Kitchen Remodeling in Bergen County, NJ: Permits, Costs & What to Know

NJ Contractor Licensing: What to Verify

In New Jersey, any contractor performing home improvement work valued at $500 or more must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. This is separate from and in addition to any NY state license. Contractors who work in Bergen County from a New York base must carry their NJ HIC registration, and you should ask to see it. Three Brothers Kitchens & Baths holds the appropriate registrations to work in New Jersey. We also carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage that meets NJ requirements — ask any contractor you're evaluating to provide current certificates.

The Bergen County Permit Process

Like Rockland, Bergen County does not have a unified county permit office — permits are issued by each individual municipality. In Ridgewood, the Village of Ridgewood Building Department handles permits; in Wyckoff, it's the Township of Wyckoff; in Paramus, the Borough of Paramus. Requirements for what requires a permit vary slightly, but as a general rule: any kitchen or bathroom work involving structural changes, plumbing relocation, new electrical circuits, or changes to the building envelope requires a permit. Even cosmetic-looking projects — like a bathroom gut renovation — typically require a permit because of the plumbing and electrical work involved. We handle all Bergen County permit applications as part of our full-service process.

The Towns We Serve in Bergen County

Our Bergen County work is concentrated in Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Paramus, Glen Rock, Franklin Lakes, and Mahwah. These are among the most affluent municipalities in New Jersey, with housing stock that ranges from classic Tudor Revivals in Ridgewood's historic center to newer custom Colonials in Franklin Lakes and Mahwah's horse country. The architectural diversity means we approach each project with fresh eyes — the right cabinetry for a Ridgewood Tudor is different from what works in a Franklin Lakes contemporary.

What Kitchen & Bath Projects Cost in Bergen County

Bergen County pricing is consistent with the Westchester market — both reflect the same high-cost labor market and material supply chain serving the greater New York metro area. Full kitchen remodels with semi-custom all-wood cabinetry and quartz countertops run $65,000 to $125,000 for most projects. Custom cabinetry with premium stone and structural work pushes into $125,000 to $185,000+. Primary bathroom renovations with custom tile and quality fixtures typically run $35,000 to $75,000. High-end spa suites with steam, radiant floors, and custom millwork can exceed $90,000. These are real numbers from real projects — we provide detailed written estimates so you know exactly what you're approving.

What Bergen County Homeowners Ask For Most

The renovation priorities we hear consistently from Bergen County clients: full kitchen gut renovations replacing 1980s and 1990s kitchens that have never been updated; master bathroom transformations from dated builder-grade to spa-level; custom cabinetry that fits both the scale and architectural character of the home; and open-concept layouts that connect the kitchen to family or dining spaces. Bergen County clients tend to invest at the high end of the market — this is a county where the homes are substantial and the renovation expectations match.

How We Handle Cross-State Projects

Working across the NY/NJ border requires coordination that many contractors don't bother with. We maintain NJ contractor registration, carry insurance meeting NJ requirements, and have longstanding relationships with Bergen County building departments. The process for you as a homeowner is seamless — we handle the NJ-specific paperwork and permit submissions the same way we handle NY permits. The only thing that changes is the building department we file with.

→ If you're in Bergen County and ready to explore a kitchen or bathroom project, call (914) 297-4280 or visit our Chappaqua showroom. We're 30–45 minutes from most Bergen County towns and offer free in-home consultations throughout the county.