What is the typical deposit required for a kitchen renovation contractor in NB?

Most kitchen renovation contractors in New Brunswick require a deposit of 10 to 25 percent of the total contract price before work begins, with 10 to 15 percent being the most common range for reputable contractors. On a $35,000 mid-range kitchen renovation, that translates to $3,500 to $8,750 upfront.

The deposit covers the contractor's initial material orders, primarily cabinets and countertop materials, which require payment at the time of ordering. Since semi-custom cabinets have a four to eight week lead time and custom cabinets run eight to sixteen weeks, your contractor needs to place orders well before they show up on your job site. This is a legitimate business need, especially in New Brunswick where many materials are shipped from central Canadian distributors and lead times can be longer than in larger markets.

A healthy payment structure for a kitchen renovation in NB typically looks like this: 10 to 15 percent deposit at contract signing, 25 to 30 percent when demolition is complete and materials are delivered, 25 to 30 percent at the midpoint (cabinets installed, rough-in plumbing and electrical complete), and the final 20 to 25 percent upon completion and your walkthrough approval. This staged approach protects both you and the contractor. You should never pay more than the value of work completed plus materials on site.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of any contractor requesting more than 30 percent upfront or asking for the majority of payment before substantial work is done. In New Brunswick's market, a contractor who needs 50 percent up front may have cash flow problems—a warning sign about their business stability. Similarly, be wary of cash-only requests with no written contract. Every payment should be documented, and the contract should clearly outline the payment schedule tied to project milestones.

Always ensure your contract includes the full scope of work, material specifications, timeline, payment schedule, and what happens if either party needs to make changes. In NB, the Consumer Protection Act provides some safeguards for residential contracts, but a detailed written agreement is your best protection.

Before paying any deposit, verify that the contractor carries liability insurance and WorkSafeNB coverage. Ask for proof of both—a reputable NB kitchen contractor will provide these without hesitation. Check that any required permits (electrical, plumbing, building) are included in the contract scope and that the contractor will pull them, not you.

One practical approach used by many homeowners in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John is to get three or more detailed quotes and compare not just the total price but the payment terms. NB pricing varies 30 to 40 percent between contractors for identical scope, and payment structures vary just as much. A contractor who offers reasonable milestone-based payments is demonstrating confidence in their ability to deliver on schedule.

---

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

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations