Guide · Updated Nov 6, 2026
Is foundation repair licensed in Texas? What to check instead
Many homeowners ask for a "licensed foundation repair company." Based on the sources below, Texas does not issue a state license specifically for foundation repair, so the word "licensed" alone does not tell you much. Here is what to verify instead.
What the sources say
- The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's list of licensed programs does not include foundation repair.
- Bills to create state foundation repair licensing were filed in 2011 (SB 1399) and 2013 (HB 613). We found no sign they became law, but rules can change, so confirm with the state before relying on this page.
- Some Texas cities require contractor registration or permits, and some require an engineer's letter or plans for foundation work. Rules differ by city, so check the city where your house sits.
This is general information, not legal advice. Verify with your city's permitting office.
The story: "We're licensed and insured"
Picture this (a typical scenario, not a real customer). A salesperson says "we're fully licensed" and hands you a brochure. You ask, "Licensed by whom?" and get a vague answer. The honest follow-up checks below take about ten minutes.
7 things to check instead of a "license"
- City contractor registration or permit history. Ask which city registration they hold and whether they will pull permits where required.
- Certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) sent directly to you, with the insurer's contact details.
- Engineer involvement. Ask whether a Texas professional engineer will design or review the repair, especially where your city requires it.
- Written warranty you can read before paying. See the warranty guide.
- Itemized quote with pier type, count, drainage and exclusions.
- Independent track record. Check Google, BBB and neighbors yourself (how to read reviews).
- Company stability. Ask how long the business has operated under its current name and whether it will be around to honor the warranty.
Why this matters on San Antonio clay
Bexar County soils swell and shrink with moisture (Texas Master Naturalist), and the state's own bulletin on expansive soils (TDLR IHB TB 10-01) stresses moisture control. A repair plan that ignores drainage is a quality red flag regardless of paperwork. See 12 red flags.
Get matched, skip the guesswork
LevelSATX Foundation Network matches you with one vetted, independent network partner for a free foundation inspection. You make the decision. We are a referral service and do not perform repairs; partners pay us for referrals, and any company can apply to join the network. Read how we vet and our disclosure.
Get my free foundation inspection match
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Calculators and guides give ranges. A free inspection from one vetted, independent local contractor gives you a written quote. No cost, no obligation.
Get my free inspection →Frequently asked questions
Do foundation repair contractors need a state license in Texas?
Based on TDLR's published program list, there is no dedicated state foundation repair license. Cities may require their own contractor registration and permits.
Does LevelSATX Foundation Network claim its partners are state licensed?
No. We vet partners against published criteria on our How We Vet page and never describe them as state licensed for foundation repair.
What should I ask instead?
Ask about city registration and permits, proof of insurance, engineer involvement, the written warranty and an itemized quote.
Can any company join the network?
Any company can apply. We vet each one before matching and partners pay for referrals; see our disclosure.
Keep reading
- Foundation repair cost in San Antonio: the 2026 guide
- Pier and beam vs slab foundation repair: cost, pros and cons
- 7 signs you need foundation repair in San Antonio
- Steel vs concrete piers: costs and trade-offs compared
- Foundation repair methods compared: what each costs and when it fits
- How to choose a foundation repair company in San Antonio: a checklist
- Slab leak repair in San Antonio: signs, 2026 costs and what to do first
- Best foundation repair in San Antonio: 10 criteria to verify
- Foundation repair warranty: what lifetime and transferable really mean
- How to compare foundation repair companies in San Antonio
- 12 foundation repair red flags in quotes, sales tactics and warranties
- Slab leak detection: how pros find under-slab leaks and what it costs
- Questions to ask a foundation repair company (with good answers)
- Pier and beam foundation repair: how it works and what it costs
- Foundation repair scams: 9 tactics to avoid before you sign
- How to compare foundation repair quotes: a side-by-side worksheet
- Foundation repair second opinion: when it's worth it and how to get one
- How to read foundation repair company reviews without getting fooled
- 8 signs of a bad foundation repair and what to do next
- What's the best foundation repair method? A decision table for San Antonio homes
- Foundation repair cost calculator
- House leveling and pier cost calculator
Sources cited on this page: Angi, How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Oct 26, 2026); Angi, How Much Does Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Sep 18, 2026); Texas Master Naturalist, Alamo Area Chapter: Bexar County Soils; Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, Technical Bulletin IHB TB 10-01 (Foundations on Expansive Soils). Cost figures are national, not San Antonio quotes.
LevelSATX Foundation Network connects San Antonio homeowners with vetted, independent foundation repair contractors. We don't perform repairs; participating contractors pay us for referrals.