David Whitney

Arlington requires a building permit through the town Building Department for any kitchen or bath remodel involving cabinetry, structure, or layout changes. Plumbing, electrical, and gas permits are pulled separately by the licensed trades. Plumbing covers any fixture relocation; electrical covers code-required kitchen circuits and panel work; gas covers any range or cooktop move. Nearly all Arlington housing predates 1978, so federal RRP lead-paint rules apply to essentially every project, adding $1,500–$5,000. Pre-1930 homes often surface asbestos pipe wrap and old DWV cast iron during demo — abatement is a separate licensed contractor at $1,500–$4,000. Arlington has no local historic district restricting interior remodeling.

Arlington runs in a higher cost band — 10–20% above the state median and roughly in line with Belmont and Medford. A cosmetic bath refresh runs $5,000–$9,500. A full mid-range bath gut with tub-to-shower conversion typically lands $25,000–$40,000; the same scope in a 1920s home with discovery work pushes $30,000–$50,000. Pull-and-replace kitchens with semi-custom cabinets run $42,000–$72,000. High-end custom kitchens with islands, structural work, and open-concept reconfiguration reach $90,000–$200,000. Primary-suite bath additions, typically requiring dormers or rear additions on pre-war footprints, run $70,000–$160,000.

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 Arlington page.