Avoid delays, fines, and failed inspections. Learn the top 5 permitting mistakes homeowners make during renovations in Massachusetts — and how to do it right.

In Massachusetts, no home renovation — no matter how small — is exempt from oversight. With some of the strictest building codes in the country and independent permitting processes in every town, it’s easy for homeowners to get caught in red tape.
At **Artisans Homes & Renovations**, we’ve worked across Greater Boston for years and have seen every kind of permitting challenge: jobs delayed for months, fines issued mid-project, or worse — renovations halted because of missing paperwork.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the **five most common permit-related mistakes homeowners make in Massachusetts** — and how to avoid them entirely.

1. Starting Work Without a Permit

This is by far the most common — and costly — mistake. Many homeowners assume permits are only required for major additions or structural work, but that’s not the case in Massachusetts.

✅ When permits are required:

Removing or adding walls (even non-structural)
Changing plumbing or electrical systems
Replacing windows or exterior doors
Converting a basement or attic
Adding decks, porches, or dormers

Even kitchen and bathroom remodels often require permits — especially if plumbing or layout is being altered.

💡 Example: In Somerville, even replacing cabinets may require a permit if walls or wiring are touched.

What happens if you skip it?

Work stoppage ordered by the city
Fines and legal notices
Trouble selling your home later (unpermitted work = title issues)
Insurance claims may be denied in case of damage

2. Hiring a Contractor Who Isn't Licensed to Pull Permits

Some contractors will suggest that you, the homeowner, pull the permit yourself — a red flag in most cases. In Massachusetts, only licensed contractors (with an active CSL — Construction Supervisor License) should be filing for most renovation permits.

Why this matters:

If you pull the permit as the homeowner, you’re legally responsible for all compliance, including safety.
If an unlicensed contractor does poor work, you may have no legal protection.
Towns may reject permits not tied to a licensed professional.

📞 Always verify a contractor’s license on the Massachusetts HIC/CSL portal

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your contractor for their CSL and HIC numbers before signing anything.

3. Underestimating Town-Specific Rules

Every city and town in Massachusetts has its own building department, zoning rules, and permit process. A project that’s easily approved in Medford may hit months of review in Cambridge or Brookline.

Examples of town-specific differences:

Cambridge requires special review for historic district properties
Everett requires zoning review for most exterior changes
Boston has an ISD (Inspectional Services Division) with its own forms and layers of approvals
Somerville requires energy compliance reports even for moderate interior remodels

📞 Contact your city’s Inspectional Services before planning. For example:
Boston ISD: (617) 635-5300
Everett Inspectional Services: (617) 394-2250
Cambridge Inspectional Services: (617) 349-6100
Medford Building Dept: (781) 393-2509

4. Not Accounting for Inspection Timelines

Many homeowners assume that once the permit is approved, they’re in the clear. But all permitted jobs must go through one or more on-site inspections, and these must be passed to proceed.

Common inspections required:

Rough framing
Rough plumbing and electrical
Insulation (yes, it’s mandatory in MA)
Final walk-through before occupancy

Each inspection must be scheduled, often with 3–5 business days of notice. Failing one inspection means delays — or redoing parts of the work.

💡 Tip: Work with a contractor who builds inspections into the schedule — and knows local inspectors by name.

**5. Not Pulling the Right Type of Permit**

There’s more than one kind of permit — and filing the wrong one can cost you time and money.

Common types of permits in Massachusetts:

Building Permit – required for structural or layout changes
Electrical Permit – for lighting, wiring, panel upgrades
Plumbing Permit – for any fixture relocation or piping
Gas Permit – for water heaters, furnaces, stoves
Zoning Approval or Variance – for projects that exceed lot coverage, height, etc.

💡 Mistake example: Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower? You’ll likely need plumbing, building, AND electrical permits.

Your contractor should handle this — but only if they understand your town’s process.

Permits aren’t just a formality — they’re a critical part of a safe, legal renovation in Massachusetts. Cutting corners on permitting often leads to higher costs, legal risk, or unsafe construction.

At Artisans Homes & Renovations, we handle all permitting for our clients — including plan submittals, inspector coordination, and town-by-town requirements. It’s one of the ways we keep projects on track and clients protected.

Planning a renovation in Massachusetts? Let Artisans Homes & Renovations take care of the process from plans to permits to final inspection. Contact us to schedule a consultation — and start your project with confidence.

Permit Trouble: 5 Mistakes Massachusetts Homeowners Make When Renovating