AMDS Construction

Fitchburg requires a building permit through the city Building Department for any kitchen or bath remodel involving cabinetry, structural changes, or layout. Plumbing, electrical, and gas permits are pulled separately by the licensed trades. Plumbing covers fixture relocations, electrical covers the code-required kitchen circuits (two 20A small-appliance, dishwasher, disposal, GFCI/AFCI), and gas covers any range or cooktop move. About 70% of Fitchburg housing predates 1978, so federal RRP lead-paint rules apply to the majority of projects, adding $1,500–$5,000. Fitchburg has the Upper Common Historic District and a few other local designations that restrict exterior changes but generally not interior kitchen and bath work.

Fitchburg sits in the mid-tier cost band — modestly below the state median, comparable to Leominster and Worcester for similar scope. A cosmetic bath refresh (vanity, toilet, paint, tile) runs $4,000–$7,000. A full mid-range bath gut with tub-to-shower conversion typically lands $19,000–$30,000. The same gut in a pre-1900 three-decker with discovery work pushes $25,000–$38,000. Pull-and-replace kitchens with semi-custom cabinets run $32,000–$58,000. High-end custom kitchens with islands and structural reconfiguration reach $65,000–$130,000. Primary-suite bath additions on the larger post-war lots run $50,000–$100,000.

Massachusetts requires a written contract and a Home Improvement Contractor registration for most residential kitchen & bath remodel work; ask for the registration number and check it before paying a deposit.

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other kitchen & bath remodel contractor serving the town, on the Kitchen & Bath in Fitchburg page.