What should I do before my contractor starts demolition?

Before demolition begins, protect yourself and your property by securing permits, shutting off utilities, and documenting everything. Most homeowners underestimate the preparation needed, but taking these steps prevents costly surprises and safety hazards.

Permits and Inspections First
Contact your local building authority before any structural demolition begins. In incorporated areas like Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John, reach out to your municipal planning department. For rural properties, contact your Regional Service Commission (RSC) — they handle building permits in unincorporated areas. Even interior wall removal often requires a permit if it affects structural elements or building systems.

If your demolition involves electrical, plumbing, or gas lines, your contractor needs the proper licenses from NB's Technical Inspection Services (TIS) at 1-888-659-3222. For electrical work, they'll also need a wiring permit from NB Power (1-800-615-0522) before starting. Don't let contractors skip this step — working without permits creates liability issues and can affect your insurance coverage.

Utility Safety and Shutoffs
Have your contractor locate and shut off electrical circuits, water supply lines, and gas connections to the demolition area. For homes built before 1990, especially in older Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John neighborhoods, you may encounter knob-and-tube wiring or galvanized plumbing that needs special handling. If there's any chance of hitting gas lines, call for utility locates — even for interior work in homes with gas service.

Document and Protect
Take detailed photos of walls, ceilings, and floors before demolition starts. This documentation helps if you discover hidden damage or need to recreate original details. Remove or protect valuable items, and seal off adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting to contain dust. In New Brunswick's older housing stock, particularly homes built before 1980, there's potential for asbestos in plaster, pipe wrap, or floor tiles — have suspicious materials tested before disturbing them.

Waste Management Planning
Arrange for a disposal bin sized appropriately for your project. In most New Brunswick municipalities, construction debris requires special disposal — it can't go in regular household waste. Factor in $800-$2,500 for bin rental depending on project size. Your contractor should handle this, but confirm it's included in their quote.

Weather and Access Considerations
If demolition affects exterior walls or roofing, plan around New Brunswick's weather. Our construction season runs roughly May through September for exterior work. Ensure your contractor has proper access routes planned and that neighboring properties are protected from debris.

Verify your contractor carries current WorkSafeNB coverage (1-800-999-9775) — this is mandatory for any employer with three or more workers and protects you from liability if someone gets injured during demolition.

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