Question 1

Can i build a floating deck under 2 feet off the ground in Riverview without getting a building permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can likely build a floating deck under 2 feet high in Riverview without a building permit, but you'll want to confirm the specific height threshold with the Town of Riverview first.

Most New Brunswick municipalities follow the National Building Code exemption for decks under 24 inches (2 feet) in height, and floating decks (not attached to the house) are generally treated more leniently than attached structures. However, each municipality can set their own thresholds in their building

Question 2

Can I replace a toilet myself without needing a permit in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can replace a toilet yourself in New Brunswick without a permit — this falls under basic fixture replacement that doesn't require plumbing licensing or permits from TIS (Technical Inspection Services).

What you can do as a homeowner: Remove the old toilet, install a new one in the same location using the existing water supply and drain connections, replace the wax ring, and reconnect everything. This is considered maintenance rather than new plumbing work. You'll need basic tools like

Question 3

Can I install a gas range in my kitchen if my house is all electric?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can install a gas range in an all-electric kitchen, but it requires running a new gas line and obtaining proper permits — this isn't a simple appliance swap and must be done by licensed professionals.

Gas Line Installation Requirements

You'll need a licensed gas fitter (holding a compressed gas licence from NB's Technical Inspection Services) to run a new gas line from either your propane tank or the natural gas meter to your kitchen. This work requires a gas installation permit from

Question 4

Can I build a shed in my backyard in Fredericton without a permit?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need a permit for your shed in Fredericton depends on the size and type of structure you're planning. The City of Fredericton follows the National Building Code of Canada 2020 edition (effective May 1, 2025 for new applications), but has specific exemptions for smaller accessory buildings.

Permit-exempt sheds in Fredericton typically include structures under 108 square feet (10 square meters) that are used solely for storage and don't have electrical, plumbing, or permanent foundati

Question 5

Can I build a legal rental apartment in my basement in Moncton?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can likely build a legal basement apartment in Moncton, but you'll need to navigate both the city's zoning requirements and building code compliance to do it properly.

Zoning is your first step — Moncton's zoning bylaw permits secondary suites in most residential zones, but specific conditions apply depending on your property's zoning designation. Contact the City of Moncton Planning & Development department at (506) 856-4375 or info.plans@moncton.ca to confirm your property is eligibl

Question 6

Can I install kitchen backsplash tile without hiring a contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, installing kitchen backsplash tile is absolutely a DIY-friendly project that most homeowners can tackle successfully. Backsplash installation doesn't require electrical, plumbing, or structural work, so you won't need any permits from your municipality or Regional Service Commission in New Brunswick.

Essential tools and materials you'll need include a wet tile saw (rent for $40-60/day), tile spacers, notched trowel, tile adhesive, grout, grout float, and level. For a typical kitchen backsp

Question 7

Is it worth painting my house myself, or should I just hire someone?

Accepted Answer

Painting your house yourself can save 50-70% on costs, but the decision depends on your home's size, height, and your comfort with ladder work. For a typical New Brunswick bungalow, you're looking at $8,000-$15,000 for professional exterior painting versus $2,500-$4,500 in materials if you do it yourself.

The math changes with your home's complexity. Single-story homes with minimal trim work are excellent DIY candidates, especially the common post-war bungalows found throughout Moncton, Frederi

Question 8

Can I install laminate flooring myself in my Moncton condo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, laminate flooring is one of the most DIY-friendly flooring options and perfectly suitable for a condo installation. Modern click-lock laminate systems are designed for homeowner installation and don't require specialized tools or trade licensing in New Brunswick.

Before you start, check your condo corporation's bylaws and declaration. Most Moncton condos require board approval for flooring changes, especially if you're switching from carpet to hard surfaces. The Condominium Property Act (S

Question 9

Is it safe to remove popcorn ceilings myself in a house from the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

Removing popcorn ceilings from a 1970s New Brunswick home yourself is potentially dangerous and not recommended without proper testing first. Popcorn ceiling texture installed before 1980 frequently contains asbestos, and disturbing it without proper precautions can release harmful fibers into your home's air.

Testing is absolutely essential before any removal work begins. Contact a certified asbestos testing company to take samples from your ceiling texture. In New Brunswick, this typically co

Question 10

Can I do my own plumbing work in New Brunswick, or do I need a licensed plumber?

Accepted Answer

In New Brunswick, you cannot do your own plumbing work unless you hold a valid plumber's licence issued by the province. All plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs must be performed by a licensed plumber and require permits and inspections.

Licensing and Permit Requirements

The NB Department of Justice and Public Safety — Technical Inspection Services (TIS) issues three types of plumbing licences in New Brunswick and requires permits for all plumbing work. Unlike some provinces where

Question 11

Can I build a tiny home in my backyard as a rental in Fredericton?

Accepted Answer

Building a tiny home as a rental in Fredericton requires careful navigation of zoning bylaws, building codes, and rental regulations. The City of Fredericton has updated its zoning to allow secondary suites in many residential areas, but a backyard tiny home faces additional hurdles as a separate structure.

Zoning and Permits
Contact the City of Fredericton Development Services at (506) 460-2020 first to confirm your property's zoning allows accessory dwelling units. Fredericton's zoning bylaw

Question 12

My finished basement always feels cold even with insulation. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Cold basements in New Brunswick are extremely common, especially in homes built before 2000. Even with insulation, several factors can make your basement feel uncomfortably cold during our long winters.

The most likely culprit is air leakage around the foundation perimeter, rim joists, and basement windows. Cold air infiltration can make insulated spaces feel drafty and cold. Check for gaps around basement windows, where the foundation meets the main floor framing, and around any penetrations f

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