Construction & Renovation Services in New Maryland & Hanwell
Atlantic Canada's wealthiest municipality meets one of New Brunswick's fastest-growing rural communities. New Maryland and Hanwell are Fredericton's premier bedroom communities — Loyalist-era roots, $116,000 median household incomes, oversized suburban lots, and a renovation market driven by discerning homeowners personalizing already-comfortable homes.
Neighbourhoods We Serve in New Maryland & Hanwell
New Maryland & Hanwell Housing Stock & History
New Maryland and Hanwell represent the premium tier of the Fredericton housing market. New Maryland's planned subdivisions feature oversized building lots with generous setbacks and mature landscaping — the kind of established suburban character that takes 20-30 years to develop. Over 54% of residents hold a university degree, and the housing stock reflects this demographic: well-maintained, generally larger than provincial averages, with many homes built to custom specifications rather than production-builder templates. The original Maryland Hill area contains some older homes from the 1960s-1970s, but the bulk of the village was built between 1985 and 2010. Hanwell's housing extends along Route 102 and Route 640, ranging from established acreage properties near Longs Creek and Yoho Lake to newer subdivisions closer to the Fredericton city limit. The 2023 annexation of Kingsclear communities added rural properties with century farmhouses alongside modern rural-residential builds. A significant percentage of properties in both communities rely on private well water and on-site septic systems rather than municipal services — a factor that affects both new construction planning and renovation scope.
Development History
New Maryland traces its name to Loyalist settlers from the state of Maryland who were resettled near Fredericton after the American Revolution. In 1817, a settler named Arnold traveled from Maryland to the area known as 'Maryland Hill,' and by 1825 the community was being called 'New Maryland.' The Parish of New Maryland was established in 1846, but the area remained a farming and lumbering settlement of Scottish and Loyalist families for well over a century. New Maryland claims a singular historic distinction: it was the site of the last fatal gun duel in New Brunswick, fought between George Frederick Street and George Ludlow Wetmore on October 2, 1821 — a fact proudly noted on the Trans-Canada Highway sign to this day (the Wetmore-Street Pub takes its name from the two combatants). The modern suburb began taking shape in the 1960s-1970s as bedroom communities emerged around Fredericton, and large suburban subdivisions followed through the 1980s and 1990s. Official incorporation as a village came on June 1, 1991. Today, New Maryland has a population of 4,153 (2021 Census) and holds the distinction of the highest median household income in all of Atlantic Canada — over $116,000. It also has one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the province. Hanwell, immediately to the west, was incorporated as a Rural Community in 2014 and grew dramatically through the 2023 Local Governance Reform, absorbing the northern part of the Parish of Kingsclear (including French Village, Island View, and Mazerolle Settlement) to reach approximately 7,500 residents. Hanwell's motto — 'Inspired by Nature' — reflects a community that values its rural character even as it ranks among the province's fastest-growing municipalities.
Construction & Renovation Guide: New Maryland & Hanwell
Renovation in New Maryland and Hanwell is driven by affluent, educated homeowners who have the resources and expectations to do projects right. This is not a market for budget-tier finishes or cosmetic-only updates. The typical client wants custom cabinetry in the kitchen, engineered hardwood throughout, properly insulated and dehumidified basement finishing, and outdoor living spaces designed for entertaining. The relatively young housing stock (mostly 15-40 years old) means structural work is rarely the issue — it's about upgrading builder-grade interiors to match the homeowner's vision. For the older properties along original settlement routes, deeper work may be needed: foundation assessment, insulation upgrades, well and septic evaluation. The well-and-septic dynamic is a constant consideration: any renovation that adds bedrooms, bathrooms, or living space may trigger a septic system capacity review under provincial regulations.
Common Renovation Projects
- Premium kitchen renovation with custom cabinetry and stone countertops
- Full basement finishing with home theatre, guest suite, or home office
- Four-season sunroom or screened porch additions
- Multi-level deck and outdoor kitchen construction on large lots
- Master bathroom upgrade to spa-style finishes
- Garage additions and workshop builds on properties with space
- Energy envelope improvements on 1980s-1990s homes (triple-pane windows, blown cellulose, heat pump conversion)
- Well and septic upgrades to support additions or secondary suites
- In-law suite additions for multigenerational living
Typical Renovation Costs in New Maryland & Hanwell
Estimates based on typical project scope. Actual costs vary by project specifics, material choices, and site conditions.
Unique Construction Challenges
- Private well and septic systems affect scope and permitting — any renovation adding bedrooms or bathrooms requires confirmation that the septic can handle increased flow, and may require a new percolation test or system upgrade ($15,000-$30,000)
- The two-authority permit structure creates confusion: New Maryland Village handles its own building permits, while Hanwell routes everything through the Capital Region Service Commission — verify which jurisdiction your property falls in before applying
- Large lot sizes and mature landscaping mean excavation equipment access can be restricted — plan tree protection and access routes early in the design phase
- New Maryland's affluent market creates higher expectations for finish quality, which means contractor selection is critical — clients expect detailed quotes, 3D renderings, and project management that matches the investment level
- Well water quality varies across the area — arsenic and uranium occur naturally in some NB bedrock formations, so any renovation involving water lines or adding bathrooms should include current water testing
Foundation Types in New Maryland & Hanwell
The rolling terrain of New Maryland and Hanwell naturally lends itself to walkout basement designs, and a significant portion of homes take advantage of this with finished walkout lower levels that add substantial living space. Poured concrete is the standard foundation type for homes built from the 1980s onward. The soil conditions are generally glacial till — a mix of sand, gravel, clay, and boulders deposited by retreating ice sheets — which provides good bearing capacity but can contain large rocks that complicate excavation. The clay content increases in some areas, particularly in low-lying sections near watercourses, where drainage management becomes more important. Properties closer to the Saint John River valley (particularly in the Hanwell annexation areas of Island View and French Village) have lower terrain with potentially higher water tables. The upland areas of New Maryland and central Hanwell generally drain well, but the glacial till can create perched water tables that surprise homeowners during wet springs.
Common Foundation Issues
- Walkout basements on sloped lots can experience water infiltration at the grade-level wall where backfill meets the exposed foundation — proper grading, drainage tile, and waterproof membrane are essential
- Glacial till containing boulders makes excavation unpredictable — budget contingency funds for rock removal when planning additions or foundation work
- Homes from the 1985-2000 era were built with standard damp-proofing rather than true waterproofing — upgrading to exterior membrane during any foundation exposure is worthwhile
- Septic system drain fields are affected by soil conditions — clay-heavy areas may require raised-bed or mound systems that take up more lot area
Environmental Considerations in New Maryland & Hanwell
Asbestos
LOW RISKProbability in area homes: Unlikely in the majority of housing stock (post-1985 construction)
New Maryland and Hanwell benefit from having predominantly young housing stock. The bulk of homes were built after 1985, well after Canada's major asbestos-containing products were phased out of residential construction. The limited number of older properties — pre-1970 farmhouses along original settlement routes and some early 1970s builds on Maryland Hill — may contain asbestos in floor tiles, joint compound, vermiculite insulation, or pipe wrap, and should be tested before renovation. But for the typical 1990s-2000s suburban home that makes up the majority of the market, asbestos is not a significant concern.
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
- Vermiculite attic insulation in pre-1980 homes only
- 9x9 inch floor tiles in pre-1975 homes
- Pipe wrap in pre-1980 mechanical rooms
Radon
MODERATE-HIGH RISKDespite the newer housing stock, radon remains a concern in New Maryland and Hanwell. New Brunswick is one of Canada's highest-risk provinces — approximately 1 in 4 homes exceed Health Canada's 200 Bq/m³ guideline. The glacial till and bedrock formations in the Fredericton region can release significant radon, and the deep full basements that characterize the local housing stock provide large contact surfaces with soil gas. The National Building Code 2020 (adopted in NB at Tier 2 effective May 1, 2025) requires radon-rough-in provisions in new construction, but the vast majority of existing homes in these communities predate this requirement. Any basement finishing project should include a long-term radon test (90+ days) as a first step. If levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, a sub-slab depressurization system ($2,000-$3,500) is the standard mitigation. Proactive homeowners often install passive radon stacks during basement finishing and activate them if testing shows elevated levels.
Soil & Drainage
The rolling upland terrain of New Maryland and central Hanwell sits on glacial till — compacted mixtures of sand, gravel, clay, and boulders left by retreating ice sheets approximately 12,000 years ago. This provides generally good bearing capacity for residential construction but creates excavation challenges when large glacial erratics (boulders) are encountered at foundation depth. The clay content varies significantly across short distances, which affects septic system siting — properties where clay dominates may require engineered mound systems rather than conventional in-ground drain fields. The annexed Hanwell areas closer to the Saint John River (Island View, French Village) transition to river-valley alluvial soils with higher water tables and greater seasonal variation.
Drainage considerations: The combination of glacial till and rolling terrain generally provides adequate natural drainage, but clay lenses can create localized perched water tables that direct subsurface flow toward foundations. French drain systems and strategic lot grading are standard practice for managing surface water on the sloped lots. Properties with walkout basements should have interior perimeter drainage connected to a sump pump, even if the exterior appears dry. For new construction or additions, engage a geotechnical assessment if the lot is in a transitional zone between upland and lowland terrain.
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 New Maryland & Hanwell
New Maryland occupies the premium segment of the Fredericton-region market, with prices reflecting its status as Atlantic Canada's wealthiest municipality by median household income ($116,000+). The typical home in New Maryland sells in the $400,000-$650,000 range, with custom and estate properties exceeding $700,000. Hanwell offers somewhat more range, from $350,000 for older properties in the annexed Kingsclear areas to $550,000+ for newer builds closer to Fredericton. Both communities have benefited from steady appreciation driven by limited lot supply (New Maryland is nearly built out within its original village boundaries) and consistent demand from provincial government professionals, university staff, and military officers at nearby CFB Gagetown. The renovation calculus in New Maryland is different from working-class communities: homeowners here renovate because they want specific finishes and features, not because the home is failing. This means higher material specifications, more custom work, and contractors who can deliver at a premium level.
Market outlook: Stable with modest appreciation — New Maryland's nearly built-out condition limits new supply, supporting prices. Hanwell has more growth potential due to larger developable area, but the 2023 annexation of Kingsclear added complexity to its development planning. Provincial government employment provides the economic backbone for both communities.
Building Permits & Regulations in New Maryland & Hanwell
Building permits in this area are handled by two distinct authorities, which creates a critical first step for any project: confirm which jurisdiction your property falls in. The Village of New Maryland issues its own building permits through its Building Inspection department at 584 New Maryland Highway (506-451-8508, vonm.ca). Building permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, garages, decks, siding, windows, roofing, and changes in building occupancy. Development permits cover fences, sheds, pools, and other site modifications. The village has one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the province and is guided by its Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law (which underwent a public hearing for amendment as recently as January 2024). Hanwell Rural Community routes all permit applications through the Capital Region Service Commission (CRSC) at 1133 Regent Street Suite 300, Fredericton (506-453-2956, crscplanning.ca). The CRSC provides planning recommendations to Hanwell's Infrastructure and Parks Management Committee, and a Development Officer at CRSC oversees development and building permits on Hanwell's behalf. Online applications are available through the CRSC portal. Hanwell's new Subdivision By-law (No. 36-2025, adopted October 2025) harmonizes regulations following the 2023 annexation of Kingsclear communities. A draft Rural Plan is also under development, with open houses at Upper Kingsclear Community Centre and Hanwell Place. Electrical and plumbing permits for both communities are issued separately by NB Technical Inspection Services (1-888-659-3222).
Common Permits Required
- Building permit for structural work, additions, and envelope modifications (Village of New Maryland or CRSC for Hanwell)
- Development permit for site-level changes (fences, sheds, pools, signage)
- Provincial electrical permit (NB Technical Inspection Services)
- Provincial plumbing permit (NB Technical Inspection Services)
- Septic system approval from NB Department of Health for new systems or expansions
- Well permit from NB Department of Environment for new well drilling
- WAWA permit for work within 30 metres of watercourses
Heritage Considerations
Neither New Maryland nor Hanwell contains formally designated heritage conservation areas or individually designated heritage buildings under the NB Heritage Conservation Act. New Maryland does have two notable historic structures: Christ Church Anglican (designed by Rev. Edward S. Medley in 1863, an example of the Neo-Gothic churches built during Bishop John Medley's 47-year episcopate) and Victoria Hall (built by the Women's Institute in 1917 on land donated by James Horncastle). These buildings are not subject to heritage regulation but contribute to community character. Renovation work in both communities is not subject to heritage review.
Zoning Notes
New Maryland's zoning primarily accommodates low-density residential development with generous lot minimums. The village is approaching build-out within its boundaries, limiting new subdivision potential but creating renovation demand as homeowners invest in existing properties rather than building new. Hanwell's Rural Plan (currently in draft) will put controls on the creation of new large residential subdivisions, requiring amendment applications with community feedback for major developments. Existing lot owners retain the right to build but larger developments face a more structured approval process. The 2023 annexation of Kingsclear lands into Hanwell brought formerly unregulated rural properties under municipal planning for the first time — some property owners may not be aware of new requirements.
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
Key Renovation Considerations for New Maryland & Hanwell
The well-and-septic dynamic is the defining constraint for renovation scope in these communities — any project that adds bedrooms, bathrooms, or habitable space may require a septic system capacity assessment and potentially a new percolation test or system upgrade ($15,000-$30,000 for a replacement system)
New Maryland's affluent homeowner base expects premium renovation quality: custom cabinetry, engineered stone countertops, proper tile work, and finishes that match or exceed new-construction standards — budget accordingly and select contractors experienced with high-end residential work
Basement finishing is the most common major project but requires careful moisture management even in relatively new homes — install interior perimeter drainage, a dehumidifier system, and radon testing before committing to finished materials below grade
The rolling terrain produces excellent walkout basement opportunities but also creates grading and drainage challenges — water flowing downhill can accumulate at foundation walls on the uphill side of sloped lots, requiring French drains or curtain drains to redirect
Heat pump conversion from oil furnace is one of the strongest ROI upgrades for 1990s-era homes that still have original oil heating — cold-climate mini-split or ducted heat pump systems perform well in the Fredericton region, and combined NB Power and federal Greener Homes rebates offset 30-50% of cost
Large lots in both communities support ambitious outdoor projects (multi-level decks, screened porches, outdoor kitchens, hot tub installations) but frost depth requires footings at minimum 4 feet below grade — factor this into deck and addition cost estimates
For properties on the Hanwell/Fredericton boundary, confirm your municipal jurisdiction before applying for permits — the 2023 reform redrew boundaries and some properties may have shifted from one authority to another
Well water quality testing should accompany any renovation involving plumbing changes — some NB bedrock formations contain naturally occurring arsenic and uranium that affect water treatment system requirements
Frequently Asked Questions: Renovations in New Maryland & Hanwell
What does a premium kitchen renovation cost in New Maryland?
A kitchen renovation in New Maryland typically runs higher than provincial averages because homeowner expectations match the community's affluent profile. A mid-range renovation with new custom maple or cherry cabinetry, quartz countertops, undermount sink, and upgraded appliances runs $40,000-$55,000. A premium renovation with custom-built cabinetry, natural stone countertops, high-end European appliances, tile backsplash, hardwood flooring, pot lighting, and reconfigured layout runs $60,000-$75,000+. The layout reconfiguration often involves removing a wall between kitchen and dining or family room — in post-1985 construction, these walls are typically non-load-bearing, making open-concept conversion relatively straightforward ($2,000-$5,000 for the wall removal itself). Expect the project to take 6-10 weeks from demolition to completion. The most important factor in New Maryland is contractor quality — homeowners here compare their renovation to new-build quality and expect flawless execution.
Do I need a permit for a deck in New Maryland or Hanwell?
Yes, with a distinction based on height. In the Village of New Maryland, decks over 600mm (about 24 inches) from grade require a building permit — contact the Building Inspection department at (506) 451-8508. Decks under 600mm from grade typically require only a development permit. In Hanwell, all permit applications go through the Capital Region Service Commission (CRSC) at (506) 453-2956. In both jurisdictions, you'll need a site plan showing the deck location relative to property lines and setbacks, and construction details showing footings, framing, and railing. NB's frost depth requires footings at a minimum of 4 feet below grade to prevent heaving. For decks over 2 feet above grade, most jurisdictions require engineered drawings. If your property has a septic system, confirm the deck won't be built over the drain field or tank — this is a common issue on suburban lots where the septic components aren't always visible.
How do permits work in Hanwell after the 2023 governance reform?
Building and development permits in Hanwell are processed by the Capital Region Service Commission (CRSC) at 1133 Regent Street Suite 300, Fredericton (506-453-2956). Online applications are available at the CRSC portal (crscplanning.ca). CRSC acts as Hanwell's development authority — the Development Officer at CRSC reviews applications and provides recommendations to Hanwell's Infrastructure and Parks Management Committee. If your property was in the former Kingsclear LSD (French Village, Island View, or Mazerolle Settlement) and was annexed into Hanwell on January 1, 2023, you are now subject to Hanwell's bylaws and must apply through CRSC. The new Subdivision By-law (No. 36-2025, adopted October 2025) specifically harmonizes regulations for the expanded community. A draft Rural Plan is also being developed with public input — this will add structure to how large developments are approved but won't prevent individual homeowners from building on their lots. Electrical and plumbing permits are separate, issued by NB Technical Inspection Services (1-888-659-3222).
Is my well and septic an issue when renovating in New Maryland or Hanwell?
It can be a significant factor. Most properties in New Maryland and Hanwell rely on private wells and on-site septic systems rather than municipal water and sewer. Under NB regulations, any renovation that increases the number of bedrooms or adds plumbing fixtures (especially bathrooms) may require a review of your septic system's capacity. If the system was designed for a 3-bedroom home and you're finishing the basement with a fourth bedroom and bathroom, you may need a new percolation test and potentially a system upgrade or replacement ($15,000-$30,000). Before starting renovation design, have a licensed septic installer evaluate your system's condition and capacity. For wells, the NB Department of Environment regulates well drilling and has setback requirements from septic components (typically 30 metres). If your renovation involves adding water-using fixtures, current well yield testing is advisable. Additionally, some bedrock in the region contains naturally occurring arsenic or uranium — a standard water quality test should accompany any renovation involving plumbing changes.
About New Maryland & Hanwell
New Maryland and Hanwell sit in an unusual position in the New Brunswick renovation market: they're affluent, well-educated communities where renovation is less about necessity and more about lifestyle optimization. The typical New Maryland homeowner doesn't need to renovate a failing kitchen — they want a kitchen that matches their tastes and entertaining style. This means the contractor relationship looks different than in communities where budget is the primary driver. Here, homeowners expect detailed proposals, 3D design renderings, material samples, and project schedules that are met. The well-and-septic infrastructure creates a practical constraint that affects every significant renovation, and understanding provincial regulations around system capacity is essential before designing additions or basement suites. Hanwell's rapid growth — from zero governance to 7,500+ residents in a decade — has created a community in transition: the original rural properties along Route 102 and Yoho Lake coexist with new subdivisions that look like urban suburbs, and the 2023 annexation of Kingsclear added yet another layer. The Capital Region Service Commission's role as Hanwell's planning authority means renovation projects here flow through Fredericton's regional planning infrastructure rather than a local building department. Despite the premium price points, the renovation market here is active precisely because New Maryland is approaching build-out — with limited new lots available, homeowners invest in existing properties rather than building new, creating steady demand for quality contractors who can work at the finish level this market demands.
Our Services in New Maryland & Hanwell
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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