Question 1

Can i install a wood pellet stove myself in New Brunswick or does TIS require a licensed installer and inspection?

Accepted Answer

Installing a wood pellet stove in New Brunswick sits in a grey zone — you can do some of the work yourself, but critical parts of the installation legally require licensed trades and mandatory inspections.

Here's how it breaks down in practice.

The stove itself and hearth pad — positioning the unit, installing the non-combustible hearth pad, maintaining proper clearances to combustibles — is work a capable homeowner can do. The National Building Code 2020 (now in effect for NB as of May 1, 202

Question 2

What fire code separation is required between a garden suite and the main house in Moncton's new zoning?

Accepted Answer

Garden suites in Moncton now require a minimum 45-minute fire separation between the suite and the main dwelling — and if the structures are attached or share a wall, that requirement steps up significantly under the National Building Code of Canada 2020, which New Brunswick adopted effective May 1, 2025.

Here's how it breaks down in practice. A detached garden suite (a fully separate structure on the same lot) has the most flexibility — as long as it maintains the required setbacks from the ma

Question 3

Can i build a carport without a permit in Moncton if it's open on three sides and under a certain size?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot build a carport in Moncton without a permit, regardless of size or how many sides are open. The City of Moncton requires building permits for all accessory structures including carports, regardless of whether they're fully enclosed or open-sided.

Moncton's building permit requirements are quite comprehensive compared to some rural areas. Even a simple open carport with just a roof and one wall requires a building permit through the City's Planning & Development department (506-85

Question 4

How much do contractors charge for building permit basement in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Contractors typically charge $800-$2,500 to handle basement building permit applications in New Brunswick, depending on the complexity of your project and whether it's a simple finishing job or involves structural changes like adding bedrooms or bathrooms.

The permit application process varies significantly based on your location. If you're in a municipality like Moncton, Saint John, or Fredericton, you'll apply directly through their building departments. For rural areas, you'll work with your

Question 5

What are the NBC snow load requirements for roof trusses in northern New Brunswick around Campbellton?

Accepted Answer

Northern New Brunswick requires significantly higher snow load design than southern regions — the Campbellton area typically sees ground snow loads of 3.5-4.0 kPa (73-83 lbs/sq ft), which translates to roof snow loads of approximately 2.5-2.8 kPa after applying NBC reduction factors.

The National Building Code of Canada 2020 (adopted by New Brunswick, effective May 1, 2025 for new applications) specifies snow loads based on your exact location's ground snow load values. Campbellton's proximity

Question 6

What does NB's provincial wetland regulation mean for building an addition on my property in Riverview near the marsh?

Accepted Answer

Building near wetlands in Riverview requires careful navigation of both provincial and municipal regulations, and you'll likely need professional environmental assessment before proceeding. The Town of Riverview sits adjacent to extensive Petitcodiac River marshlands, making wetland protection a significant consideration for many properties.

Provincial Wetland Regulation (NB Reg 90-2002) under the Clean Water Act prohibits "altering" designated wetlands without approval from the Department of E

Question 7

What's the NB code requirement for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in a home with an attached garage in Rothesay?

Accepted Answer

In Rothesay, your home with an attached garage must have interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house, with specific requirements for garage protection under the National Building Code of Canada 2020 edition (adopted by New Brunswick, effective May 1, 2025 for new applications).

The attached garage creates a significant carbon monoxide risk that triggers mandatory CO detection. You'll need interconnected smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside each sleeping a

Permits & Building Codes