Suffolk County

Home permits and project costs in Boston, MA

Massachusetts amends the base code statewide and Boston's Inspectional Services adds its own review, so permitted labor runs well above the national median.

Verified August 2026

Local cost index

+38%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+35%

vs national baseline

Population

653,833

Homeownership

35%

Do you need a permit in Boston?

For most structural work, yes

Boston enforces massachusetts state building code (780 cmr), based on the irc through Suffolk County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Boston

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$14,700 – $49,400	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$7,500 – $22,400	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$3,500 – $15,900	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,800 – $8,100	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$57,500 – $174,000	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$11,200 – $50,600	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,900 – $10,300	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$9,800 – $33,000	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$21,200 – $67,800	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$24,900 – $127,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$12,600 – $58,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$6,100 – $27,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$5,000 – $22,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$8,200 – $41,600	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$2,600 – $17,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$6,800 – $24,300	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$1,200 – $6,300	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$4,900 – $27,800	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$13,800 – $64,300	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$11,400 – $42,600	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$13,600 – $63,300	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$1,400 – $9,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$2,100 – $11,400	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$11,900 – $56,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$1,300 – $22,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$2,700 – $16,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$1,200 – $9,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$600 – $7,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$9,300 – $43,200	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,600 – $10,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$3,600 – $17,400	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$3,500 – $18,100	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$3,400 – $27,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$2,500 – $22,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$2,200 – $13,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$4,000 – $21,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$500 – $6,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$6,300 – $27,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,900 – $15,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$5,100 – $23,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$1,200 – $9,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$3,100 – $14,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$700 – $8,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$8,700 – $65,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$12,500 – $147,900	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$14,000 – $132,300	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$8,400 – $38,100	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$2,200 – $22,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,800 – $9,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$69,400 – $431,800	required	Cost·Permit

Boston permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Boston, Suffolk County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits allowed on owner-occupied one- and two-family homes
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.