Friendswood is the only permanent Texas town that began as a Quaker colony. Quaker families led by T. Hadley Lewis and Frank J. Brown founded it in 1895. Into the 1940s it was a small farming community known for Magnolia figs. After 1950, Houston families found it, farmland turned into subdivisions, and Friendswood incorporated in 1960. As a result, the housing runs from post-1950s neighborhoods to newer subdivisions.
Clear Creek runs through every conversation
Clear Creek flooding is the defining building issue here. The creek rises and floods neighborhoods near it, including the Polly Ranch area. Hurricane Harvey (2017) hit Friendswood hard, and Hurricane Beryl in 2024 brought more damage. After so many storms, more residents have started building or raising homes above ground level.
For a Friendswood remodel, that means:
- Checking your flood zone and elevation certificate before adding square footage
- Choosing water-tolerant flooring and lower-wall materials in flood-prone areas
Two counties, two windstorm answers
Friendswood lies in both Galveston and Harris counties. Homes on the Galveston County side are in the TWIA windstorm area, so exterior and structural work there typically needs TDI windstorm certification. The Harris County side isn’t covered, because that area only includes certain cities east of Highway 146. We check before pricing roofs and windows.
Friendswood permits
Permits come from the Community Development department’s inspections and permits staff. Friendswood requires permits to build, move, add to or structurally alter a building, plus driveways, fences, generators, irrigation, storage buildings and pools. Plans must be to scale and show the lot and existing structures. The city says plan review averages 5 to 7 working days, depending on the permit type, how complete the submittal is and the current workload. New homes add flood and elevation documents and engineered foundation and framing plans.
Official page: Friendswood Inspections & Permits
What we build in Friendswood
- Kitchen and primary-bath remodels
- Additions and whole-home updates for growing families
- Custom homes with elevation planned from day one
Friendswood FAQ
How long does a Friendswood permit take?
The city says plan review averages 5 to 7 working days. Incomplete applications take longer, so we submit complete packages.
Is my house in the windstorm area?
Only if it’s on the Galveston County side of Friendswood.
Can you remodel a home that flooded before?
Yes. We’ll look at past water damage, moisture and elevation before recommending materials and layout.
Call 832-304-0636 to talk through a Friendswood remodel, or send a message. Nearby: Pearland, League City, Alvin.