# General Contractor in Cambridge, MA | Magno & Co Page: https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-cambridge-ma > Renovation contractor in Cambridge, MA: kitchens, bathrooms, full renovations and owner's rep work by a licensed MA Construction Supervisor. Local permit notes. Areas we serve · Cambridge, MA ## Renovation contractor in Cambridge, MA Kitchens, bathrooms and full renovations in Cambridge, managed by a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor from plans to 100% complete. [Book a free consultation](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3YJnElSsR4HsHaWVd6BsIBm7JOsDl2n-1EMy9trS9rj8PCyepopoQtl6O7um0eJcFcp5XXYk-Z)[Call 978-397-5700](tel:978-397-5700) Quick answer Magno & Co renovates homes in Cambridge, 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 Cambridge on the jobs he builds. Cambridge reviews the demolition of any building over 50 years old, and its historic and conservation districts review exterior changes, so I check both before we design. ## What I do in Cambridge - 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 Cambridge: what to know Cambridge has about 54,840 homes: 47% were built in 1939 or earlier and **59% (32,143)** before 1970 ([U.S. Census, ACS 2020–2024](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT5Y2024.B25034?g=060XX00US2501711000)), so most homes here predate 1978 and many renovations disturb paint covered by lead-safe work rules. That's why every Cambridge 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: [Cambridge building permit guide](https://magnoandco.com/blog-cambridge-building-permit-guide) · [lead paint in older homes](https://magnoandco.com/blog-lead-paint-older-homes-renovation) ### Permits in Cambridge - **Inspectional Services Department**, 831 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 · 617-349-6100 · [official page](https://www.cambridgema.gov/inspection/buildingelectricplumbingpermits/buildingpermits/buildingpermitallother) - Apply online through Cambridge's [OpenGov](https://cambridgema.portal.opengov.com/) 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 Cambridge. [mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accessory-dwelling-units) · [ADU Studio](https://magnoandco.com/adu) ### Local rules that can affect your project - **Demolition review:** Cambridge's ordinance covers all buildings over 50 years old, city-wide. If the Historical Commission finds a building significant, demolition can be delayed up to 12 months. Historic districts and neighborhood conservation districts (like Mid Cambridge) add their own review of exterior changes. [Source](https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/districtshistoricproperties/demolitionreview) - **Energy code:** Cambridge uses the Massachusetts Specialized Opt-in Energy Code (since 7/1/2023). It mainly changes the rules for new construction; I confirm what applies to your addition or renovation. [Source](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-building-energy-code-adoption-by-municipality) - **Fossil-fuel-free program:** Cambridge is one of the communities accepted into the state's fossil-fuel-free building program, which can affect new construction and major renovations. Check the city's current rule before planning gas appliances. [Source](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/municipal-fossil-fuel-free-building-demonstration-project) Rules change: I confirm the current requirements with the Cambridge building department for every project. Last checked 10/29/2026. Real projects ## Work across Greater Boston Quartz waterfall islandGreater Boston Finished — built to the designGreater Boston After — new treads, white risers and a black handrailGreater Boston Floor-to-ceiling media wallGreater Boston Finished navy wet bar with wine fridgeGreater Boston After — restored doors and fresh trimGreater Boston [See all projects](https://magnoandco.com/portfolio) ## Frequently asked questions Do you work in Cambridge, MA? Yes. Magno & Co is based at 55 Davis Square in Somerville and renovates homes in Cambridge: 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 Cambridge? Usually yes for structural, plumbing, electrical or gas work, and for most remodels beyond paint and minor repairs. Permits are filed with Cambridge Inspectional Services through the city's OpenGov portal. As a licensed Construction Supervisor I pull the building permit and coordinate the trade permits and inspections. Will Cambridge's demolition review affect my renovation? Mainly if you're demolishing all or a large part of a building over 50 years old, or changing the exterior inside a historic or neighborhood conservation district. Interior kitchen and bathroom remodels usually don't trigger it. I check this before we design. How do I check a contractor's license in Cambridge? Massachusetts runs free online checks: the [license check](https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-a-license-issued-by-the-office-of-public-safety-and-inspections-opsi) for Construction Supervisor licenses and the [Contractor Hub search](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search) for HIC registrations. Mine are CS-123658 and HIC #220484. **Services:** [Owner's representative](https://magnoandco.com/owners-representative-somerville) · [Kitchens](https://magnoandco.com/kitchen-remodeling-somerville) · [Bathrooms](https://magnoandco.com/bathroom-remodeling-somerville) · [Flooring](https://magnoandco.com/flooring-somerville) · [Backyard ADUs](https://magnoandco.com/adu) · [All services](https://magnoandco.com/services) · [Pricing](https://magnoandco.com/pricing) **Nearby:** [Somerville](https://magnoandco.com/./) · [Medford](https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-medford-ma) · [Arlington](https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-arlington-ma) · [Brookline](https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-brookline-ma) · [Belmont](https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-belmont-ma) · [Watertown](https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-watertown-ma) · [Everett](https://magnoandco.com/general-contractor-everett-ma) · [All areas](https://magnoandco.com/areas) ## Planning a project in Cambridge? Book a free consultation. You'll get honest advice and a written, line-item price, usually within 48 hours of the walkthrough. [Book a free consultation](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3YJnElSsR4HsHaWVd6BsIBm7JOsDl2n-1EMy9trS9rj8PCyepopoQtl6O7um0eJcFcp5XXYk-Z) [Call 978-397-5700](tel:+19783975700) ## Worked with Magno & Co? A 1-minute Google review helps Somerville neighbors find a builder they can trust, and it means a lot to a small local business. [Leave a Google review](https://g.page/r/CW23iOz7D9gnEAE/review) [Read our reviews on Google →](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2871062337128281965) --- Magno & Co · licensed owner's representative and builder · 55 Davis Square, Fl 3, Somerville, MA 02145 · 978-397-5700 · info.magnoandco@gmail.com · MA CSL CS-123658 · MA HIC #220484 · https://magnoandco.com/