$38,900 – $117,600	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$7,800 – $35,400	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$1,900 – $6,900	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$6,600 – $22,400	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$15,500 – $49,400	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$18,000 – $91,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$9,000 – $41,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,200 – $19,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,500 – $15,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$5,600 – $28,400	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,800 – $11,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$4,500 – $16,100	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$800 – $4,300	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,300 – $18,600	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$9,300 – $43,200	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$7,700 – $28,800	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$9,500 – $44,100	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$900 – $6,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,400 – $7,700	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$8,100 – $38,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$900 – $15,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,800 – $11,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$900 – $6,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$400 – $4,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$6,200 – $29,000	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,200 – $7,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,600 – $12,200	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,400 – $12,800	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,500 – $19,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,800 – $15,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,500 – $9,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,700 – $14,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$300 – $4,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$4,400 – $19,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,200 – $11,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$3,500 – $16,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$900 – $6,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,200 – $9,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$400 – $5,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$6,000 – $45,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$8,300 – $98,200	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$9,300 – $87,900	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$5,600 – $25,500	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,500 – $14,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,200 – $6,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$46,600 – $290,100	required	Cost·Permit

Houston permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Houston, Harris County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Owner-builder permits allowed on owner-occupied property
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.