Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from New Brunswick homeowners.
How do I test a New Brunswick home for radon?
Testing your home for radon is straightforward and inexpensive — and in New Brunswick, it's genuinely important. NB has...
Where should a New Brunswick bathroom fan duct terminate?
A bathroom exhaust fan in New Brunswick must duct to the exterior of the building — never into an attic, wall cavity, cr...
My Moncton contractor stopped showing up, what are my options?
When a contractor goes silent mid-project in Moncton, you have several real options — but acting quickly matters. The st...
How much does hot tub electrical hookup cost in New Brunswick?
Hot tub electrical hookup in New Brunswick typically runs $800–$2,500 installed, depending on how far the panel is from...
Frost heaved my New Brunswick deck posts again, how deep should they go?
Your deck posts need to go a minimum of 4 feet (1.2m) below grade in New Brunswick — and deeper is better, especially in...
The wood stove in my New Brunswick camp backdrafts on windy nights, why?
Backdrafting on windy nights almost always comes down to one of three culprits: a chimney that's too short, a competing...
What does full bathroom renovation mid typically cost in New Brunswick?
A mid-range full bathroom renovation in New Brunswick typically runs $15,000–$25,000, covering a complete gut-and-replac...
What holdback should I keep on a Saint John renovation?
In New Brunswick, you're required to hold back 20% of each progress payment to your contractor under the Construction Re...
What does insulation removal old typically cost in New Brunswick?
Insulation removal in New Brunswick typically runs $1,500–$6,000+ depending on the type, location, and whether hazardous...
How long does an oil-to-heat-pump conversion take in Fredericton?
Most oil-to-heat-pump conversions in Fredericton take 1–3 days for the installation itself, though the full process from...
What's the best waterproofing membrane system for a tiled shower in New Brunswick where humidity swings are extreme between seasons?
For a tiled shower in New Brunswick, a sheet-applied or liquid-applied waterproofing membrane bonded directly to the sub...
What's the total cost including permits for a legal secondary suite conversion in a Fredericton basement?
A legal basement suite in Fredericton typically runs $40,000–$90,000 all-in, with permits adding $1,500–$3,500 to that t...
How much should I budget for basement framing in New Brunswick?
Basement framing in New Brunswick typically runs $3,000–$10,000+ for a full unfinished basement, depending on size, layo...
How much more does it cost to build in Edmundston compared to Moncton because of contractor availability up north?
The honest answer: expect to pay roughly 10–20% more in Edmundston than in Moncton for most trades, though the gap can w...
What does NB Home Builders Association registration actually mean for me?
Registration with the New Brunswick Home Builders' Association (NBHBA) signals that a contractor has made a deliberate c...
What is the average cost of asbestos removal in New Brunswick in 2026?
Asbestos abatement in New Brunswick typically runs $1,500–$15,000+ depending on the scope, location, and material type —...
How much do contractors charge for suite electrical separate in New Brunswick?
Electrical service separation for a secondary suite in New Brunswick typically runs $3,500–$8,500+, depending on your pa...
Can i install a wood pellet stove myself in New Brunswick or does TIS require a licensed installer and inspection?
Installing a wood pellet stove in New Brunswick sits in a grey zone — you can do some of the work yourself, but critical...
How does the new provincial housing legislation affect what i can build on my single-family lot in Moncton?
New Brunswick's recent housing legislation has opened up meaningful new options for Moncton homeowners, but the city's o...
What does WorkSafeNB coverage actually protect me as a homeowner if a contractor gets injured on my property?
If a contractor gets injured on your property and they don't have WorkSafeNB coverage, you — the homeowner — can be held...
What does boiler replacement typically cost in New Brunswick?
Replacing a boiler in New Brunswick typically runs $4,000–$12,000+ installed, depending on the type of system, fuel sour...
Can i put a garden suite on my lot in Moncton if i already have a basement apartment — is two units allowed?
In Moncton, having a basement apartment already in place doesn't automatically block you from adding a garden suite — bu...
What is the average cost of ice dam prevention in New Brunswick in 2026?
Ice dam prevention in New Brunswick typically runs $500–$5,000+ depending on the approach, and the right solution depend...
What's the best approach to diy caulking and weatherstripping all my windows before winter in a drafty Campbellton home?
Sealing your windows before a Campbellton winter is one of the highest-return DIY projects you can do — and with the Res...
Can i put a kitchen in the basement of my Saint John home for a rental unit without running a new gas line?
Yes, you can absolutely set up a basement kitchen without running a new gas line — in fact, for a rental unit in Saint J...
How much does in law suite addition cost in New Brunswick?
Adding an in-law suite in New Brunswick typically runs $80,000–$250,000+ depending on the type, size, and location — a w...
How much does deadbolt lock install cost in New Brunswick?
Installing a deadbolt in New Brunswick typically runs $80–$200 for a professional locksmith or handyman, including labou...
How much should I budget for privacy fence 6ft in New Brunswick?
A 6-foot privacy fence in New Brunswick typically runs $25–$55 per linear foot installed, depending on materials, terrai...
Why does my new vinyl siding buckle and warp on the south-facing side of my Moncton home every summer?
Vinyl siding buckles and warps on south-facing walls because it's expanding from heat — and the most common cause is tha...
My septic system backs up every spring thaw in rural Sussex — is the drain field failed or is it just groundwater overwhelming it?
Spring backup during thaw is one of the most common septic complaints in rural New Brunswick, and the honest answer is:...
What fire code separation is required between a garden suite and the main house in Moncton's new zoning?
Garden suites in Moncton now require a minimum 45-minute fire separation between the suite and the main dwelling — and i...
How much does whole house rewiring cost in New Brunswick?
Whole-house rewiring in New Brunswick typically runs $8,000–$20,000+, with most homes landing in the $12,000–$16,000 ran...
How much should I budget for kitchen demolition in New Brunswick?
Kitchen demolition in New Brunswick typically runs $800–$3,500 for the demo work alone, depending on the size of your ki...
What is the average cost of tree trimming in New Brunswick in 2026?
Tree trimming in New Brunswick typically runs $200–$800 for a standard residential job, though complex or large-tree wor...
How much do contractors charge for foundation wall bowing repair in New Brunswick?
Foundation wall bowing is one of the more serious structural issues a NB homeowner can face, and costs vary widely depen...
What is the average cost of fence chain link install in New Brunswick in 2026?
Chain link fence installation in New Brunswick typically runs $25–$55 per linear foot installed, all-in, for residential...
How do i deal with the black mold behind the tub surround in my Bathurst bathroom — can i just paint over it with mold-killing primer?
Painting over black mold is not a solution — it's a delay tactic that will make the problem worse. Mold-killing primer i...
What's the right way to install ice and water shield on a low-slope roof section in Campbellton where we get heavy ice buildup?
On a low-slope roof in Campbellton, ice and water shield (IWS) isn't just recommended — it's your primary line of defenc...
What does garage heater install typically cost in New Brunswick?
Installing a garage heater in New Brunswick typically runs $800–$3,500+ depending on the fuel type, heater size, and how...
We converted our oil heat to a heat pump in Fredericton last year — here's what our NB Power bills actually look like now?
That's really useful real-world data — but I don't actually see any bill information attached to your message! It looks...
What's the best vanity and layout for a narrow 5x7 bathroom renovation in a Riverview split-entry?
For a narrow 5×7 bathroom, a 36-inch single vanity with an offset sink is your best friend — it gives you counter space...
What's the realistic window for pouring concrete outdoors in New Brunswick — April through October or tighter than that?
In New Brunswick, the realistic working window for outdoor concrete is roughly mid-May through early October — about 4.5...
Can i add a half bath under the stairs in my Dieppe bi-level without major plumbing work?
Adding a half bath under the stairs in your Dieppe bi-level is definitely possible, but "minor" plumbing work is relativ...
Can i build a carport without a permit in Moncton if it's open on three sides and under a certain size?
No, you cannot build a carport in Moncton without a permit, regardless of size or how many sides are open. The City of M...
Can i install luxury vinyl plank flooring over my existing tile in my Bathurst kitchen as a DIY project?
Yes, you can install luxury vinyl plank (LVP) over existing tile as a DIY project, provided the tile is well-bonded and...
Can i install my own exterior stone veneer on my Fredericton home or does that need a mason?
You can install stone veneer yourself in most cases, but there are important structural and permit considerations to che...
Can i replace the subfloor in my Saint John bathroom myself if the boards are rotted from a slow leak?
Replacing rotted bathroom subfloor is definitely a DIY-capable project, but you'll need to address the moisture source f...
How do i build a frost-protected shallow foundation for a small workshop in Sussex?
A frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) uses insulation to redirect heat from the building and ground to prevent fro...
How do i check if a contractor is registered with the NB Home Builders Association before signing?
The New Brunswick Home Builders Association (NBHBA) is a voluntary trade association — contractors are not required to b...
How much do contractors charge for basement finishing high in New Brunswick?
Basement finishing in New Brunswick typically ranges from $45-$85 per square foot for high-end work, putting a 1,000 sq...
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