Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from New Brunswick homeowners.
How much does chandelier installation cost in New Brunswick?
Chandelier installation in New Brunswick typically costs $150-$400 for basic installations, with more complex jobs reach...
How much should I budget for vinyl plank install in New Brunswick?
Vinyl plank flooring installation in New Brunswick typically runs $3-$8 per square foot installed, depending on the prod...
What does heated bathroom floor typically cost in New Brunswick?
Heated bathroom floors in New Brunswick typically cost $8-25 per square foot installed, putting a standard 50 sq ft bath...
Can i build a floating deck under 2 feet off the ground in Riverview without getting a building permit?
Yes, you can likely build a floating deck under 2 feet high in Riverview without a building permit, but you'll want to c...
What should i look for when buying a fixer-upper in rural New Brunswick where there's no municipal building inspection?
Buying a fixer-upper in rural New Brunswick requires extra diligence since you won't have municipal building inspectors...
How much does it cost to replace cast iron drain pipes with PVC in an older Moncton home?
Replacing cast iron drain pipes with PVC in an older Moncton home typically costs $8,000-$25,000+, depending on the exte...
What type of window frame material performs best in New Brunswick — vinyl, fiberglass, or wood-clad?
Fiberglass frames typically perform best in New Brunswick's harsh climate, offering superior durability against our extr...
What's the best exterior door material for a home in Saint John that faces the harbor and gets constant wind?
For a harbor-facing home in Saint John, fiberglass is your best choice — it handles the Bay of Fundy's salt air, extreme...
What's the minimum lot size to add a garden suite in Dieppe under the current zoning bylaw?
Garden suites (secondary dwelling units) in Dieppe require a minimum lot size of 650 square metres (about 7,000 square f...
What should i check for before gutting a 1950s bungalow kitchen in Moncton — is there likely asbestos in the flooring?
Yes, there's a significant chance of asbestos in your 1950s Moncton bungalow kitchen flooring. Vinyl tiles, sheet floori...
What ceiling height do I need to finish my basement to code in New Brunswick?
Minimum ceiling height for a finished basement in New Brunswick is 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches) under the National Buil...
How much does it cost to convert oil heat to a heat pump in New Brunswick?
Converting from oil to heat pump in New Brunswick typically costs $8,000 to $18,000 for a complete system, depending on...
How far in advance do I need to book a contractor in Greater Moncton?
In Greater Moncton, you'll typically need to book contractors 2-8 weeks in advance for most projects, though this varies...
What's a realistic timeline for a whole home renovation in Moncton?
A whole home renovation in Moncton typically takes 4-8 months for a complete gut and rebuild, though the timeline depend...
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...
Should I renovate my house before putting it on the market in Fredericton?
Whether to renovate before selling your Fredericton home depends on your property's condition, the local market, and you...
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...
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...
How long does a roof replacement take in New Brunswick?
A typical roof replacement in New Brunswick takes 2-5 days for most residential homes, depending on size, complexity, an...
What are the rules for building a garden suite on my property in Moncton?
Garden suites (also called secondary dwelling units or ADUs) are permitted in most residential zones in Moncton under th...
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...
What should I expect to pay for a heat pump installation in New Brunswick?
Heat pump installations in New Brunswick typically range from $4,500-$8,000 for a single-zone mini-split system, $8,000-...
Can I replace a toilet myself without needing a permit in New Brunswick?
Yes, you can replace a toilet yourself in New Brunswick without a permit — this falls under basic fixture replacement th...
My bathroom fan isn't getting rid of the moisture after a shower. What's wrong?
Your bathroom fan likely isn't moving enough air to handle the moisture load, or it's not running long enough. Most bath...
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...
What should go in a renovation budget spreadsheet so I don't miss anything?
A comprehensive renovation budget spreadsheet should capture every possible cost category to prevent surprise expenses t...
What are the setback requirements for a detached garage in Fredericton?
Detached garage setbacks in Fredericton are governed by the city's zoning bylaw, with requirements varying by residentia...
What's the best exhaust fan for a windowless bathroom in NB?
For a windowless bathroom in New Brunswick, you'll need a high-quality exhaust fan rated for continuous moisture removal...
How many quotes should I get before starting a renovation in New Brunswick?
Getting 3-4 detailed quotes is the sweet spot for most New Brunswick renovation projects. This gives you enough comparis...
What's the best siding material for New Brunswick's freeze-thaw cycles and coastal moisture?
Fiber cement siding is the top choice for New Brunswick's harsh climate, offering exceptional durability against freeze-...
What kind of vapor barrier do I need in my walls for New Brunswick's climate?
For New Brunswick's climate, you need a Class I vapor barrier (polyethylene sheeting) on the warm side of your insulatio...
What should I budget for a new septic system installation in rural New Brunswick?
A new septic system installation in rural New Brunswick typically costs $8,000 to $20,000, with most homeowners paying a...
What should I do before my contractor starts demolition?
Before demolition begins, protect yourself and your property by securing permits, shutting off utilities, and documentin...
Should I go with an open concept kitchen or keep the walls in my older Moncton home?
The answer depends heavily on your home's structure and your lifestyle needs. In older Moncton homes, particularly those...
What's the price difference between a basic and upscale bathroom renovation in Dieppe?
A basic bathroom renovation in Dieppe typically runs $18,000-$28,000, while an upscale renovation ranges from $45,000-$7...
What heating options work best for a basement apartment in New Brunswick?
For a basement apartment in New Brunswick, you'll want heating that handles our harsh winters while meeting code require...
Why are there cracks appearing in my foundation wall in Saint John?
Foundation cracks in Saint John homes can stem from several factors, with settlement, freeze-thaw cycles, and the area's...
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 vi...
Are there separate permit requirements for the Anglophone and Francophone school districts?
No, school district language designation doesn't affect building permit requirements — permits are issued based on geogr...
What permits do I need to convert my attic into a bedroom in Fredericton?
Converting an attic to a bedroom in Fredericton requires a building permit from the City of Fredericton Development Serv...
Is it worth it to finish my basement before selling my house in Riverview?
Finishing your basement in Riverview can add significant value, but the return depends heavily on your home's current co...
How much does it cost to put a new roof on a house in Dieppe?
A new roof in Dieppe typically costs between $12,000-$35,000 for an average-sized home, depending on materials, roof com...
How much does asbestos abatement cost in New Brunswick homes?
Asbestos abatement costs in New Brunswick typically range from $15-$25 per square foot for removal, with most homeowner...
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 prox...
What's the best tile for a shower in New Brunswick where humidity is high in summer?
Porcelain tile is your best choice for New Brunswick shower installations, offering superior moisture resistance and dur...
How much does foundation repair actually cost in the Saint John area?
Foundation repair costs in the Saint John area typically range from $3,000-$8,000 for minor crack sealing and waterproof...
What type of exterior paint handles New Brunswick's salt air and temperature swings?
Acrylic latex paint with high-quality resin is your best defense against New Brunswick's harsh coastal conditions and ex...
Should I go with a cold climate heat pump or stick with oil heat in NB?
Cold climate heat pumps are the clear winner for most New Brunswick homes, offering significant savings and environmenta...
How long after a renovation is done before I get the final inspection in New Brunswick?
Final inspections in New Brunswick typically happen within 1-3 business days of your contractor's request, but the timel...
What does radon mitigation actually cost for a house in Fredericton?
Radon mitigation in Fredericton typically costs $2,500 to $5,000 for a standard sub-slab depressurization system, which...
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