What are the most common kitchen renovation scams to watch out for in NB?

The most common kitchen renovation scams in New Brunswick involve large upfront payment demands, unlicensed or uninsured operators, bait-and-switch pricing, and contractors who disappear mid-project — and while most NB contractors are honest professionals, knowing these warning signs protects your investment. A kitchen renovation typically costs $25,000 to $75,000, which makes it one of the largest purchases a homeowner makes outside of buying their home, so due diligence is essential.

Excessive upfront deposits are the single biggest red flag. A legitimate contractor may ask for 10 to 15 percent upfront or a deposit to order materials, with subsequent payments tied to project milestones (demolition complete, cabinets installed, countertops done, final walkthrough). Anyone demanding 50 percent or more before work begins is either poorly capitalized or may not return once they have your money. Structure your payment schedule so the final 10 to 15 percent is held until you've completed a thorough walkthrough and all punch list items are addressed.

No insurance or WorkSafeNB coverage is dangerously common with low-ball operators. In New Brunswick, any contractor with employees must be registered with WorkSafeNB, and all contractors should carry minimum $2 million commercial general liability insurance. Ask for proof — a certificate of insurance and a WorkSafeNB clearance letter — before signing anything. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no WorkSafeNB coverage, you could face personal liability. Verify the documents are current by calling the insurance company and checking with WorkSafeNB directly.

Pricing and Contract Red Flags

Bait-and-switch quotes start with an unrealistically low estimate to win the job, then pile on change orders once demolition begins. "We found something unexpected" is sometimes legitimate — older NB homes built in the 1960s through 1980s can hide galvanized plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos floor tiles, or inadequate framing behind walls. But a reputable contractor accounts for these possibilities in their original scope and discusses contingency budgets (typically 10 to 20 percent of total project cost) upfront. Get everything in writing — a detailed contract should specify materials, brands, model numbers, quantities, timelines, and the exact process for approving change orders.

Door-to-door solicitation or unsolicited offers from contractors who "happen to have materials left over from another job" are almost always scams. Legitimate kitchen contractors in NB have enough work through referrals and reputation that they don't need to cold-call homeowners. Similarly, be wary of contractors who pressure you to sign immediately, offer "today only" discounts, or refuse to provide references from past kitchen projects in your area.

Permit avoidance is another warning sign. If your renovation involves electrical changes, plumbing modifications, or structural work, permits are required by the NB Building Code. A contractor who says "we don't need permits for this" when the work clearly requires one is either uninformed or deliberately cutting corners. Unpermitted work can void your home insurance, create safety hazards, and cause major problems when you sell your home.

To protect yourself, always get three or more written quotes from different contractors — NB pricing varies 30 to 40 percent for identical scope, so comparing helps you identify outliers on both ends. Check references by actually calling past clients and asking about timeline adherence, communication, and quality. Never pay cash without a receipt, and ensure your contract includes a clear start date, completion date, and penalty clause for significant delays. New Brunswick Kitchens can help you connect with reputable, insured kitchen renovation contractors through the New Brunswick Construction Network.

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

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations