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Fixer upper homes in Irving

Fixer upper homes in Irving are most likely in central and south Irving. Many of the older neighborhoods there date from the city's growth after the 1930s. A good project starts with permits, any association approvals and a real repair budget. Here is how to plan it.

Fixer upper homes in Irving

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Who issues renovation permits in Irving?

The City of Irving Inspections Department handles home permits for projects such as remodels. You apply and book inspections through the city's online portal.

Ask the seller which past additions, patios, pools or electrical work were permitted. Confirm the work you plan with the city before closing.

Do HOAs or Las Colinas standards limit changes?

They can. The Las Colinas Association sets design standards for homes and landscaping. A neighborhood HOA may add its own rules.

In central and south Irving, many streets have no association, which gives you more room to choose. Ask before you set a budget.

How can I finance a fixer upper?

HUD's FHA 203(k) program insures loans to buy and fix up a home. Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation mortgage puts the purchase and the repairs in one loan. You make one monthly payment.

Both need contractor bids, so talk with a lender early. First-time buyers can read the Texas first-time buyer guide.

What should I inspect on an older Irving home?

Check the roof age and hail history, foundation repair records, the electrical panel and the sewer line. Near creeks, check the FEMA flood map. Ask if water has ever come into the home.

Get contractor bids during your option period. Run the total in the mortgage calculator. Compare it with move-in-ready Irving homes for sale.

Common questions

Who issues building permits in Irving?

The City of Irving Inspections Department handles home permits and inspections through the city's online portal. Confirm the work you plan with the department before it starts.

Can I renovate a Las Colinas home freely?

Not fully. The Las Colinas Association sets design standards for homes and landscaping. Changes to the outside may need its approval.

What loans help pay for renovations?

Common options include the FHA 203(k) program and Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation mortgage. Both roll repair costs into one loan.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Dallas, Irving, Farmers Branch, Carrollton and Lewisville cities, Texas, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Irving, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Las Colinas Association, Las Colinas Association (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau, Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  5. City of Irving official website, City of Irving (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Irving ISD Schools of Choice, Irving Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Coppell ISD, Coppell Independent School District (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Texas School Report Cards (TXschools.gov), Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  10. DART Rail, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (read 2026-09-24)
  11. DART to Airports, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (read 2026-09-24)
  12. TRE Stations, Trinity Railway Express (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Airport Facts & Figures, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (read 2026-09-24)
  14. North Texas Tollway Authority, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  17. Special Purpose Districts, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Notice to Purchaser of Special Taxing or Assessment District (TREC 59-0), Texas Real Estate Commission (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Dallas Central Appraisal District, Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Homestead Exemption Application Filing, Dallas Central Appraisal District (read 2026-09-24)
  21. About Oncor, Oncor Electric Delivery (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Power to Choose, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  23. 2025 Tax Rates, Dallas County Tax Office (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Sales and Use Tax, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Texas Sales and Use Tax Rates – July 2026, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Starting a New Business (Fiscal Notes), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Valuing Property, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  28. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Irving Inspections Department, City of Irving (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 757.002 – Application, Texas Health and Safety Code (via texas.public.law) (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Texas Property Code Section 82.157 – Resale of Units, Texas Property Code (via texas.public.law) (read 2026-09-24)
  32. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program Types, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  33. HomeStyle Renovation mortgage, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  34. Home insurance guide, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  35. FEMA Flood Map Service Center, FEMA (read 2026-09-24)
  36. North and Central Texas tornado climatology, National Weather Service Fort Worth (read 2026-09-24)
  37. Dallas/Fort Worth Climate Narrative, National Weather Service Fort Worth (read 2026-09-24)
  38. Texas Water Code Section 49.452 – Notice to Purchasers, Texas Water Code (via texas.public.law) (read 2026-09-24)
  39. Irving Arts Center, City of Irving (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.