Bathroom vanity installation in MetroWest, MA

Cabinet and countertop swaps fall under interior finish work, which the Town of Shrewsbury exempts from a building permit under 780 CMR. However, if we need to relocate a drain line or supply rough-in, that plumbing work does require a permit pulled by a licensed plumber and must comply with Massachusetts State Plumbing Code 248 CMR.

We install four configurations: a stock prefab swap for the fastest turnaround, a semi-custom install with a new countertop and fixtures, a fully custom built-in vanity, and a floating wall-mounted unit. Each requires a different anchoring method. Wall-mounted vanities must fasten to studs or blocking, never to drywall alone, which is why we assess the wall substrate before committing to that option.

Repair makes sense when the cabinet box is structurally sound and only a faucet, drain, or caulk joint has failed. Replacement is the better path when the substrate behind the old unit shows water damage, when the vanity cannot be leveled within an eighth of an inch, or when the countertop material has cracked through to the sink basin. We assess both conditions at the site visit.

Clear the vanity top and remove personal items from inside the cabinet. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink so we can confirm they close fully before work begins. If the valves are old or corroded, flagging that ahead of the visit lets us plan the supply-line reconnection without a delay. We handle all other prep, including water shutoff, removal, and disposal of the old unit.

Removing an old vanity sometimes exposes gaps, staining, or soft drywall behind and beneath the unit, particularly in older homes. We inspect the substrate after removal and repair it before setting the new cabinet. Tile or flooring repair is typically outside the standard scope, so if we find damage that extends beyond the cabinet footprint, we document it and discuss next steps before proceeding.

A wall-mounted vanity carries its full load on blocking or solid studs, not on drywall. We locate the stud layout before any fasteners go in, and the cabinet is shimmed and leveled to within an eighth of an inch before final attachment. Plumbing connections are pressure-tested for leaks after the drain and supply lines are reconnected, and the perimeter is sealed with mildew-resistant caulk.

A straightforward swap on existing supply and drain rough-in does not require a separate licensed plumber; we reconnect the supply lines, P-trap, and shut-off valves as part of the installation. Relocating the drain or adding new rough-in is a different scope entirely and must be performed by a licensed plumber under 248 CMR. We clarify which situation applies at the initial site measurement. MA HIC 205267.

We stand behind our workmanship with a 3-year warranty. If an issue is caused by our work, we'll return promptly to inspect it and make it right at no additional cost during the warranty period. That covers the anchoring, plumbing reconnection, caulk seal, and leveling, all the installation work our crew performs. The vanity unit and fixtures themselves are covered by their respective manufacturer warranties.