How-To Guides
Step-by-step guides and instructions for renovation projects
How do I live in my house while a renovation is happening?
Living through a renovation requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and strategic temporary setups — but it's absolutely doable and can sav...
How does the National Building Code apply to renovations in New Brunswick?
The National Building Code of Canada 2020 edition governs all renovations in New Brunswick, with enforcement handled by your local building inspection...
How do I properly waterproof a shower before tiling in my Moncton home?
Proper shower waterproofing is absolutely critical in Moncton's climate — with freeze-thaw cycles and high humidity, any water penetration behind tile...
How do I stop condensation on my windows every winter in NB?
Winter window condensation is extremely common in New Brunswick homes, especially older houses with single-pane windows and limited ventilation. The r...
How do I document my renovation for insurance in case something goes wrong?
Proper documentation is your best protection against insurance disputes and contractor issues — start documenting before any work begins and maintain...
How do I check if an electrician is licensed through Technical Inspection Services in New Brunswick?
You can verify an electrician's license through NB's Technical Inspection Services (TIS) by calling 1-888-659-3222 or visiting one of their Service Ne...
How do I prevent water from coming in during spring thaw in my Saint John basement?
Spring thaw basement flooding is extremely common in Saint John due to the city's clay soils, high water table, and proximity to the Saint John River...
How do I keep my renovation on schedule when materials take forever to ship to NB?
Material delays are one of the biggest schedule killers in New Brunswick renovations, but smart planning and local sourcing can keep your project movi...
How do I maximize storage space in a small kitchen during a renovation?
Maximizing storage in a small kitchen requires strategic planning that uses every available inch — from floor to ceiling and everything in between. Th...
How do I check for moisture problems before finishing my basement in Saint John?
Moisture assessment is absolutely critical before finishing any basement in Saint John — the city's coastal location, clay soils, and frequent freeze-...
How do building permits work in rural areas through the regional service commissions?
Building permits in rural New Brunswick are handled by your Regional Service Commission (RSC), not a municipality. If you live outside an incorporated...
How do I check contractor reviews in the Moncton and Fredericton areas?
Checking contractor reviews in New Brunswick requires a multi-pronged approach since there's no single comprehensive review platform for our province....
How do I handle a dispute with my contractor under New Brunswick's Construction Remedies Act?
New Brunswick's Construction Remedies Act (SNB 2020, c.29) provides several dispute resolution mechanisms, but your first step should always be direct...
How do I winterize a renovation project if it's not done before the freeze-up?
If your renovation won't be complete before New Brunswick's freeze-up (typically mid-November), proper winterization is critical to protect your inves...
How do I plan a renovation timeline, knowing that New Brunswick winters slow things down?
Planning a renovation timeline in New Brunswick requires working around our harsh winters and short construction season. The key is understanding that...
How do I fix a shower that's leaking into the floor below after a renovation?
A shower leaking into the floor below after renovation typically indicates a waterproofing failure in the shower pan, tile work, or plumbing connectio...
How do I find a reliable renovation contractor in Greater Moncton?
Finding a reliable renovation contractor in Greater Moncton requires checking credentials, getting multiple quotes, and verifying their track record w...
How do I renovate my condo bathroom in Moncton without causing issues with neighbors?
Renovating a condo bathroom in Moncton requires careful planning to minimize disruption and comply with both municipal building codes and your condomi...
How do I protect my hardwood floors during a renovation?
Protecting your hardwood floors during renovation is absolutely critical — refinishing damaged floors can cost $3-8 per square foot, while replacement...
How do I check if my house has knob and tube wiring before starting a renovation in New Brunswick?
Knob and tube wiring is definitely something you need to identify before starting any renovation — this obsolete wiring system was common in New Bruns...
How do I find a contractor who speaks French for my renovation in Edmundston?
Finding French-speaking contractors in Edmundston is straightforward since the city is predominantly Francophone — most local contractors will be flue...
How do I manage change orders so costs don't spiral out of control?
Change orders are inevitable in construction, but managing them properly protects both your budget and timeline. The key is establishing clear process...
How do I check if there are open permits on a house before buying it in Saint John?
Before purchasing a home in Saint John, you'll want to verify there are no outstanding building permits or code violations that could become your resp...
How do I decide which renovations to prioritize on a tight budget?
Start with safety and structural issues first — these protect your investment and prevent costlier problems down the road. In New Brunswick's older ho...
How do I plan a kitchen renovation around my family so we can still eat meals?
Planning a kitchen renovation while keeping your family fed requires strategic timing and setting up a temporary cooking space. The key is creating a...
How do I know if my old house in Saint John is worth renovating?
Determining if your older Saint John home is worth renovating depends on several key factors, but many heritage and vintage properties in the port cit...