What is the average cost of renovation permits in New Brunswick cities?

Building permit fees in New Brunswick typically run $50–$500 for most residential renovation projects, though larger additions or whole-home renovations can push fees higher depending on the municipality and project value.

Permit fees in NB are calculated differently depending on where your home is located. In incorporated municipalities like Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Dieppe, Bathurst, and Miramichi, the city's building inspection department handles permits and sets its own fee schedule. Most municipalities use a value-based formula — typically a percentage of the declared construction value — so a $30,000 kitchen renovation will generate a higher permit fee than a $10,000 bathroom update. In unincorporated areas, your permit application goes through the local Rural Service Commission (RSC), which has its own fee structure.

For typical residential renovation projects, here's a practical sense of what to expect across NB municipalities:

• Cosmetic renovations (no structural, electrical, or plumbing changes) — most don't require a permit at all, so the cost is $0
• Bathroom or kitchen renovation with plumbing and electrical work — $100–$300 in most NB cities, plus separate TSANB inspection fees for the electrical and plumbing components
• Basement finishing with egress window and new bathroom — $150–$400 for the building permit, plus TSANB fees
• Single-storey home addition — $250–$600+ depending on square footage and declared value
• Full gut renovation or whole-home project — $300–$800+ in larger municipalities

It's important to understand that TSANB (Technical Safety Authority of NB) fees are separate from building permit fees. Any electrical, plumbing, or gas work requires its own TSANB permit and inspection, which typically adds $75–$250 per trade to your total permit costs. Your licensed electrician or plumber will usually pull their own TSANB permits as part of their work — confirm this is included in their quote.

The real cost of skipping permits isn't the fee — it's what happens later. Insurance claims can be denied for work done without permits, and unpermitted work must often be torn out and redone when discovered during a home sale inspection. A $200 permit fee is cheap insurance against a $20,000 problem at resale.

Contact your local municipal building department or RSC directly for the exact fee schedule before budgeting your project — fee structures are updated periodically and vary enough between municipalities that a phone call is worth five minutes of your time. Your contractor should also be familiar with local permit requirements and fees for your project type.

Need help finding an experienced local renovation contractor who knows NB permit requirements inside and out? New Brunswick Renovations can connect you with local professionals for free through the New Brunswick Construction Network.