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 fluent in French and many operate primarily in French.

Start with the New Brunswick Construction Network directory, which includes contractors throughout the province, including the Edmundston area. Many contractors in northwestern New Brunswick list their language capabilities, and you can filter by location to find professionals serving the Edmundston region.

The City of Edmundston's Urban Planning department can also provide recommendations for local contractors who regularly work with their building permit process. Since Edmundston is officially bilingual, all municipal services are available in French, and staff can direct you to contractors they work with frequently.

Local building supply stores like Kent Building Supplies or regional lumber yards are excellent resources — they work with contractors daily and know who's active in the area. Staff can often recommend contractors based on the type of renovation you're planning, whether it's kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home projects.

Consider reaching out to Chambre de commerce du Grand Edmundston (Edmundston Chamber of Commerce), which maintains connections with local businesses including construction contractors. They can provide referrals to established contractors who serve the French-speaking community.

For your renovation, you'll need a building permit from the City of Edmundston for most structural work, additions, or major renovations. The application process is available in French, and city inspectors are bilingual. Any electrical work requires a licensed electrician (licensed through NB's Technical Inspection Services), plumbing work needs a licensed plumber, and both require provincial permits regardless of the contractor's language.

Get quotes from at least three contractors to compare pricing, timelines, and approach. In the Edmundston area, expect renovation costs to be 10-15% lower than major urban centers like Moncton or Halifax, but skilled trades can sometimes have longer wait times in smaller markets.

Verify that any contractor you hire is registered with WorkSafeNB — this is mandatory for employers with three or more workers. Ask to see their clearance certificate before work begins, as you could be liable for coverage if they're not properly registered.

The French-speaking contractor community in northwestern New Brunswick is well-established, so you should have good options for your renovation project.