How much does it cost to remove a load-bearing wall in a New Brunswick home?

Removing a load-bearing wall in a New Brunswick home typically costs $5,000 to $15,000, with most projects landing in the $7,000 to $12,000 range — depending on the wall's length, the size of beam required, how the existing structure needs to be supported during the work, and whether electrical, plumbing, or HVAC runs through that wall.

The cost breakdown for a typical load-bearing wall removal has several distinct components. Engineering fees run $600 to $1,500 in NB — a licensed structural engineer must assess the wall, calculate the required replacement beam size, and stamp drawings for the building permit. This is not optional and is money extremely well spent. Permit fees in NB municipalities typically add $100 to $400 depending on your local building department. The beam itself is often the biggest variable cost. A 10-foot LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beam to span a kitchen opening might cost $400 to $800 for materials; a 20-foot glulam beam to open up a full living room-to-dining room connection could run $1,500 to $3,500 for materials alone. Steel I-beams cost more but may be specified for longer spans or heavy loads.

Temporary wall construction while the permanent work is done adds labour cost, as does modifying the bearing points in the basement or crawlspace to properly transfer the new load. Most load-bearing wall removals require adding a post, doubled-up stud pack, or column at each end of the new beam to carry the load down to the foundation — if the foundation point doesn't already exist, that's additional structural work. Electrical circuits running through the wall need to be rerouted by a licensed electrician (TSANB licensed), plumbing needs to be moved by a licensed plumber, and HVAC ducting rerouted by a sheet metal contractor. Each of these add $500 to $2,000 depending on complexity.

Finishing costs on top of structural work are significant and often underestimated. After the wall is out and the beam is in, you're looking at new drywall on the ceiling where the old wall met, patching and painting, flooring transition work where the old wall once sat, and potentially new lighting in the opened space. These finishing costs add $2,000 to $6,000 for a typical project. A complete budget for removing a load-bearing wall in a Moncton or Fredericton home, from engineering through finished space, should realistically plan for $8,000 to $18,000 total.

NB's older housing stock adds potential complications. Pre-1980 homes commonly have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring running through walls that need proper handling, which increases electrical costs. Original plaster walls (common in homes built before the 1960s) require more careful patching than modern drywall, and matching original plaster textures adds skilled-labour cost. Homes with older solid-wood framing in non-standard dimensions may require custom beam connections rather than standard hardware.

Budget 15 to 20% contingency beyond your contractor's quote for this type of project. Hidden conditions are common — rotted or undersized existing framing at bearing points, unexpected wiring or plumbing in the wall cavity, or subfloor damage where the wall footing sat. These are discovered after demolition begins, not before.

Always get three written quotes from experienced contractors, confirm they're pulling the required permits, and verify their WorkSafeNB coverage before signing anything. A wall removal done with proper engineering and inspections protects your home's value and your insurance coverage; one done without permits creates serious complications at resale and voids your insurance for related claims. Browse renovation professionals in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory.

---

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

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations