Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from New Brunswick homeowners.
Is it worth renting a drywall lift to finish my Quispamsis basement ceiling myself or should i just hire someone?
For a basement ceiling in Quispamsis, renting a drywall lift is almost always worth it — but whether you DIY the whole j...
Should I worry about an old oil tank when buying in Fredericton?
Yes — absolutely, and it's one of the most important due diligence items for any Fredericton home purchase. Oil heat has...
How long does concrete need to cure before i can drive on a new garage pad in NB if i pour it in September?
For a standard residential garage slab, you'll want to wait a minimum of 7 days before driving a regular passenger vehic...
What electrical inspections follow a Fredericton kitchen rewire?
After a kitchen rewire in Fredericton, you'll go through a two-step inspection process involving both NB Power and the p...
Is spray foam worth it in an old Saint John basement?
Spray foam is one of the best investments you can make in an old Saint John basement — but the right type and location m...
What kind of home insurance issues come up when you finish a basement or add a rental suite in New Brunswick?
Finishing a basement or adding a rental suite can significantly affect your home insurance — and if you don't notify you...
Should i use a local Miramichi contractor or hire someone from Moncton for a major renovation — pros and cons?
For most major renovations in Miramichi, a local contractor is the right call — but the honest answer depends on the sco...
How do i tile a shower niche properly so it doesn't leak — my last contractor in Moncton did it wrong and water got behind the wall?
A properly waterproofed shower niche is all about what happens before a single tile goes up — the waterproofing membrane...
Will my New Brunswick insurer refuse coverage over an aging oil tank?
Yes, this is a real and growing concern in New Brunswick — many insurers are either refusing coverage outright or adding...
Ice built up under my New Brunswick metal roof, is that normal?
Ice buildup under a metal roof in New Brunswick is actually a common problem, but it's not something you should ignore —...
What's the ROI on adding spray foam insulation to an uninsulated attic in a Miramichi home?
Spray foam in an uninsulated Miramichi attic is one of the highest-ROI upgrades you can make — expect energy savings of...
Does replacing a wood stove in New Brunswick need an inspection?
Yes — replacing a wood stove in New Brunswick requires both a permit and inspection in most cases. This isn't just a swa...
How much do contractors charge for main sewer line replacement in New Brunswick?
Main sewer line replacement in New Brunswick typically runs $5,000–$20,000+, depending on the method used, the length of...
What does concrete sealing typically cost in New Brunswick?
Concrete sealing in New Brunswick typically runs $0.50–$2.50 per square foot for professional application, or $100–$400...
Can a secondary suite share a laundry room with the main house in NB or does it need its own hookups?
Sharing laundry between a secondary suite and the main house is permitted under the National Building Code — there's no...
Does a Moncton garden suite need its own septic system?
In most cases, no — a garden suite in Moncton will connect to the existing municipal sewer system, not a private septic...
How much should I budget for fence post replacement in New Brunswick?
Replacing fence posts in New Brunswick typically runs $50–$150 per post for materials alone, or $150–$400 per post insta...
Do heat pumps keep up through a northern New Brunswick cold snap?
Cold-climate heat pumps can keep running through a northern New Brunswick cold snap, but they are designed to work with...
Does my New Brunswick contractor need WorkSafeNB coverage before starting?
Ask about it before work starts, because it can affect you as the homeowner. WorkSafeNB says that "all employers with t...
When does New Brunswick require a septic permit for a renovation?
In New Brunswick, a septic (on-site sewage) permit is required any time you add, alter, repair, or replace a sewage disp...
Which decking lasts longest through New Brunswick freeze-thaw?
Composite decking with capped polymer boards is your best bet for New Brunswick's brutal freeze-thaw cycles — properly i...
How do I verify a New Brunswick contractor's WorkSafeNB standing?
Verifying a contractor's WorkSafeNB standing is straightforward and takes about two minutes — and it's one of the most i...
How much should I budget for tile floor install in New Brunswick?
Tile floor installation in New Brunswick typically runs $8–$18 per square foot installed, covering both materials and la...
If someone built a deck without a permit, is there a way to get it permitted after the fact if it was built to code properly, or would that incur some sort of fine?
Yes, retroactive permitting is possible in New Brunswick — but it comes with some complications and likely extra costs....
I bought a home and the basement flooded because the drain tile wasn't working properly and the window wells filled to the brim after a heavy rain, which then had nowhere to go but inside the house through the windows. I have strong reason to believe the previous homeowner knew about this and didn't disclose it. What are my options, especially from a legal/financial perspective?
This is a serious situation, and you likely have legal recourse — but you'll need to act quickly and document everything...
How do I get a permit for building a deck, and how do I know if it's up to code?
Building a deck in New Brunswick almost always requires a permit, and the process is more straightforward than most home...
My Fredericton well water turned rusty after the spring thaw, what changed?
Rusty well water after spring thaw is extremely common in Fredericton and the surrounding Capital Region — and it almost...
What does kitchen cabinet replacement typically cost in New Brunswick?
Kitchen cabinet replacement in New Brunswick typically runs $5,000–$25,000+ depending on kitchen size, cabinet quality,...
What is the average cost of chimney repair in New Brunswick in 2026?
Chimney repair in New Brunswick typically runs anywhere from $300 to $8,000+, depending heavily on what's actually wrong...
How many weeks of exterior work fit before New Brunswick winter?
You're realistically looking at about 20–22 usable weeks for exterior construction in New Brunswick — roughly early May...
What insulation suits a New Brunswick attic to stop ice dams?
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass at R-60 is your best defence against ice dams in a New Brunswick attic — and the fix is...
What are the setback rules for a pool installation on a residential lot in Quispamsis?
Setback requirements for swimming pools in Quispamsis are set by the Town's zoning bylaw, and you'll need to confirm the...
How much does ev charger installation level2 cost in New Brunswick?
A Level 2 EV charger installation in New Brunswick typically runs between $800 and $2,500 all-in, depending on your home...
What does bathroom mirror replacement typically cost in New Brunswick?
Replacing a bathroom mirror in New Brunswick is one of the more affordable home updates you can tackle, typically runnin...
Why do my Moncton windows drip condensation all through January?
That dripping condensation is almost certainly telling you that warm, humid indoor air is hitting cold glass — and in Mo...
What is the distance from my property line be from my neighbours portable tarp shelter be in new brunswick 12 x 20feet in size?
Setback requirements for a portable tarp shelter in New Brunswick depend entirely on where you live — there's no single...
What is the average cost of vinyl siding full house in New Brunswick in 2026?
Vinyl siding for a full house in New Brunswick typically runs $8,000–$22,000 installed, with most mid-range homes landin...
How much do contractors charge for sump pump replacement in New Brunswick?
Sump pump replacement in New Brunswick typically runs $400–$1,200 installed, depending on the pump type, pit condition,...
What is a realistic timeline for a Dieppe basement apartment build?
A basement apartment in Dieppe typically takes 4 to 8 months from first permit application to move-in day, though the pl...
How much panel capacity does a Moncton EV charger need?
A Level 2 EV charger (the standard home charger) typically requires a dedicated 240V circuit rated at 40–60 amps, which...
What does trim painting typically cost in New Brunswick?
Trim painting in New Brunswick typically runs $1.50–$4.00 per linear foot for professional work, depending on the condit...
Should i hire a bilingual contractor for my renovation in Dieppe or does it not really matter if i can get by in English?
In Dieppe, hiring a bilingual contractor is worth considering — but it's not strictly necessary if you're comfortable wo...
Do i need heritage approval to replace the windows on my Loyalist-era home in Saint John's Trinity Royal heritage area?
Yes — replacing windows in Trinity Royal almost certainly requires heritage approval before you touch anything, and skip...
My basement floor in Fredericton is uneven and slopes toward one corner — can i level it with self-leveling compound before finishing?
Yes, self-leveling compound can absolutely work for this — but whether it's the right solution depends on why your floor...
What is the average cost of soffit fascia replacement in New Brunswick in 2026?
Soffit and fascia replacement in New Brunswick typically runs $8–$22 per linear foot installed, with most full-house pro...
Which siding survives salt air on the New Brunswick coast?
Coastal NB is one of the toughest environments for exterior cladding in Canada — but a few materials genuinely hold up....
Can I put a garden suite on a Riverview lot?
Garden suites (also called backyard suites or accessory dwelling units) are possible in Riverview, but whether yours qua...
Who inspects gas and oil appliances in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, gas appliance inspections are handled by the Department of Justice and Public Safety — Technical Inspe...
How do i add blown-in insulation to my 1940s bungalow walls in Riverview without removing the clapboard siding?
Blown-in insulation through the exterior (or interior) is absolutely doable in your Riverview bungalow without touching...
Storm season is coming, how do I secure a New Brunswick roof?
Getting your roof storm-ready in New Brunswick takes a mix of inspection, maintenance, and smart reinforcement — and the...
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