Interior Remodeling

The Steps

1. Review some issues that may impact your project
   • For interior remodeling the following shall be included in your permit application.
   • Complete the permit application.
   • Workers' Compensation Insurance affidavit (Fillable PDF)
   • For Homeowners obtaining their own permit complete the Home Owners Warning Form (PDF).
   • Submit description of work.
   • If it is a project that removes all ceiling and wall covering then smoke detectors need to be upgraded.
   • For smaller scope projects, kitchens, basement and attic conversions, bathrooms and small interior projects provide a floor plan showing scope of work.
   • For basement and attics also provide ceiling height and 4% ventilation calculations. Provide emergency escape openings on all basement and attic conversions and when adding or creating a bedroom.
   • Any engineered material shall have a Registered Design Professional stamp on the spans and installation system.
2. Get your application together 
   • Verify that your contractor has a current construction supervisor license
   • Verify that your contractor is registered as a home improvement contractor
   • Building Permit Application  - All permit applications and attachments must be submitted electronically. We no longer accept paper permits.
   • Debris Remove Form (PDF) shall be completed
     Workers' Compensation Insurance affidavit (Fillable PDF) - this must be completed by the contractor or the homeowner, whoever is doing the work.

Construction Plan Requirements

• Dimension construction plans
• Cross-Sectional Plan
• Floor plans with dimensions
• First & Second Floor, Ceiling and Roof Framing plans including exterior decks and porches
• For any engineered material provide a Registered Design Professional Stamp for spans and installation design.
• Energy Code information (Prescriptive, ResCheck or a HERS Rating)
• Smoke Detector and carbon monoxide (CO) detector locations must be clearly marked on the plans
• Cross-sectional of walls
• Energy Conservation Form (PDF)
  Energy Compliance can be met three different ways:
  1. Prescriptive, all mandatory sections in the IECC, please complete energy code form.
  2. Res-Check located at EnergyCodes.gov.
  3. HERS Rating
• For the installation of smoke detectors, a Fire Department Smoke Detector Permit (PDF) shall be completed by the licensed electrician (in duplicate). If there is wiring associated with the installation a wiring permit is required.

Review your materials before submission to the Building department. As the homeowner, even if you are using a contractor, you should pay close attention to the following details:

• The Building permit application must be signed by the homeowner or submit a signed contract by both parties in compliance with MGL 142 A (HIC program).
• Complete all supporting documents.

3. What happens next? - Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed for completeness and compliance.

4. The more time you spend to make sure that your application is complete, the quicker your permit will be issued. (Approximate timelines) The permit is then issued and construction must begin within 6 months.

 5. Residential Required Inspections (PDF) 

6. Before scheduling Final Building Inspection

1. Submit Grades Card Circulation Form (PDF). (if applicable see Engineering Department)
2. Submit three (3) copies of the final As-Built accompanied by three (3) Height Record (PDF) and three (3) Survey Record (PDF). (if applicable)
3. Submit final HERS rating (if applicable)
4. Submit door blower test. (if applicable)
5. Submit Duct air leakage test. (if applicable)

Enjoy your new space

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions to understand this process and avoid problems that may slow down the proc