How do I handle unexpected problems during a kitchen reno in NB?

The best way to handle unexpected problems during a kitchen renovation in NB is to have a 10-15% contingency fund built into your budget from day one, because surprises behind walls are the rule, not the exception, in New Brunswick's older housing stock. When something comes up — and it likely will — a prepared homeowner handles it calmly and cost-effectively.

The most common hidden problems in NB kitchens are tied to the age of the housing stock. Many homes across Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, and rural New Brunswick were built between the 1960s and 1990s, and their kitchens may have never been fully renovated. Once demolition starts and walls, floors, and ceilings are exposed, your contractor may find galvanized plumbing that has corroded internally and needs replacement (add $2,000-$4,000), knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring that is not safe to build over (add $1,500-$5,000 for rewiring), 60-amp electrical panels that cannot power a modern kitchen (upgrade runs $1,500-$4,000), asbestos in floor tiles or pipe insulation (professional abatement costs $1,500-$5,000), water damage or mold behind the sink or dishwasher area (repair costs vary widely), or structural issues like a sagging floor or improperly modified load-bearing wall.

When a Problem Is Discovered

Your contractor should stop work in the affected area, document the issue with photos, and present you with options before proceeding. A good contractor will explain what the problem is, why it matters, what the options are (including minimum vs. ideal fixes), and what each option costs. Get this in writing as a change order — a documented amendment to your contract that specifies the additional scope, cost, and any timeline impact. Never approve additional work on a verbal agreement alone.

For electrical and plumbing issues, the work must be done to current NB Building Code standards, and there is often no option to defer it. If you have opened up walls and found wiring that does not meet code, you cannot simply close the wall back up — the inspector will require it to be brought up to standard before the rough-in inspection passes. This is non-negotiable and is one reason the contingency fund is so important.

For cosmetic or non-urgent issues — like discovering that the subfloor is uneven or that the wall behind the backsplash area needs patching — you have more flexibility. Your contractor can often address these within the existing scope with a modest cost addition. Uneven subfloors may need levelling compound ($300-$800) before new flooring goes down, but this is a routine adjustment.

Mold behind cabinets or near plumbing is particularly common in NB due to Maritime humidity. Small areas of surface mold can often be cleaned and treated by your contractor, but extensive mold in wall cavities should be assessed and remediated by a qualified professional before the renovation continues.

To minimize the impact of surprises, communicate openly with your contractor throughout the project. Review the problem together, understand the options, approve the change order in writing, and adjust your timeline expectations. On a $25,000-$45,000 mid-range kitchen renovation, a contingency of $2,500-$6,750 covers most common issues. If your home is pre-1980, consider budgeting on the higher end of that range. Homeowners who plan for the unexpected finish their renovations with far less stress and far better results.

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

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations