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 Services department, plus electrical and potentially plumbing permits depending on your scope of work.

The City of Fredericton handles all building permits within city limits — contact Development Services at (506) 460-2020 or visit fredericton.ca for applications. Your conversion must comply with the National Building Code of Canada 2020 edition (effective May 1, 2025 for new applications in NB), which sets specific requirements for bedroom conversions.

Key code requirements include minimum ceiling height of 2.3 meters (7'6") over at least 50% of the floor area, with no point below 1.4 meters (4'7"). You'll need a proper egress window — minimum 0.35 square meters (3.8 sq ft) opening with maximum sill height of 1.5 meters from the floor. The stairs must meet code for rise, run, and handrail requirements, which often means rebuilding pull-down stairs with a permanent staircase.

Fire safety is critical — interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home (hardwired with battery backup), carbon monoxide alarms if you have fuel-burning appliances, and proper fire separation between floors. The attic bedroom needs adequate insulation and vapor barrier, plus ventilation to prevent moisture issues common in Fredericton's climate.

For electrical work, you'll need a wiring permit from NB Power (1-800-615-0522) if adding more than 10 outlets or 5 kW of load. All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, followed by inspection from NB Technical Inspection Services (TIS) at 1-888-659-3222. If adding a bathroom, plumbing work requires a TIS permit and licensed plumber.

Structural considerations are significant in older Fredericton homes, especially those built before 1970. Many attics weren't designed for living loads — floor joists may need reinforcement, and you might need an engineer's assessment. Expect permit fees around $800-$2,500 depending on project scope, with the full conversion typically costing $25,000-$60,000 including proper stairs, insulation, electrical, and finishing.

Start by scheduling a pre-application meeting with city planning staff to review your specific home's feasibility before investing in detailed drawings.