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Kitchen Remodeling in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Some kitchens need new cabinets and counters in the same footprint. Others need a wall gone, the sink moved to the window, a gas range where an electric one stood, or the whole room rebuilt to the studs. The bigger the change, the more trades and permits it involves. Call (978) 951-4644 or send the form. A person reads every request and replies with what happens next.
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Refresh or rebuild
Same layout, or a new one
Finish work. Swapping cabinets, counters, backsplash tile and paint inside the same footprint is the lightest kind of kitchen job. Massachusetts lists "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work" as exempt from a building permit, while noting that electrical, plumbing or gas work may still need permits (780 CMR R105.2). The state's contractor chart says the permit picture can change when cabinets are part of a larger project (HIC contractor resources).
Moving things around. A new layout usually means opening walls, moving the sink or range, adding circuits for appliances and lighting, and sometimes taking out a wall entirely. Removing or cutting a structural beam or load-bearing support, or substantially cutting away a wall, needs a building permit (780 CMR R105.2.2), and plumbing, gas and electrical work is done by licensed trades in both states.
What is behind the walls. In a home built before 1978, anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces must follow lead-safe rules, and replacing a window or demolishing painted surfaces always counts (EPA RRP for contractors). In Massachusetts, MassDEP also requires an asbestos survey before renovation of a structure of any age (MassDEP survey guide).
If you smell gas. Leave the house and call 911 from outside. Gas piping is never a do-it-yourself job during a remodel.
Massachusetts
A Massachusetts kitchen remodel
A registered contractor. Remodeling an existing owner-occupied home of one to four units is home improvement work, and the contractor generally must be registered with the state (OCABR homeowner resources). The state chart marks kitchen cabinets and shelving as registration work even where no building permit is needed (HIC contractor resources). Look the company up on the Contractor Hub.
The contract. A job over $1,000 needs a written contract with the registration number, start and completion dates, the work and materials, the total price and a payment schedule. The deposit is limited to one-third of the price, or the cost of special-order materials such as custom cabinets if that is more (M.G.L. c.142A §2).
The trades. Plumbing and gas fitting can't be installed or altered until the inspector issues a permit, and permits are issued to licensed individuals (248 CMR 3.05). Electrical work is done by licensed electricians (M.G.L. c.141 §1A) under the Massachusetts Electrical Code, based on the 2026 NEC and in effect since April 24, 2026 (Mass. Electrical Code).
Pre-1978 homes. When renovating a home built before 1978, a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor must be used (Department of Labor Standards).
New Hampshire
A New Hampshire kitchen remodel
Vetting the contractor. New Hampshire's Attorney General says "contractors do not need to be licensed" in the state, and advises asking for references, the suppliers the contractor uses and proof of insurance (NH Attorney General).
The contract. Get a written contract with the scope, materials, total price and payment schedule before any work or payment, and treat a down payment over 50% of the final cost as a warning sign (NH Attorney General). On a contract over $5,000, the contractor must give you the written notice required by the residential construction defects law (RSA 359-G).
Permits and trades. Your town issues the building permit (RSA 155-A:2). Plumbers and gas fitters are state-licensed (Mec 300), electrical work done for pay needs a licensed electrician (RSA 319-C), and the state electrical code is the 2023 NEC, effective July 1, 2025 (Town of Merrimack code page).
Pre-1978 homes. New Hampshire follows the federal lead rule, so the firm doing paid work that disturbs paint in a pre-1978 home must be EPA-certified (EPA RRP).
New Hampshire remodeling rules and the towns we cover.
Last verified November 2026. Fees, restrictions and deadlines on this page are due for re-checking by July 2027. New England Remodeling Pros is a referral service. We don't design, build or pull permits.
FAQ
Kitchen remodeling questions
Do I need a building permit to replace cabinets and countertops?
In Massachusetts, cabinets, countertops, tiling and similar finish work are exempt from a building permit under the residential code, though a larger project around them may need one. Plumbing, gas and electrical changes can need permits of their own. In New Hampshire, permits are set by your town, so ask the building department.
Can the wall between the kitchen and dining room come out?
Often, but it is a permit job if the wall carries load. The Massachusetts code requires a permit to remove or cut a structural beam or load-bearing support, and on one- and two-family homes that work is overseen by a licensed construction supervisor or a registered design professional. New Hampshire towns issue permits under the state building code.
Who can move the sink or the gas line?
In Massachusetts, plumbing and gas fitting need a permit before the work starts, and permits go to licensed individuals. New Hampshire licenses plumbers and gas fitters too. Your remodeling contractor normally brings in licensed trades for that part of the job.
My house was built before 1978. Does that change anything?
Yes. Paid work that disturbs paint in a pre-1978 home falls under lead-safe renovation rules: Massachusetts requires a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor, and in New Hampshire the renovation firm must be EPA-certified.
What does it cost me to use New England Remodeling Pros?
Nothing. The request and the referral are free; the contractor prices the work.
Town guides
Local rules for kitchen remodeling by town
Each town page covers that town's building permits, local review boards and the homes you'll find there. Towns with a local guide so far: Greater Lowell, MA (Lowell, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, Billerica, Westford, Tyngsborough and Pepperell), Andover, Lawrence & Haverhill, MA (Methuen, Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Haverhill), Woburn, Reading & Melrose, MA (Woburn, Lexington, Burlington, Wilmington, North Reading, Reading, Wakefield, Melrose, Stoneham and Winchester), Nashua Region, NH (Nashua, Hudson and Merrimack), Salem, Derry & Londonderry, NH (Pelham, Salem, Windham, Derry and Londonderry), Manchester & Bedford, NH (Manchester and Bedford) and Portsmouth, Dover & Rochester, NH (Portsmouth, Dover and Rochester). We add towns across New England as we can cover them properly.
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