Renovation contractor in Watertown, MA
Kitchens, bathrooms and full renovations in Watertown, managed by a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor from plans to 100% complete.
Magno & Co renovates homes in Watertown, 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 Watertown on the jobs he builds. Watertown can delay demolition of a significant building 50 or more years old for up to 24 months, and files permits through ViewPoint Cloud.
What I do in Watertown
- 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 Watertown: what to know
Watertown has about 17,206 homes: 44% were built in 1939 or earlier and 72% (12,355) 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 Watertown 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 · bathroom permits
Permits in Watertown
- Inspectional Services Division, 124 Watertown St, Watertown, MA 02472 · 617-972-6480 · official page
- Apply online through Watertown's ViewPoint Cloud 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 Watertown. mass.gov · ADU Studio
Local rules that can affect your project
- Demolition delay: applies to buildings 50 or more years old proposed for demolition or substantial demolition. If the Historical Commission finds a building significant, demolition can be delayed up to 24 months. Source
- What doesn't need a permit: the city lists exceptions such as minor repairs, painting, sheds under 200 sq ft and retaining walls under 48 inches. Source
- Energy code: the state lists Watertown on the Massachusetts Specialized Opt-in Energy Code since 7/10/2023. It mainly changes the rules for new construction; I confirm what applies to your project. Source
Rules change: I confirm the current requirements with the Watertown building department for every project. Last checked 10/29/2026.
Work across Greater Boston
Frequently asked questions
Do you work in Watertown, MA?
Yes. Magno & Co is based at 55 Davis Square in Somerville and renovates homes in Watertown: 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 Watertown?
Usually yes for structural, plumbing, electrical or gas work, and for most remodels beyond paint and minor repairs. Permits are filed with Watertown Inspectional Services through the city's ViewPoint Cloud portal. As a licensed Construction Supervisor I pull the building permit and coordinate the trade permits and inspections.
How long can Watertown delay a demolition?
Up to 24 months, if the Historical Commission finds a building 50 or more years old significant. It applies to demolition and substantial demolition, not to typical interior remodels.
How do I check a contractor's license in Watertown?
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 · Arlington · Brookline · Belmont · Everett · All areas
Planning a project in Watertown?
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?
A 1-minute Google review helps Somerville neighbors find a builder they can trust, and it means a lot to a small local business.