Short answer
Choose the first call based on the system and immediate risk. Texas plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, engineering, and mold work have distinct licensing paths. General remodeling and roofing can add local registration, permit, and inspection requirements.
Who should a Texas homeowner call first?
The same symptom can have several causes. Choose the first call based on the system involved, then let that professional determine whether another trade, an engineer, the utility, or the local permitting office is needed.
| What you observe | First professional type to consider | Record or boundary to check |
|---|---|---|
| Supply, drain, fixture, or water-heater leak | Plumbing professional | Texas plumbing license and Responsible Master Plumber association |
| Sparking, hot outlet, repeated breaker trip, or dead circuit | Electrical professional | TDLR electrical contractor and individual license records |
| Cooling, heating, airflow, or HVAC equipment failure | Air-conditioning and refrigeration professional | TDLR contractor license, class, endorsement, and company |
| Roof covering, flashing, hail, or roof leak | Roofing professional | Local permit rules, safe roof access, and storm-claim requirements |
| Several trades or a larger remodel | General or remodeling contractor | Local contractor registration, permits, inspections, and licensed subcontractors |
| Cracking, movement, sagging, or a load-bearing change | Texas-licensed professional engineer | Independent structural evaluation before repair scope when the cause is unclear |
| Widespread water, sewage, smoke, or fire damage | Restoration company after hazards are controlled | Contamination, drying, electrical, mold, and insurance boundaries |
| Suspected mold growth or a defined mold project | Appropriately licensed mold assessor or remediator | TDLR separates assessment and remediation roles |
| Appliance itself does not operate | Appliance repair provider | Separate an appliance fault from a plumbing, gas, or electrical supply problem |
| Hazardous or storm-damaged tree | Qualified tree care professional | Utility clearance, work at height, and local debris rules |
Texas trade checks are separate
Plumbing
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners provides public license searches. A company offering plumbing work to the public must operate through the applicable licensed structure, including a Responsible Master Plumber. Match the person, company association, status, and insurance information shown in the state record.
Electrical and air conditioning
TDLR licenses electrical and air-conditioning contractors. Search both the contractor and the associated license information that applies to the proposed work. Ask the local office about permits and final inspections.
General construction and roofing
Do not assume one statewide general contractor record covers every project. Check local registration and permit rules, then confirm that regulated electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning, engineering, or mold work is assigned to the proper license holder.
Questions to ask on the first call
- Does this observation fit your professional scope?
- Is there anything I should safely do before you arrive?
- Which Texas license applies, and whose name holds it?
- Does the city or county require a permit or inspection?
- Could this require another trade, an engineer, a utility, or my insurer?
- Will you provide the findings and proposed scope in writing?
What this guide cannot decide
This guide does not diagnose a symptom, select a company, confirm a current license, interpret a permit rule, or determine insurance coverage. Search the responsible Texas licensing agency, contact the local permitting office, and review the specific policy or contract before authorizing work.
Sources
Primary and authoritative sources checked for this guide.
- How to Avoid Home Improvement ScamsOffice of the Attorney General of Texas. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Contractor selection; Licensed-trade checks; Written scope.
- Find-a-PlumberTexas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Texas plumbing license lookup.
- Free Licensee ListTexas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Responsible Master Plumber role; Company and insurance association.
- Electricians Consumer ProtectionTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Electrical contractor and individual license checks; Permit closeout.
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration ContractorsTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Texas HVAC contractor licensing; License search.
- Mold Assessors and RemediatorsTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Mold assessment and remediation licensing.
- HurricanesTexasReady. Checked July 23, 2026.Supports: Flood, electrical, gas, and tree safety after storms.