J & J Special Services

Andover requires a building permit through the town Inspectional Services Department for any kitchen or bath remodel involving cabinetry, structure, or layout. 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. About 35% of Andover housing predates 1978, so federal RRP lead-paint rules apply to that subset of projects ($1,500–$5,000 added). Andover has the Andover Village District and other local historic designations that restrict exterior changes but generally not interior kitchen and bath work. Pre-1930 homes in Old Andover sometimes surface asbestos pipe wrap during demo — abatement is $1,500–$4,000.

Andover runs in a top-tier cost band for Massachusetts kitchen and bath work — typically 15–25% above the state median, on par with Lexington, Wellesley, and Winchester. A cosmetic bath refresh runs $5,500–$10,000. A full mid-range bath gut with tub-to-shower conversion and double vanity typically lands $26,000–$42,000. Pull-and-replace kitchens with semi-custom cabinets and quartz counters run $45,000–$78,000. High-end custom kitchens with islands, structural reconfiguration, top-tier appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, La Cornue), and panel-ready integration reach $95,000–$200,000. Primary-suite bath additions, often combined with bedroom or closet expansion, run $80,000–$180,000.

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 Andover page.