Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Kitchen in Fort Worth?
It depends on what changes. The City of Fort Worth lists cabinets and countertops as cosmetic work. A moved sink, new circuit or changed wall is permit work.
It depends on what changes. The City of Fort Worth says permits are not required for cosmetic remodels. Its list names cabinets, countertops, and floor or wall covering. Work that changes, moves or repairs walls, electrical, plumbing or mechanical needs a permit. So new cabinets alone are one thing, and a moved sink or a new circuit is another.
On this page
Most kitchen remodels are a mix of both kinds of work. This page goes through a kitchen change by change and puts the City’s own line next to each one. We read the City page on November 13, 2026.
- The City’s cosmetic list names cabinets, countertops, shelving, and floor or wall covering. No permit by that line.
- Replacing a plumbing fixture is also on the no-permit side.
- A moved sink, a new circuit or an opened wall is on the permit side.
- Sort each change by itself. One kitchen can have both kinds.
- Our permits are billed at cost. They are not in the quote.
What the City of Fort Worth says
The City of Fort Worth Residential Permitting page draws one line.
On one side is work that needs a permit: new construction, and work that changes, moves or repairs walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, electrical, mechanical or plumbing.
On the other side is work that does not. The City calls these “cosmetic” remodels. Its list names floor or wall covering, cabinets, countertops and shelving. It also names plumbing fixture replacement.
City rules can change, and this page is about the City of Fort Worth only. Other cities have their own rules, and we did not read them for this page. Read the City page yourself before you plan: City of Fort Worth Residential Permitting.
A kitchen, change by change
| The change | Where the City’s line puts it |
|---|---|
| New cabinets | Cabinets are on the City’s cosmetic list. No permit by that line. |
| New countertops | On the City’s cosmetic list. No permit by that line. |
| New backsplash tile or new flooring | Floor or wall covering. On the cosmetic list. |
| Replacing a faucet or another plumbing fixture | Plumbing fixture replacement. No permit by that line. |
| Moving the sink, or adding a sink at an island | Plumbing that changes or moves. Permit side. |
| Adding or moving circuits, outlets or lights | Electrical that changes or moves. Permit side. |
| Opening or removing a wall. Changing a window or a door. | Permit side. |
Why one kitchen can be both
A kitchen plan is a list of changes, and each change sits on one side of the line.
Take a kitchen that gets new cabinets, new countertops and a sink moved to an island. The cabinets and the countertops are on the cosmetic list. The moved sink is not. It is plumbing that moves.
So do not ask if the kitchen needs a permit. Ask it for each change. If a wall is part of the plan, read our guide to removing kitchen walls.
Who can apply for the permit
The City page says a permit applicant must be a registered building contractor, or a homeowner who meets the rules for a homestead permit. The homestead rules include that the applicant owns the house and lives in it solely as a primary residence. The City page names a homestead exemption from the appraisal district as a way to show that.
Texas has no state license for general contractors. So ask any contractor you talk to for the City registration number.
How we handle permits
Permits are billed at cost. They are not in the quote. Licensed trades pull the permits for their scope. We are a Fort Worth & Aledo city-registered building contractor (#RB026782 / #25-000007), insured.
We do not print a permit fee or a review time on this page. Those are the City’s numbers, and they change. Ask us at the walk-through, and confirm with the City.
What our kitchen work costs
These are our own prices. Each one is its own scope. A permit, when one is needed, is billed at cost and is not in these numbers. Kitchen prices do not include appliances. You buy them and we install them.
- A Basic Kitchen Refresh runs $20,000 to $25,000.
- A Full Kitchen Remodel runs $25,000 to $50,000.
- Countertops as their own job run $4,000 to $8,000.
- A cabinet reface runs $5,000 to $8,000. It is sand, repair, prep, prime and paint.
- All-new cabinetry runs $10,000 to $18,000. Countertops are extra. If all the lower cabinets are replaced, new countertops are needed too, and the old backsplash usually comes out.
- A backsplash runs $2,000 to $4,000 for labor. The tile is passed through at its cost.
We do not tie a price to a permit. Whether a job needs one depends on what changes, not on what it costs. The kitchen remodel cost guide has the full numbers. For cabinets, read reface or replace kitchen cabinets.
Four steps before you start
- Write down each change. Cabinets, countertops, sink, lights, walls.
- Sort each change with the City’s line. Cosmetic work and fixture replacement go on one side. Changed or moved plumbing, electrical and walls go on the other.
- Ask the City about any change you are not sure of. Do it before the work starts.
- Get it in the written scope. Read what a written scope protects you from.
A change after you sign is a change order, priced at cost plus 25%.
If a bathroom is part of the plan, read bathroom remodel permits in Fort Worth.
How to get your number
It starts with a free walk-through. We look at the kitchen, we write the scope, and we price it. The quote is good for 30 days.
Our typical start is one to two weeks out, depending on our schedule. Our own in-house crew does the work.
Every job carries a written warranty with two terms: three years on everything we touch, and five years on our workmanship. Manufacturer warranties on materials pass through to you. To set a walk-through, call or text 817-210-7117.
Questions homeowners ask
Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen in Fort Worth?
It depends on what changes. The City of Fort Worth Residential Permitting page, read on November 13, 2026, says cosmetic remodels do not require a permit. Work that changes, moves or repairs walls, electrical, plumbing or mechanical does.
Do I need a permit to replace kitchen cabinets?
The City page names cabinets in its list of cosmetic work that does not require a permit.
Do I need a permit to move a kitchen sink?
Moving a sink moves the plumbing. Work that changes or moves plumbing is on the permit side of the City’s line.
Do I need a permit to remove a kitchen wall?
Work that changes or moves walls is on the permit side of the City’s line.
Who pulls the permit?
On our jobs, licensed trades pull the permits. Who can apply is a separate City rule. The City page says an applicant must be a registered building contractor, or a homeowner who meets the rules for a homestead permit.
Is the permit in your price?
No. Permits are billed at cost and are not in the quote.