Question 1

What should i look at before renovating a Loyalist-era rowhouse in uptown Saint John — structural concerns and heritage rules?

Accepted Answer

Loyalist-era rowhouses in Uptown Saint John present unique structural and heritage challenges that require careful assessment before any renovation work begins. These 1780s-1840s buildings are architectural treasures, but their hand-hewn timber frames, stone foundations, and shared party walls demand specialized knowledge.

Your first call should be to the City of Saint John's Heritage Officer at Growth & Community Services (506-658-2835) to determine if your property is designated under the Her

Question 2

We added spray foam insulation and new windows to our drafty Campbellton home — energy bill difference was shocking?

Accepted Answer

That's fantastic — spray foam and new windows are one of the most effective combinations for older homes in northern New Brunswick! Campbellton's harsh winters and frequent temperature swings make air sealing absolutely critical, and you've tackled the two biggest culprits for heat loss.

Spray foam insulation creates that continuous air barrier that's nearly impossible to achieve with traditional batt insulation, especially in older homes with irregular framing. In Campbellton's climate, where

Question 3

What should i check for before gutting a 1950s bungalow kitchen in Moncton — is there likely asbestos in the flooring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there's a significant chance of asbestos in your 1950s Moncton bungalow kitchen flooring. Vinyl tiles, sheet flooring, and the adhesives used from the 1940s through early 1980s commonly contained asbestos fibers for durability and fire resistance.

Before any demolition work begins, you'll need professional asbestos testing. In New Brunswick, this requires a certified asbestos consultant who will take samples and send them to an accredited lab. Testing typically costs $400-$800 for a kitche

Question 4

How many quotes should I get before starting a renovation in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Getting 3-4 detailed quotes is the sweet spot for most New Brunswick renovation projects. This gives you enough comparison points to understand fair market pricing without getting overwhelmed by too many options or delaying your project unnecessarily.

For smaller projects under $10,000 (like bathroom updates or flooring), two solid quotes from licensed contractors might be sufficient. But for major renovations—kitchen remodels, additions, or whole-home projects—aim for three to four comprehensi

Question 5

Should I get a home inspection before starting renovations on a house I already own?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes — a pre-renovation inspection can save you thousands and prevent major headaches down the road. Even though you already own the home, a thorough inspection before renovations reveals hidden issues that could derail your project timeline and budget.

What You'll Discover

A qualified home inspector will identify structural problems, outdated electrical systems, plumbing issues, and potential hazards that aren't visible during day-to-day living. In New Brunswick's older housing stoc

Before You Start

What should i look at before renovating a Loyalist-era rowhouse in uptown Saint John — structural concerns and heritage rules?

We added spray foam insulation and new windows to our drafty Campbellton home — energy bill difference was shocking?

What should i check for before gutting a 1950s bungalow kitchen in Moncton — is there likely asbestos in the flooring?

How many quotes should I get before starting a renovation in New Brunswick?

Should I get a home inspection before starting renovations on a house I already own?