What should be included in a renovation contract in New Brunswick?

Every renovation contract in New Brunswick should include a detailed written scope of work, a fixed or clearly defined payment schedule, a start and completion date, a change order process, material specifications, permit responsibility, and a warranty clause — at minimum. A handshake deal or vague one-page quote is not a contract, and in NB's active renovation market, disputes over scope and payment are the number one source of homeowner regret.

The scope of work section is the most important part of the document. It should describe exactly what work will be performed, what materials will be used (brand, model, colour, size), and what is explicitly excluded from the contract. If you're doing a kitchen renovation, the contract should name the cabinet line, the countertop material and edge profile, the tile and grout colour, the plumbing fixtures by model number, and the appliance allowance. Vague language like "install new kitchen cabinets" leaves the door open for the cheapest possible substitution. Specificity protects you.

The payment schedule must be tied to project milestones, never to calendar dates. A reasonable structure for a $50,000 renovation might look like: 10-15% deposit at signing, 25% at demolition and rough-in completion, 25% at drywall and flooring, 25% at substantial completion, and a 5-10% holdback until the punchlist is fully resolved. Never pay more than 10-15% upfront — a contractor who demands 50% before lifting a hammer is a significant red flag in NB or anywhere.

Key Contract Clauses to Insist On

The change order clause is critical in any renovation involving older NB homes, where hidden conditions are almost guaranteed. It should state that no additional work will begin without a written change order signed by both parties, specifying the additional cost and timeline impact. This prevents scope creep and disputes about who authorized what.

The contract should clearly state who is responsible for pulling permits. In NB, the contractor typically pulls building permits from the local municipality or Rural Service Commission. Electrical, plumbing, and gas permits are pulled by the licensed tradespeople performing that work, under TSANB jurisdiction. A contractor who suggests you pull permits in your own name to "save money" is often trying to avoid accountability — permits protect you, not them.

The warranty clause should spell out what is covered and for how long. Most renovation contractors in NB offer a one-year warranty on labour, separate from manufacturer warranties on materials. Make sure the contract specifies how warranty claims are handled and within what timeframe the contractor must respond.

Finally, include a dispute resolution process — typically a mediation clause before any legal action. The contract should also confirm that the contractor carries liability insurance and WorkSafeNB coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and a WorkSafeNB clearance letter before signing, and include a clause confirming this coverage must remain in force throughout the project.

For any renovation over $10,000, having a lawyer briefly review the contract is money well spent. For projects in the $50,000-$100,000+ range, this is essentially mandatory. A few hundred dollars in legal review can prevent tens of thousands in disputes. Get everything in writing before a single piece of old drywall hits the floor.

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

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations