Renovate A Bathroom or Kitchen
Renovating a bathroom or kitchen involves the complete removal and replacement of toilets, bathtubs, sinks, or stoves, dishwashers, and garbage disposals, as well as electrical work, metal exhaust work, and opening or moving walls.
You will need several permits if you are planning to renovate a bathroom or kitchen.
If you are a homeowner trying to complete one or both these projects, you’ll need to hire a contractor who will apply for the permits and perform the work.
Who can renovate a bathroom or kitchen?
Only a contractor with a valid, non-expired Massachusetts trade license may apply for a Plumbing Permit, Electrical, or Sheet Metal permit and perform any plumbing, electrical, or exhaust work related to renovating a bathroom or kitchen.
If you are installing, replacing, or moving fire alarms or sprinklers, you’ll need to hire a Fire Protection Engineer as well.
What permits do I need?
The permits you will need to apply for are dependent on the work being done. You may need a:
Plumbing Permit
- If you are a contractor working on a project that involves water lines or plumbing work such as sinks, bathtubs, bathroom fixtures, and non-structural pipe work.
Electrical Permit
- If you are a contractor working on a project that involves electrical installations, alterations, and repairs.
Sheet Metal Permit
- If you are a contractor working on a project that involves sheet metal
Short-Form Permit
- If you are renovating an existing bathroom and no other structural changes need to be made, such as cutting into a wall.
OR
Long-Form Permit
- Only if you need to move any structural walls or egresses while performing the work, such as expanding the size of the bathroom or kitchen, creating a new window, or creating or removing a doorway.
How do I apply?
The Plumbing Permit, Electrical Permit, Sheet Metal Permit, Short-Form Permit, and Long-Form Permit pages will list the next steps you need to take, including:
- Understanding what documentation is required
- How to apply online
- What to expect after applying
- What to do after work is completed
Related Resources
Check the status of an active permit.
View Zoning information for your address or parcel ID.
Visit the Inspectional Services online portal.
Find what you need to know about the permits for your projects.
Who is Involved
Please note: This links below serve as a reference only. You are not expected to contact every department. You can use the the links to get in touch with the appropriate agency or department relevant to your specific need or stage in the process.
