How do I verify a renovation contractor is licensed in New Brunswick?

In New Brunswick, renovation contractors are not required to hold a general contractor license, but any electrical, plumbing, or gas work must be performed by TSANB-licensed tradespeople. The key verification steps focus on trade licenses, insurance coverage, and WorkSafeNB registration rather than a single contractor license.

TSANB Trade License Verification is your most important step for any renovation involving electrical, plumbing, or gas work. The Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick (TSANB) licenses all electrical, plumbing, and gas professionals in the province. You can verify a tradesperson's license status directly through TSANB's website or by calling their office. Ask your contractor for their TSANB license numbers and verify them independently. If your renovation includes electrical panel upgrades, new circuits, plumbing rough-in, or gas appliance installation, the person performing this work must hold the appropriate TSANB license. A legitimate contractor will readily provide their license numbers and encourage you to verify them.

WorkSafeNB coverage verification protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Request a current WorkSafeNB clearance letter from any contractor before signing a contract. This document confirms the contractor carries active workplace injury coverage and has no outstanding safety violations. You can verify WorkSafeNB registration by calling WorkSafeNB directly with the contractor's account number. If a contractor cannot provide this clearance letter or claims they don't need WorkSafeNB coverage, walk away immediately. Hiring an uninsured contractor exposes you to personal liability for workplace injuries, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Insurance verification should include both general liability and property damage coverage. Ask to see the contractor's insurance certificate and call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active and covers the dates of your project. Many contractors carry $1-2 million in general liability coverage. For larger renovations, you may want to request that your property be named as an additional insured party on their policy.

Business registration and references round out your verification process. Check if the contractor is registered with the New Brunswick Registry of Joint Stock Companies if they operate as a corporation. More importantly, ask for 3-5 recent references with contact information and actually call them. Ask previous customers about work quality, timeline adherence, cleanliness, communication, and whether they would hire the contractor again. Drive by some completed projects if possible to see the quality of work firsthand.

Red flags to avoid include contractors who go door-to-door soliciting work, demand large upfront payments (more than 10-15% deposit), cannot provide WorkSafeNB clearance, refuse to provide references, quote significantly below other contractors without explanation, or pressure you to sign immediately. Legitimate NB renovation contractors understand that homeowners need time to verify credentials and compare quotes.

For specialized trades like roofing, siding, or HVAC work, ask about manufacturer certifications or training. While not legally required, many quality contractors pursue additional certifications that demonstrate their commitment to proper installation methods and ongoing education.

Need help finding experienced renovation contractors in your area? New Brunswick Renovations can connect you with local professionals who carry proper licensing, insurance, and WorkSafeNB coverage for your specific project.

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

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations