What is the cost of a galley kitchen to open-concept conversion in NB?

A galley kitchen to open-concept conversion in New Brunswick typically costs $45,000–$85,000 all-in, depending on whether the wall separating the kitchen is load-bearing, how much the layout changes, and the quality of finishes you choose.

The single biggest cost driver in this project isn't the kitchen itself — it's the wall removal. Most galley kitchens are separated from adjacent living or dining spaces by a load-bearing wall, which means you're not just swinging a sledgehammer. You need a structural engineer to assess the wall, design the appropriate beam (often a laminated veneer lumber or steel I-beam), and specify the post and footing requirements. Engineering fees alone run $1,500–$3,500 in NB, and the structural work — removing the wall, installing the beam, reinforcing the posts down to the foundation — adds another $8,000–$18,000 depending on span length and foundation conditions. A 12-foot beam opening with proper posts and footings is a very different project than a 6-foot pass-through.

Once the wall is open, you're essentially doing a full kitchen renovation from scratch, because the layout changes completely. Plumbing often needs to be relocated (island sink, new dishwasher position), electrical circuits need to be re-routed and expanded (islands require dedicated circuits, and open-concept spaces need reconfigured lighting), and HVAC ductwork may need to be rerouted around the new beam. Each of these trades adds cost: plumbing relocation runs $3,000–$8,000, electrical work $4,000–$10,000, and HVAC adjustments $1,500–$4,000. All of this work requires TSANB-licensed tradespeople and inspections — there's no shortcut here.

The kitchen finishes themselves — cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring — run $25,000–$50,000 for a mid-range result in NB. Stock or semi-custom cabinets at $150–$350 per linear foot, quartz countertops at $60–$120/sq ft installed, and new flooring to tie the open space together are the main finish costs. If you're adding a kitchen island (almost universal in open-concept conversions), budget an additional $3,000–$8,000 for the island itself, plus plumbing and electrical if it includes a sink or outlets.

NB-Specific Considerations

NB's older housing stock is a major factor here. Homes built before 1980 — and there are a lot of them in Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, and rural communities — frequently have knob-and-tube wiring, undersized electrical panels, cast iron drain lines, and load-bearing walls in unexpected locations. Opening up a galley kitchen in a 1960s Saint John home is a fundamentally different project than the same conversion in a 1995 Riverview split-entry. Budget 20–25% contingency for pre-1980 homes because hidden conditions are the rule, not the exception. Asbestos testing is also worth doing before any demolition in homes built before 1990 — floor tiles, pipe insulation, and ceiling texture coatings are common sources in NB homes of that era.

You'll need a building permit for this project — structural modifications, electrical, and plumbing all trigger permit requirements whether you're in Moncton, Fredericton, or an unincorporated community under RSC jurisdiction. Budget $150–$400 for the permit itself, and make sure your contractor pulls it, not you. A contractor who suggests skipping the permit on a structural wall removal is not a contractor you want on this project.

Practical Tips

Get your structural engineer involved before you get kitchen design quotes — the beam size and post locations will affect your island placement, cabinet runs, and lighting layout. Designing the kitchen before knowing the structural solution leads to expensive redesigns. Plan your flooring as part of the open-concept design from day one, since mismatched flooring between the old kitchen and living area is one of the most common and costly afterthoughts in these projects.

Get at least three quotes from NB contractors who have completed open-concept conversions specifically — ask to see examples and speak to past clients. This is a multi-trade project that requires a general contractor who can coordinate structural, electrical, plumbing, and finishing trades without gaps or finger-pointing.

For detailed kitchen design and finish guidance, check out New Brunswick Kitchens at newbrunswickkitchens.com. And when you're ready to connect with experienced local contractors for your conversion, New Brunswick Renovations can match you with professionals in your area for free.