Renovation contractor in Arlington, MA
Kitchens, bathrooms and full renovations in Arlington, managed by a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor from plans to 100% complete.
Magno & Co renovates homes in Arlington, MA, from its base at 55 Davis Square, Somerville. Founder Mateus Magno (MA Construction Supervisor CS-123658, HIC #220484, Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor) manages kitchens, bathrooms, full renovations and owner's representative projects through final inspection, and pulls the permits in Arlington on the jobs he builds. Arlington is in the state's fossil-fuel-free building program, so I check the town's current rules before you pick gas or electric appliances.
What I do in Arlington
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Full-home and gut renovations
- Owner's representative: your plans, built and managed
- Taking over stalled or half-finished projects
- Basements, decks, porches and stairs
- Backyard ADUs
- Lead-safe work in pre-1978 homes
- Permits and inspections, under MA CSL CS-123658 on the jobs I build
Renovating in Arlington: what to know
Arlington has about 20,746 homes: 47% were built in 1939 or earlier and 75% (15,653) before 1970 (U.S. Census, ACS 2020–2024), so most homes here predate 1978 and many renovations disturb paint covered by lead-safe work rules. That's why every Arlington job I run starts with a walkthrough for lead paint, old wiring, old plumbing and framing, so they're priced up front as much as possible. Read more: lead paint in older homes · permits in Massachusetts
Permits in Arlington
- Inspectional Services, 51 Grove St, Arlington, MA 02476 · 781-316-3390 · official page
- Apply online through Arlington's OpenGov ViewPoint portal.
- Massachusetts requires a licensed Construction Supervisor to oversee most structural work, and an HIC-registered contractor for work on existing owner-occupied 1–4 family homes. I hold both (CS-123658 · HIC #220484) and pull the permits myself on the jobs I build.
- Planning a backyard cottage? Since February 2, 2025, state law allows one ADU up to 900 sq ft (or half the main home, if smaller) by right in single-family zones, including in Arlington. mass.gov · ADU Studio
Local rules that can affect your project
- Demolition delay: the Arlington Historical Commission runs a demolition-delay bylaw for properties on its historic inventory, and a separate Historic Districts Commission reviews exterior work in local historic districts. Source
- Energy code: Arlington uses the Massachusetts Specialized Opt-in Energy Code (since 1/1/2024). It mainly changes the rules for new construction; I confirm what applies to your project. Source
- Fossil-fuel-free program: Arlington was accepted into the state's fossil-fuel-free building program in February 2024. The town's Inspectional Services page links its current energy-efficient and fossil-fuel-free building requirements. Source
Rules change: I confirm the current requirements with the Arlington building department for every project. Last checked 10/29/2026.
Work across Greater Boston
Frequently asked questions
Do you work in Arlington, MA?
Yes. Magno & Co is based at 55 Davis Square in Somerville and renovates homes in Arlington: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, full renovations, backyard ADUs and owner's representative work, plus taking over stalled projects. The first consultation is free.
Do I need a building permit to renovate in Arlington?
Usually yes for structural, plumbing, electrical or gas work, and for most remodels beyond paint and minor repairs. Permits are filed with Arlington Inspectional Services through the town's OpenGov ViewPoint portal. As a licensed Construction Supervisor I pull the building permit and coordinate the trade permits and inspections.
Can I still install gas appliances in an Arlington renovation?
It depends on the scope. Arlington is in the state's fossil-fuel-free building program, which mainly targets new construction and major renovations. I check the town's current requirements before you choose a range, furnace or water heater.
How do I check a contractor's license in Arlington?
Massachusetts runs free online checks: the license check for Construction Supervisor licenses and the Contractor Hub search for HIC registrations. Mine are CS-123658 and HIC #220484.
Services: Owner's representative · Kitchens · Bathrooms · Flooring · Backyard ADUs · All services · Pricing
Nearby: Somerville · Cambridge · Medford · Brookline · Belmont · Watertown · Everett · All areas
Planning a project in Arlington?
Book a free consultation. You'll get honest advice and a written, line-item price, usually within 48 hours of the walkthrough.
Worked with Magno & Co?
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