Walk-In Tubs in Texas

Census estimates put the median build year in Texas at 1992; about 39% were built in 2000 or later. Many homes of this age still have their first kitchen or bathroom. Decide early whether you want to move fixtures, since that changes the permit and the scope. Federal EPA rules require firms that disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 to follow lead-safe work practices. Ask whether the company is EPA lead-safe certified.

About 1% of Texas's counties are in climate zone 1A (very hot, humid), based on the U.S. Department of Energy's county map. In a damp climate, a bathroom exhaust fan that vents outside (not into the attic) helps prevent mold. Check your own county's zone, since conditions differ across the state.

About 64% of homes in Texas are single-family houses, and about 63% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners.

Moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits or changing walls usually needs a permit; swapping fixtures in place usually does not. In Texas, building permits are issued by cities and counties, so the rules depend on where the home is. Ask the company who pulls the permit, and keep a copy of it.

Texas has no statewide general contractor license; TDLR licenses air conditioning and refrigeration contractors. For other trades, ask your city or county building department which license applies, and ask the company for its license number.