Construction & Renovation Services in City of Moncton
The Hub City anchors southeastern New Brunswick with a metropolitan population approaching 170,000 — the province's largest urban area and one of Atlantic Canada's fastest-growing markets for both new construction and home renovation.
Neighbourhoods We Serve in City of Moncton
City of Moncton Housing Stock & History
Moncton's housing stock spans over 130 years. The North End preserves the city's railway-era heritage with Victorian homes, many featuring original gingerbread trim, bay windows, and slate roofs. Mid-century expansion filled Lewisville and Mapleton with bungalows and split-entry homes built on poured concrete or concrete block foundations. Recent developments like Royal Oaks and Jonathan Creek feature modern open-concept designs on larger lots. The split-entry remains Moncton's most common renovation target — the mid-level entry wall removal for open-concept living requires structural beam work that has become a local specialty.
Development History
Moncton's story is one of reinvention. Founded as a shipbuilding centre in the early 1800s, the city prospered during the wooden ship era before pivoting to become a major railway hub when the Intercolonial Railway chose it as its headquarters in 1871. The North End's Victorian and Edwardian homes date from this railway prosperity, while the devastating 1906 fire in parts of the downtown prompted rebuilding in more fire-resistant materials. The post-war boom brought suburban expansion — split-entry homes and bungalows marched outward through the 1960s to 1990s, creating the neighbourhoods that now dominate the renovation market. Since the 1990s, Moncton has reinvented itself as a bilingual call centre and tech hub, and the 2021 removal of the Petitcodiac River causeway — restoring the tidal bore after 50 years — has reshaped both the waterfront and the groundwater conditions that affect construction throughout riverside areas.
Construction & Renovation Guide: City of Moncton
Moncton's position as the Maritimes' commercial hub creates steady renovation demand. The combination of an aging housing stock (most homes built 1960s-1980s now require significant updates), relatively affordable purchase prices, and a growing population means homeowners invest renovation dollars into existing homes rather than trading up. The Petitcodiac River restoration has added a new layer of complexity — riverside properties in Bridgedale and Jonathan Creek that had dry basements for decades may now face changed water table conditions. Maritime humidity (annual average above 75% relative humidity) makes vapour barrier design and mechanical ventilation critical in any renovation, and the 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles punish exposed concrete, masonry, and exterior finishes.
Common Renovation Projects
- Kitchen renovation in split-entry homes — removing the mid-level wall and reconfiguring the layout for open-concept living is Moncton's signature renovation project
- Basement waterproofing and finishing, especially in riverside areas where the Petitcodiac restoration has shifted groundwater conditions
- Heat pump installation to replace oil furnaces — NB Power offers rebates through the Total Home Energy Savings Program for qualifying homeowners
- Heritage home restoration in the North End, preserving Victorian character while upgrading wiring, plumbing, and insulation
- Bathroom modernization in 1970s-1980s homes — replacing dated tile, fixtures, and poor ventilation that has caused hidden moisture damage
- Secondary suite creation in response to Moncton's new 4-unit zoning policy
Typical Renovation Costs in City of Moncton
Estimates based on typical project scope. Actual costs vary by project specifics, material choices, and site conditions.
Unique Construction Challenges
- Petitcodiac River restoration has altered groundwater — basements dry for 50 years may now need exterior waterproofing and sump systems
- Maritime humidity above 75% average causes rapid mould growth if vapour barriers are improperly installed during renovation
- Oil tank decommissioning is common — buried or interior steel oil tanks must be professionally removed and soil tested before basement renovation can proceed
- Split-entry structural modifications require engineered beam calculations — the mid-level load-bearing wall carries roof loads in most 1970s-1980s designs
- Heritage North End homes may have three layers of hazardous materials: lead paint, asbestos insulation, and knob-and-tube wiring, all requiring licensed remediation
Foundation Types in City of Moncton
Most Moncton homes built after 1970 sit on poured concrete foundations, which generally perform well but are subject to cracking from the city's aggressive freeze-thaw cycling. Older homes in the North End and West End may have rubble stone or brick foundations from the 1870s-1920s that require specialized pointing with lime mortar — Portland cement repairs trap moisture and accelerate deterioration. Concrete block foundations from the mid-century era are particularly vulnerable in Moncton's wet climate, as the hollow cores can fill with water during seasonal water table rises, especially near the Petitcodiac River.
Common Foundation Issues
- Horizontal cracking in concrete block foundations from hydrostatic pressure — water table changes post-river restoration have increased this risk
- Efflorescence and spalling on poured concrete from 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles
- Rubble stone foundation deterioration in North End heritage homes requiring lime mortar repointing
- Floor slab cracking in homes built on clay soils in the Mapleton and Hildegard areas
- Buried oil tank contamination discovered during foundation waterproofing excavation
Environmental Considerations in City of Moncton
Asbestos
MEDIUM-HIGH RISKProbability in area homes: 50-75% in pre-1985 homes
Moncton's mid-century building boom coincided with peak asbestos use in Canada. Homes built between 1950 and 1985 frequently contain asbestos in vermiculite attic insulation (often Zonolite brand from the Libby, Montana mine), vinyl floor tiles and adhesive, pipe wrap insulation, drywall joint compound, and exterior cement board siding. The North End's older homes may also have asbestos in plaster and original furnace components. NB does not require mandatory asbestos testing before renovation, but WorkSafeNB regulations require that any contractor who may disturb asbestos-containing materials must follow proper abatement procedures.
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
- Vermiculite attic insulation (Zonolite)
- 9x9-inch vinyl floor tiles and black mastic adhesive
- Pipe and duct wrap insulation in basements
- Drywall joint compound (pre-1985)
- Cement board exterior siding
Radon
HIGH RISKNew Brunswick is one of Canada's highest radon-risk provinces due to uranium-bearing rock and soil formations. In parts of the province, over 40% of homes tested exceed Health Canada's guideline of 200 Bq/m³. Moncton sits on glacial till deposits that can concentrate radon gas, and any basement renovation should include a long-term radon test (90+ days) before finishing below-grade space. If levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, a sub-slab depressurization system ($2,000-$3,500 installed) is the standard mitigation approach. Health Canada recommends testing every home in New Brunswick — radon is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Soil & Drainage
Moncton sits on a mix of glacial till (compacted sand, gravel, and clay deposited by retreating ice sheets) and marine clay deposits, particularly in lower-lying areas near the Petitcodiac River and Halls Creek. The clay soils have moderate to poor drainage and are subject to frost heaving, which can shift foundations and crack basement floors. The 2021 Petitcodiac River restoration has raised seasonal water tables in Bridgedale, Jonathan Creek, and parts of the West End — homeowners in these areas should have groundwater conditions assessed before any below-grade renovation.
Drainage considerations: Properties within 500 metres of the Petitcodiac River or Halls Creek should install interior or exterior drainage systems and sump pumps before finishing basement space. The city's storm water infrastructure in older neighbourhoods was not designed for current development density, and surface flooding during heavy rainfall events is increasingly common in the North End and Lewisville.
All environmental assessments should be conducted by qualified professionals before renovation work begins. We coordinate testing and abatement as part of our renovation process.
Property Values & Renovation ROI in City of Moncton
Moncton's housing market has appreciated steadily, with prices rising roughly 3% annually since 2023 and a forecast of +2.7% for 2026. The city's median home price remains well below the Canadian average, making Moncton one of the most affordable urban markets in the country. This affordability drives renovation investment — homeowners who purchased entry-level homes in the $250,000-$350,000 range invest $50,000-$100,000 in renovations to bring them to modern standards, often achieving significant equity gains. The tight rental market (vacancy rate below 2%) makes secondary suite conversions particularly attractive.
Market outlook: Moncton's population growth — driven by immigration and interprovincial migration — continues to outpace housing starts. The city's new 4-unit zoning policy (passed under the Housing Accelerator Fund) is expected to increase infill development and renovation of existing homes to add secondary suites. Homes in walkable locations near downtown and the Champlain Place corridor command premium pricing.
Building Permits & Regulations in City of Moncton
Moncton is one of three New Brunswick cities (along with Saint John and Fredericton) that issues its own building permits and conducts its own inspections rather than going through a Regional Service Commission. Building permits are required for all new construction, additions, structural modifications, and renovations that affect structural elements, plumbing, electrical, or fire safety systems. Applications are submitted to the Building and Development Services department at 655 Main Street. Electrical and plumbing permits are issued separately through NB Technical Inspection Services (1-888-659-3222 or TISConnect online portal). All electrical work must be performed by a provincially licensed electrician employed by a licensed electrical contractor. Plumbing work requires a licensed plumbing contractor — homeowners may perform plumbing work on their own premises only under licensed supervision.
Common Permits Required
- Building permit for structural modifications, additions, and interior renovations affecting load-bearing elements
- Electrical wiring permit through NB Technical Inspection Services for any new circuits, panel upgrades, or rewiring
- Plumbing permit through NB Technical Inspection Services for fixture relocation, new supply/drain lines, or water heater replacement
- Heritage alteration permit for designated properties under By-law Z-1116 — exterior changes reviewed by Heritage Conservation Board
- Demolition permit required before removing any structure
- Development permit for secondary suites and accessory dwelling units under the new 4-unit zoning policy
Heritage Considerations
Moncton has over 120 designated heritage properties, primarily in the North End, protected under Heritage Conservation By-law Z-1116. Any exterior modification to a designated property requires a Heritage Alteration Permit reviewed by the Heritage Conservation Board. Grants of up to $10,000 (covering 50% of eligible costs) are available for heritage restoration work. Interior renovations in designated properties do not require heritage review unless they affect the building's structural character-defining elements.
Zoning Notes
In 2025, Moncton adopted a landmark zoning change under its Housing Accelerator Fund agreement: up to 4 residential units are now permitted in all residential zones without requiring a rezoning application. Within 400 metres of a bus route, accessory dwelling units are exempt from additional parking requirements. This significantly expands renovation opportunities for creating secondary suites, basement apartments, and garage conversions throughout the city.
Applicable Codes & Standards
- New Brunswick Building Code — Provincial building standards applicable to all renovation work
- NB Technical Inspection Services of New Brunswick — Electrical, gas, and fuel-related work requires permits and licensed technicians
- New Brunswick Heritage Conservation — Heritage properties may require additional approvals
Key Renovation Considerations for City of Moncton
Always test for radon before finishing a Moncton basement — NB is one of Canada's highest-risk provinces, and mitigation during construction is far cheaper than retrofitting later
Request a moisture assessment before any below-grade work in riverside areas — the 2021 Petitcodiac River restoration has changed groundwater patterns that were stable for 50 years
Budget 10-15% of your renovation cost for potential hazardous material remediation in pre-1985 homes — asbestos and lead paint are common in Moncton's mid-century housing stock
Verify your contractor carries WorkSafeNB coverage (1-800-999-9775 to confirm) — NB does not license general contractors provincially, so insurance and workers' comp are your primary protections
Factor in NB Power rebates when planning energy efficiency upgrades — the Total Home Energy Savings Program can offset $5,000-$10,000 in heat pump, insulation, and window costs
Heritage properties in the North End require Heritage Alteration Permits for exterior work — apply to the Heritage Conservation Board before starting, and explore restoration grants of up to $10,000
Frequently Asked Questions: Renovations in City of Moncton
Do I need a building permit for a kitchen renovation in Moncton?
It depends on the scope. Cosmetic updates like replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring generally do not require a building permit. However, if your renovation involves removing or modifying walls (especially load-bearing walls common in split-entry homes), relocating plumbing fixtures, adding new electrical circuits, or changing the room's use, you will need a building permit from the City of Moncton and separate electrical or plumbing permits from NB Technical Inspection Services (1-888-659-3222). For split-entry wall removal specifically, you'll need a structural engineer's beam specification as part of your permit application.
Has the Petitcodiac River restoration affected basements in Moncton?
Yes, in specific areas. The removal of the Petitcodiac causeway in 2021 restored tidal flow after 50 years, which has altered groundwater levels in nearby neighbourhoods including Bridgedale, Jonathan Creek, and parts of the West End. Basements that remained dry for decades may now experience seasonal moisture intrusion during spring runoff and high tides. Before starting any basement renovation in these areas, have a qualified contractor conduct a moisture assessment over at least one seasonal cycle. If moisture is present, exterior waterproofing and sump pump installation should precede any finishing work.
How much does it cost to convert an oil furnace to a heat pump in Moncton?
A central ducted heat pump system in Moncton typically costs $8,000-$15,000 installed, depending on home size and whether existing ductwork can be reused. Ductless mini-split systems for individual zones cost $3,500-$6,000 per head. NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program offers rebates that can reduce costs by $5,000 or more for qualifying homeowners. Oil tank decommissioning adds $500-$2,000 if you're removing the tank entirely. Note that cold-climate heat pumps rated for -25°C or lower are essential for Moncton winters — standard units lose efficiency below -15°C.
Is radon a concern for home renovations in Moncton?
Absolutely. New Brunswick is one of Canada's highest radon-risk provinces — Health Canada data shows over 40% of homes in some NB regions exceed the guideline of 200 Bq/m³. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, causing over 3,000 Canadian deaths annually. Before finishing any basement space, install a long-term radon test kit (minimum 90 days, available from Health Canada or C-NRPP certified professionals). If levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, a sub-slab depressurization system costs $2,000-$3,500 to install — far cheaper during renovation than as a retrofit. Every home in New Brunswick should be tested.
Can I add a secondary suite to my Moncton home under the new zoning rules?
Yes. In 2025, Moncton adopted new zoning under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund that permits up to 4 residential units in all residential zones without requiring council approval or rezoning. This means you can add a basement apartment, above-garage suite, or garden suite to most residential properties. Within 400 metres of a bus route, you're also exempt from additional parking requirements for accessory dwelling units. You will still need a building permit, and the suite must meet all building code requirements including separate egress, fire separation, smoke alarms, and minimum ceiling heights. Secondary suites in Moncton currently rent for $1,200-$1,800/month.
About City of Moncton
Moncton is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Atlantic Canada and the commercial hub of the Maritimes. Its bilingual character (English and French are both widely spoken) influences the construction market — many homeowners value bilingual contractor services. The city's transformation from a railway town to a services economy has created a stable, diversified job market that supports steady housing demand. With a population approaching 170,000 in the metro area, Moncton offers the amenities of a larger city while maintaining construction costs well below the national average.
Our Services in City of Moncton
Bathroom Renovations
Full bathroom remodels from compact ensuites to spa-inspired retreats
Kitchen Renovations
Modern kitchen remodels tailored to your lifestyle
Basement Renovations
Turn your lower level into usable, comfortable living space
Secondary Suites & Garden Homes
Legal secondary suites and accessory dwelling construction
Legal Rental Suites
Code-compliant rental suites that generate income
General Contracting
Full-service residential construction and renovation management
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