Frequently Asked Questions

All Things Home Designs offers landscape design, installation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties.

High-value areas like Highland Park and Preston Hollow often involve older homes requiring extensive updates to meet modern International Residential Code (IRC) standards, including pier-and-beam foundation adjustments and custom millwork.

Yes, the City of Southlake often requires architectural review for external additions to ensure they match the existing neighborhood character and "Texas Hill Country" or "Mediterranean" styles common in the area.

Typically 6 to 10 weeks. This includes the "Rough-In" stage for plumbing/electrical and the 2023 NEC-compliant inspection process required by Plano Building Inspections.

Yes. In Highland Park, construction is generally limited to Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. No work is permitted on Sundays or major holidays to maintain neighborhood peace.

Absolutely. Most DFW cities, including Addison, require contractors to carry a minimum of $500,000 to $1,000,000 in General Liability insurance to maintain their registration.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) 2023 is the current state-mandated standard in Texas. It requires safety features like AFCI and GFCI protection in nearly all living areas, which can increase the cost of electrical upgrades.

In McKinney, homeowners can perform their own work only if they live in the home as a homestead, but they must still pull a permit and pass the same inspections as a licensed electrician.

Yes, but the wall framing must be reinforced to hold the weight, and the "P-trap" plumbing must be aesthetically concealed or finished in high-end metals.

Yes. Any time you remove a wall in a Dallas-area home, a Texas-licensed Structural Engineer must provide a stamped drawing for the permit application.

Yes, PEX is widely accepted in Southlake and Plano, provided it is installed per the International Plumbing Code (IPC) standards for support and protection.

Typically, you can expect a 60–80% return on investment, especially if using high-end brands like Sub-Zero or Wolf, which are standard in the Preston Hollow market.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are required by the 2023 NEC for almost all rooms. They detect dangerous electrical arcing that causes house fires.

Westlake and other cities following the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) require a Manual J to ensure your new HVAC system is perfectly sized for the square footage and insulation of your home.

Yes. Any project involving moving plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, or structural walls requires a City of Dallas Residential Permit.

We specialize in high-end renovations in Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Southlake, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Westlake, and Colleyville.

The Dallas Metroplex sits on highly expansive clay. In Grapevine and Allen, this soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, which can cause interior drywall cracks. Any remodel over $50,000 should include a foundation assessment to ensure the structure can support new heavy materials like stone counters or floor-to-ceiling tile

Yes. The City of Richardson requires a Residential Foundation Repair Permit, which must include a plan stamped by a Texas Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.).

Yes. If you adjust the foundation, you must perform a hydrostatic pressure test on the sewer lines to ensure no pipes were cracked during the leveling process.

If your home is in the McKinney Historic Overlay District, any exterior change visible from the street (even replacing windows) requires a COA from the Historic Preservation Office before a building permit is issued.

Generally, no. McKinney's Design Guidelines typically require wood or aluminum-clad wood windows to maintain the architectural integrity of the district.

Yes. In designated Dallas Conservation Districts, paint colors must often be chosen from an approved palette to ensure the neighborhood's historical aesthetic remains intact.

No. The Historic Preservation Ordinance only regulates the exterior. You have full freedom for your $150,000 interior kitchen or bathroom overhaul as long as it meets modern IRC (International Residential Code).

In Vickery Place (Dallas), specific conservation ordinances limit the height and pitch of new rooflines to prevent "McMansions" from towering over original 1920s bungalows.

For additions in Allen, a Residential Energy Code Compliance form is required. This proves your new windows, insulation, and HVAC meet the 2021 IECC standards.

These are HVAC design standards. Southlake building inspectors require these to prove your new ductwork (Manual D) and equipment selection (Manual S) are correctly sized for the Texas heat.

In Prosper, a separate electrical permit is required for Level 2 EV chargers. These must comply with the 2023 NEC Article 625 regarding ventilation and circuit rating.

Under the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code), many DFW cities now require high-efficacy lighting and "occupancy sensors" or dimmers in specific rooms to reduce energy consumption.

In Texas, for a contractor to have lien rights on your primary residence (homestead), the contract must be in writing, signed by both spouses, and filed with the County Clerk.

SB 929 clarifies that if a lien or notice deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it extends to the next business day. This provides better legal protection for homeowners and contractors during holiday-season projects.

Per Texas Property Code Chapter 53, you should withhold 10% of every payment until 30 days after the job is finished. This is your "shield" against subcontractors who might claim they weren't paid by the GC.

While more common in commercial work, a Payment Bond ensures all subcontractors and material suppliers get paid. For a high-end $200K project, asking for a bond provides the ultimate "lien-free" guarantee.

In University Park, work is permitted M-S, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Work is strictly prohibited on Sundays and holidays like Juneteenth, Labor Day, and Christmas.

If your remodel adds a large outdoor kitchen or pool house, Addison limits how much of your lot can be covered by non-porous surfaces. You may need a drainage study if you exceed 50% coverage.

Yes. Dallas Article X is one of the strictest tree ordinances in Texas. Removing a "protected" tree (over a certain diameter) requires a permit and potentially planting "mitigation" trees elsewhere.

If your remodel requires a dumpster to be placed on the street or a concrete truck to block a sidewalk in Plano, a ROW permit is required to ensure public safety.