What questions should I ask a kitchen renovation contractor before signing a contract in NB?

Before signing any kitchen renovation contract in New Brunswick, you should ask about licensing, insurance, WorkSafeNB coverage, project timeline, payment schedule, permit responsibility, and warranty terms. Skipping this due diligence is the single biggest mistake NB homeowners make, and it can lead to thousands of dollars in unexpected costs or unfinished work.

Start with the fundamentals. Ask for proof of general liability insurance (minimum $2 million is standard in NB) and confirm they carry active WorkSafeNB coverage. If a worker is injured on your property without WorkSafeNB coverage, you as the homeowner could be held liable. Ask how long they have been operating in New Brunswick and request references from at least three recent kitchen projects in your area, whether that is Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, or a smaller community.

Contract and Payment Details

Ask who will be pulling the permits. In NB, electrical changes, plumbing modifications, and structural work all require municipal permits and inspections. A reputable contractor handles permit applications and schedules inspections as part of the project. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, that is a serious red flag. Permit fees for kitchen renovations typically run $75 to $300 depending on your municipality, and cities like Moncton and Fredericton process them faster (1 to 3 weeks) than rural Regional Service Commission areas (2 to 5 weeks).

Discuss the payment schedule in detail. A reasonable structure is 10 to 15 percent deposit to secure your spot, with progress payments tied to completed milestones such as demolition, rough-in, cabinet installation, and final completion. Never pay more than 50 percent before cabinets are installed. Ask whether the quote includes demolition and disposal ($1,000 to $3,000 is typical), and clarify who pays for dumpster rental. Get the total price broken down by category: cabinets, countertops, flooring, electrical, plumbing, backsplash, appliances, and labour.

Timeline and Warranty

Ask for a realistic timeline with specific start and completion dates written into the contract. A mid-range NB kitchen renovation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on scope, but custom cabinet orders add 8 to 16 weeks of lead time before work even begins. Ask what happens if the project runs over schedule and whether there are penalties for significant delays.

Inquire about their warranty. Most quality contractors offer a minimum one-year workmanship warranty, and many materials carry manufacturer warranties of 5 to 25 years. Ask specifically about how warranty claims are handled and whether they cover subcontractor work like plumbing and electrical.

Finally, ask about change order procedures. Once demolition begins, surprises are common in NB's older housing stock, including galvanized plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos in floor tiles, and inadequate 60-amp electrical panels. A good contract specifies how changes in scope are documented, priced, and approved before additional work proceeds. Always get three or more quotes before committing, as NB pricing can vary 30 to 40 percent between contractors for identical scope. New Brunswick Kitchens can help you connect with qualified local kitchen renovators for free estimates on your project.

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

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations