Remodeled bathroom with floating grey vanity, round black mirror, black faucet, walnut floating shelves and dark painted ceiling
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Homeowner Guides · Wakefield, MA

Straight answers before you remodel.

Permits, contractor licenses, lead paint, timelines, painting season and plaster repair in Massachusetts, explained plainly by MR Construction Revolutions.

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Massachusetts remodeling guides

Each guide answers one question with the rules and sources behind it. More quick answers on our FAQ page.

Walk-in shower with large grey porcelain tile, a glass and stone mosaic accent band, pebble floor and matte black rain shower headDo you need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom in Massachusetts?A kitchen or bathroom remodel in Massachusetts usually needs a building permit once walls, drywall, framing or windows change, plus separate plumbing, gas and electrical permits that only licensed trades can pull. Painting, interior finish work and replacing cabinets on their own usually need none. Your local building department makes the final call.Read the guide ›Open kitchen with new white cabinets and island under protective wrap during renovationHow to check a contractor's HIC registration and Construction Supervisor License in MassachusettsTo check a Massachusetts contractor, search their Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration on the state's MA Contractor Hub and their Construction Supervisor License (CSL) on the Office of Public Safety and Inspections license verification site. HIC covers business conduct and Guaranty Fund access. CSL covers structural work. Many remodels need both.Read the guide ›Long living room during painting with drop cloths covering the hardwood floor and freshly painted sage green wallsRenovating a pre-1978 home in Massachusetts: what to know about lead paintIf your Massachusetts home was built before 1978, paid renovation, repair or painting that disturbs more than 6 square feet of paint per room inside, or more than 20 square feet outside, must be done by a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor. Expect plastic containment, HEPA dust control and a careful cleanup before the work area reopens.Read the guide ›Walk-in shower with large grey porcelain tile, a glass and stone mosaic accent band, pebble floor and matte black rain shower headHow long does a bathroom remodel take in Massachusetts?A full bathroom remodel in Massachusetts often takes about three to six weeks of work in the house once materials are on hand, plus several weeks beforehand for design, ordering and permits. The real length depends on special-order lead times, inspection scheduling and what turns up behind the old walls and floor.Read the guide ›White split-level home after exterior painting, with blue painted foundation and fresh white trimWhen is the best time to paint a house exterior in Massachusetts?The best time to paint a house exterior in Massachusetts is usually late spring through early fall, on dry days when the air and siding stay above the paint's minimum temperature and above the dew point while it cures. Many current exterior paints are rated down to 35 degrees, but cold nights and morning dew still cause problems.Read the guide ›Entry hall with white wainscoting, smooth painted walls and stair with dark treadsShould you repair plaster or replace it with drywall in an older home?In most older homes, plaster that is still firmly attached to its lath is worth repairing, because hairline cracks and small holes can be fixed without tearing out walls. Replacement with drywall makes sense where plaster has lost its keys over a large area, is crumbling, or has been damaged by long-term moisture.Read the guide ›

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