How do I design an open-concept kitchen in a split-entry NB home?

Converting a split-entry home to open-concept kitchen living requires careful structural assessment first, because the wall between the kitchen and living area in most NB split-entries is load-bearing. Removing or modifying that wall is absolutely possible, but it requires an engineered beam, a building permit, and a qualified contractor—budget $5,000 to $15,000 for the structural work alone.

Split-entry homes are one of the most common house styles in New Brunswick, built heavily from the late 1970s through the 1990s across Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, and virtually every suburb and rural community in the province. The typical layout has the kitchen on the upper level, separated from the living and dining areas by one or two walls. These kitchens are usually 100 to 140 square feet with a U-shaped or galley layout and a small pass-through or no visual connection to the living space at all.

The first step is hiring a structural engineer ($300 to $800 for a residential assessment) to determine which walls are load-bearing. In most NB split-entries, the wall between the kitchen and living room carries loads from the roof structure above, which means you cannot simply knock it out. The engineer will specify the size and type of beam (typically an LVL or steel beam) needed to carry the load, along with the post locations required to support it. This engineered drawing is mandatory for your building permit application. In Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John, the permit process takes one to three weeks and costs $100 to $300. Rural areas under Regional Service Commissions may take two to five weeks.

Making the Layout Work

Once the wall is open, you gain the opportunity to redesign the kitchen layout entirely. The most popular approach in NB split-entry conversions is an L-shaped kitchen with a centre island or peninsula facing the living area. The island serves as both a workspace and a visual boundary between the kitchen and living room. A standard island needs a minimum of 36 inches of clearance on all walkable sides, so your combined kitchen-living space should be at least 12 feet deep from the exterior wall to make an island practical.

For the island itself, plan for plumbing if you want a prep sink ($1,500 to $3,000 for the rough-in) and electrical outlets (required by NB Building Code on islands with countertop seating). The island countertop is a natural spot for a quartz waterfall edge ($60 to $120 per square foot installed), which creates a clean, modern look that contrasts beautifully with the open space.

One NB-specific concern in split-entry renovations is the electrical panel. Many split-entries built in the 1980s have 100-amp panels that may be at capacity, and some older ones still have 60-amp service. Opening up the kitchen is the right time to upgrade if needed ($1,500 to $4,000). You will also want to address ventilation—an open-concept kitchen requires a proper range hood venting to the outside, not a recirculating microwave fan. NB's Maritime humidity in summer makes exterior venting essential for managing moisture.

Budget $50,000 to $75,000 for a full split-entry open-concept kitchen renovation including structural work, new cabinets, countertops, flooring, electrical, and plumbing. Get quotes from at least three contractors experienced with structural renovations—not every kitchen renovator is comfortable with beam installations and load-bearing wall removals.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations