Martinez Construction - Contractor | Chelsea, MA

Massachusetts has no masonry license, so Chelsea masons work under a state Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration with insurance. Chimney rebuilds, structural masonry, and fireplace work require a building permit from the Chelsea Inspectional Services Department, and relining must meet the state fire code (527 CMR). CSIA sweep certification is voluntary. Given Chelsea's no-setback rowhouses and busy streets, expect the building department to ask about scaffolding, sidewalk closures, and dumpster staging on jobs that touch the street.

Chelsea sits in the higher Boston-metro pricing band, and dense lots that need scaffolding or street permits push labor up. Chimney repointing or tuckpointing typically runs $1,000 to $3,500; rebuilding above the roofline is usually $2,500 to $8,000 or more on tall triple-decker stacks; relining runs about $2,500 to $7,000. Cap and crown repair generally runs $300 to $1,500. Cost drivers here are chimney height, roof access on three-story buildings, street staging, and matching soft lime mortar on pre-war brick rather than patching with hard Portland.

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

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other masonry & chimney contractor serving the town, on the Masonry & Chimney in Chelsea page.