Construction Permit Boston

[Andres Branger]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 3-Fam in East Boston.  I wonder if someone can give me advice in securing a work permit to rehab the units with new bathrooms, kitchens, and siding.  I have an architect drafting floor plans.  Can I just simply walk into ISD with these plans, pay fee based on estimate constructions costs, and expect to be given the go ahead?  Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks!

[Ray Hurteau]

agree with @Joshua Poitras 100% correct - you touch too much of the building sq footage and get ready to add at least 30k for a sprinkler and patching all their holes in your ceiling (if you can even salvage it at that point)

long form vs. short form  - you only need a short form.  long for is for major work - e.g. structural or full gut

http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/building/shortform...

A short form application is for MINOR alterations to an existing building that will not change the use, egress, or increase living space or fire protection of the existing building.

Examples: Changing out a kitchen or bathroom.

http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/building/longform....

Here's a helpful hint - if you know you're going to need a long form, you can pull a short form to get demo started and the framing (nothing structural!!!!) and file the long form at the same time.  by the time the demo work is done and you're ready to tackle the bigger parts of the job, the long form will be approved.

You won't be able to pull a permit unless you have a license.  if you own the property and want to do it yourself, sure you can do it, but honestly, you're opening yourself up to liability.

1010 mass ave isn't terrible like many think, you just need to become familiar with the processes.  and if you aren't sure about future work, just list what you're doing now and you can always get another permit if you expand the scope (or have them expand it on the existing permit - they just want the permit fee $)