Townhomes in Boston offer a lot for residents: historic charm, walkability and location, and more vertical space are all major benefits of this home style.
However, when you want to customize your space with a remodel or a renovation, a townhome is a little different than a single family. If you are ready to renovate or just considering your options for the future, read on for a list of considerations for a townhome renovation in Boston, MA.
What to Know: Townhome Renovations in Boston
Administrative and Legal Considerations
First, we’ll cover the considerations from a process and planning perspective. This includes all the paperwork and rules you’ll need to be aware of, like the legal responsibilities for sharing a wall, the permitting process, inspections for building codes, and any regulations. There are also considerations if you live in a historical building or have an HOA or co-op board. Keep reading for a deep dive into these factors:
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Townhomes are unique because they often share at least one wall with a neighbor. A shared wall is typically considered an easement in Massachusetts, meaning that unless there’s a written agreement setting otherwise, both parties have access to the full thickness of the wall and you need mutual consent for structural changes.
This means any alterations to a shared wall require notice and agreement from your neighbors.
In addition, sharing a wall means you may need access to your neighbor’s property for work. Again, this is a scenario where written consent is essential to the success of a project.
Permitting
Before you can begin renovations, you’ll need the appropriate permits from Boston’s Building Department. Permits are required for structural, electrical upgrades, plumbing, and HVAC installations among other things.
The contractor you choose to work with will manage the permitting process, however, it’s important that you are aware of the requirements.
Inspections
Your renovation may also be subject to inspections throughout the process to ensure it complies with all relevant building codes. This includes framing, plumbing rough-ins, electrical work, and final completion.
Municipality Regulations
In Boston, all work is required to be in compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code, which includes energy efficiency in addition to safety and accessibility requirements. Boston’s Zoning Code also places regulations on land use, lot coverage, setbacks, building heights, and density, which may restrict certain renovation plans — especially for additions or exterior modifications.
Association Regulations
If you live in a townhome that is part of a homeowners association, you’ll have to abide by their restrictions as well. This typically refers to choices visible from the exterior — so if you are adding on to your townhome, you’ll likely need to get siding or exterior color choices approved before work commences.
Historical Considerations
Historical districts are desirable, but often subject to committees that maintain oversight into decisions during your renovation. Work may be subject to restrictions like maintaining the historical character, matching existing facades, and preserving architectural details.
Construction Process Considerations:
Next, you’ll need to think about all of these factors for the construction process itself. When it comes to the work, you’ll want to begin with a site visit or property assessment before you choose what type of work is best suited for your goals. It’s akso important to meet with a few different professionals to get multiple perspectives. This will help your project run smoothly. Learn more about each of those steps:
Assessment of Property
To begin your project, you’ll need to reach out to different architects and contractors for a site visit and property assessment. This helps them see your townhome in person, which not only helps them understand the work required to achieve your vision, but also allows them to factor in additional administrative or legal considerations above into the scope of work and estimate.
It’s always a good practice to have a few different professionals assess your property and provide estimates. This way, you have a few pricing options to compare as well as multiple different perspectives on how the work should be done.
Establishing Scope of Work
To ensure a successful Boston townhome renovation, you’ll want to establish your scope of work. A cosmetic kitchen update is much different than a first-floor gut remodel that transforms your kitchen entirely. First, having an idea of your scope of work will help you reach out to the right professionals.
Once you’ve met and discussed with possible teams, you should have a much more concrete idea of the work required, like if your project will require new plumbing and electrical work, if you’ll need custom cabinetry to fit into your space, or if you’ll need structural work to open up your layout.
Selecting Architect & Contractor
Finding the right team for your project makes the difference between a smooth process and stunning results and construction zone chaos. In addition to choosing a profession that makes you feel at ease, consider their expertise and how well it fits with your project.
If you have a renovation with specific historical requirements, choose a contractor with specialized experience. Likewise, if you want a modern transformation, working with a pro who knows that aesthetic well will help you align your ideal visions.
Maximize the Potential of Your Boston Townhome
Ready to renovate your Boston townhome? Learn more about the renovation process and speak to an expert about all of these considerations.
Beantown Builders has been operating in Boston for over a decade. Our experience includes single-family residential renovations in addition to townhomes and historical rowhome remodels. Our full-service process can also include architecture and interior design services to ensure your specialized project runs smoothly and efficiently.
Learn more about working with us. Get in touch today for a free consultation.
