What are the insurance requirements for kitchen renovation contractors in NB?

Any kitchen renovation contractor working in New Brunswick should carry a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability (CGL) insurance and be registered with WorkSafeNB for workplace injury coverage — these are the two non-negotiable protections you need to verify before hiring anyone. While New Brunswick does not have a mandatory contractor licensing system like some provinces, insurance and WorkSafeNB registration are the baseline standards that separate legitimate professionals from uninsured operators.

Commercial general liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property, if their work causes injury, or if a defect in their renovation leads to problems down the road. A $2 million CGL policy is the industry standard in New Brunswick — many reputable contractors carry $5 million. This coverage pays for repairs if, for example, a plumbing connection fails and floods your kitchen, or if faulty electrical work causes a fire. Without it, you'd be pursuing the contractor personally through the courts, which is expensive, slow, and often unsuccessful if they don't have assets. Always ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured for the duration of the project, and call the insurance company to verify it's current.

WorkSafeNB registration is required by law for any business with employees in New Brunswick. This covers workplace injuries — if a worker falls off a ladder or cuts themselves during demolition in your kitchen, WorkSafeNB covers their medical costs and lost wages. If a contractor is not registered and a worker is injured on your property, you could face liability. You can verify a contractor's WorkSafeNB status by requesting their clearance letter or checking directly with WorkSafeNB. Sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt from mandatory registration, but many choose to register voluntarily, which is a sign of professionalism.

What to Verify Before Signing

Beyond CGL and WorkSafeNB, there are several other insurance-related checks worth making. Errors and omissions insurance (also called professional liability) covers design mistakes — relevant if your contractor is also doing the kitchen design. Vehicle insurance with commercial coverage should be in place if they're transporting materials in company vehicles. If they're using subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, or gas work, verify that those trades carry their own insurance and appropriate trade certifications.

For electrical work during your kitchen renovation, the electrician must hold a valid NB electrical license. For plumbing, a licensed plumber is required for any work involving supply or drain line modifications. Gas line connections for gas ranges must be done by a licensed gas fitter. Each of these trades should carry their own liability insurance and WorkSafeNB coverage independent of the general contractor.

The practical step is straightforward: before signing any contract, request copies of the contractor's CGL insurance certificate, WorkSafeNB clearance letter, and any applicable trade licenses. A legitimate contractor will provide these without hesitation — they deal with this request on every job. If a contractor pushes back, offers excuses, or says insurance "isn't necessary for a small job," that's a major red flag. Even a cosmetic kitchen refresh involving new countertops and backsplash ($12,000 to $20,000) involves enough risk to warrant proper coverage.

New Brunswick Kitchens recommends always getting three or more quotes from insured, WorkSafeNB-registered contractors. Pricing in NB can vary 30 to 40 percent between contractors for identical scope, so shopping around protects both your budget and your peace of mind.

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

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations