Question 1

Should i use a local Miramichi contractor or hire someone from Moncton for a major renovation — pros and cons?

Accepted Answer

For most major renovations in Miramichi, a local contractor is the right call — but the honest answer depends on the scope of your project and what's available locally.

Miramichi has a solid base of experienced trades and general contractors who've built their reputations in the region over decades. They know the local building department, they understand the housing stock (a lot of post-war bungalows, older wood-frame homes, and properties on private well and septic), and they're not billing y

Question 2

Does my New Brunswick contractor need WorkSafeNB coverage before starting?

Accepted Answer

Ask about it before work starts, because it can affect you as the homeowner.

WorkSafeNB says that "all employers with three or more workers at any time during the year must register for mandatory coverage with WorkSafeNB." On its page about residential construction and renovation projects, it adds that employers with fewer than three regularly employed workers normally have the option of enrolling in coverage.

Why it matters to you. The same WorkSafeNB page warns homeowners that if the contrac

Question 3

How do I verify a New Brunswick contractor's WorkSafeNB standing?

Accepted Answer

Verifying a contractor's WorkSafeNB standing is straightforward and takes about two minutes — and it's one of the most important steps you can take before signing any contract.

WorkSafeNB provides a free online clearance certificate lookup at worksafenb.ca. You can search by the contractor's business name or account number and instantly confirm whether they're registered and in good standing. If you'd rather speak with someone, call WorkSafeNB directly at 1-800-999-9775.

Here's why this matter

Question 4

My Moncton contractor stopped showing up, what are my options?

Accepted Answer

When a contractor goes silent mid-project in Moncton, you have several real options — but acting quickly matters. The steps you take in the next few days can significantly affect how much money you recover and how fast you get your project finished.

First, document everything right now. Photograph the current state of the work, gather all receipts, contracts, text messages, emails, and any records of payments made. This paper trail is the foundation of every option below. If you have a written

Question 5

What holdback should I keep on a Saint John renovation?

Accepted Answer

In New Brunswick, you're required to hold back 20% of each progress payment to your contractor under the Construction Remedies Act (SNB 2020, c.29) — and this isn't optional. It's a statutory obligation that protects you as the property owner if subcontractors or suppliers go unpaid.

Here's how it works in practice: every time your contractor submits a progress draw, you pay 80% and retain the remaining 20% in a separate holdback. That holdback must be maintained for a minimum of 60 days after

Question 6

How do i check if a contractor is registered with the NB Home Builders Association before signing?

Accepted Answer

The New Brunswick Home Builders Association (NBHBA) is a voluntary trade association — contractors are not required to be members, but membership can indicate professionalism and commitment to industry standards.

You can verify NBHBA membership by visiting their website at nbhba.ca or calling their office directly. The association maintains a member directory that lists active contractors by region and specialty. However, keep in mind that many excellent contractors choose not to join trade ass

Question 7

Is it normal for a contractor to ask for 50% upfront for a bathroom reno in Dieppe or is that too much?

Accepted Answer

Asking for 50% upfront is higher than typical for bathroom renovations in the Dieppe area — most reputable contractors request 10-25% down with progress payments tied to completion milestones.

For bathroom renovations in the greater Moncton area, standard payment structures usually involve a smaller deposit (10-20% of total project cost) to secure your spot and cover initial material orders, followed by payments at key stages like demolition complete, rough-in complete, and substantial completi

Question 8

Should i hire a separate project manager for a large renovation in Moncton or can the general contractor handle everything?

Accepted Answer

For most large renovations in Moncton, an experienced general contractor can effectively manage the project without needing a separate project manager. However, the decision depends on your project's complexity, timeline, and the contractor's proven track record with similar-scale work.

When a General Contractor Can Handle Everything

Most established Moncton contractors managing renovations over $75,000 have the systems and experience to coordinate trades, permits, and scheduling. They'll hand

Hiring Contractors