Should I hire one general contractor or multiple trades for a full renovation in NB?

For most full renovations in New Brunswick, hiring one experienced general contractor is the better choice — they coordinate all trades, manage permits, handle scheduling conflicts, and provide single-point accountability for the entire project.

General contractors bring critical project management expertise that most homeowners lack. A full renovation involves 6-12 different trades working in precise sequence — structural work first, then rough electrical and plumbing, insulation, drywall, flooring, trim, and final fixtures. One missed step or scheduling conflict can delay the entire project by weeks. An experienced GC has established relationships with reliable electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and finishing trades, ensuring quality work and coordinated timing.

In New Brunswick's renovation market, general contractors typically add 15-20% markup over direct trade costs, but this covers their project management, coordination, permits, insurance, and warranty coverage for the entire project. For a $75,000 full renovation, you might pay $10,000-$15,000 more using a GC versus hiring trades directly — but you get professional scheduling, problem-solving, and accountability that's worth far more than the markup.

The permit and inspection process strongly favours the GC approach in NB. Building permits, TSANB electrical and plumbing inspections, and municipal inspections must be coordinated precisely. A general contractor handles all permit applications, schedules inspections at the right project phases, and ensures work meets code before inspectors arrive. Managing this yourself while coordinating multiple trades often leads to failed inspections, rework, and project delays.

New Brunswick's climate creates unique coordination challenges that experienced GCs understand. Spring moisture issues, summer humidity, and winter heating considerations affect material delivery, installation timing, and curing processes. A GC knows not to schedule concrete work in November or start exterior siding in March. They coordinate interior and exterior work to protect your home from weather exposure during the renovation.

However, hiring trades directly makes sense in specific situations. If you're an experienced project manager or contractor yourself, you can save the GC markup while managing scheduling and permits. For phased renovations where you're completing one room at a time over several years, hiring individual trades for each phase works well. Some homeowners prefer direct relationships with trades for smaller projects under $25,000 where coordination is simpler.

The biggest risk of managing trades yourself is accountability gaps. When the electrician's rough-in doesn't align with the plumber's layout, who fixes it and who pays? When the flooring contractor discovers the subfloor needs repair, who handles that scope change? With a GC, these issues are their responsibility to resolve. Managing trades directly means you become the problem-solver for every conflict and change order.

For NB renovations over $50,000, always choose a general contractor with strong local references, current WorkSafeNB coverage, and experience with your specific project type. Get three detailed quotes that specify which trades are subcontracted versus performed in-house. The best GCs have long-term relationships with quality electrical, plumbing, and specialty trades rather than always choosing the cheapest bid.

Need help finding an experienced renovation contractor in your area? New Brunswick Renovations can connect you with local professionals for free estimates and project consultation.