Texas has no state license for deck builders, so the questions you ask before you sign do the work a license would.
| State license | None for decks in Texas |
|---|---|
| City | Contractors register in MGO Connect |
| Get | A written scope and price |
| Ask | Who pulls the permit |
No State License for Decks
Texas does not license deck builders at the state level. That means anyone can call themselves a deck builder. It is on you to ask good questions. The city side is different. Cedar Park requires contractors to register with the city through MGO Connect, and the city says there is no fee to register.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Are you registered with the City of Cedar Park in MGO Connect?
- Who files the permit, and is it in the price?
- Will you call 811 before digging?
- How will you set the posts on my ground, rock or soil?
- Can I see proof of insurance?
- What exact boards, frame lumber and fasteners are in the price?
- What is the payment schedule, and what is due before work starts?
- Who do I call if something goes wrong after the job?
Get It in Writing
A good estimate lists the size, the height, the boards, the rail style, the stairs, the permit and the cleanup. If two prices look far apart, compare what each one includes. A low price that leaves out the permit or the post bases is not really low.
Red Flags
- A builder who says you do not need a permit without checking
- A large cash deposit before any plan is drawn
- No written scope, only a number
- Pressure to sign the same day
Questions
Does Texas license deck builders?
No. Texas has no state license for deck builders. Cedar Park does require contractors to register with the city in MGO Connect.
Should the builder pull the permit?
In most cases, yes. It shows they plan to build to code and pass inspection. Ask before you sign.
How many estimates should I get?
Two or three is common. Compare what each one includes, not just the total.