Building Costs In New Brunswick

Building a house in New Brunswick is an exciting yet complex process. The cost of building a house in the region varies widely, depending on several factors. On average, building a house in New Brunswick can cost between $300,000 and $500,000 for a standard home, but prices can fluctuate based on various factors and can range from $150 to $250 per square foot.

The cost of building a house in New Brunswick is influenced by factors such as location, size, design complexity, materials, and labour. Building in popular cities like Fredericton or near scenic areas like the Bay of Fundy will likely be more expensive than in rural areas. Larger homes and those with custom features or intricate designs will also increase the overall cost.

Additionally, the choice of materials can impact the cost, with eco-friendly materials having higher upfront costs but potentially reducing energy bills in the long run. Skilled labour can be expensive, especially in New Brunswick, where weather conditions can impact building schedules.

Building a house is a significant milestone, and understanding the costs involved is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your budget, lifestyle, and financial goals.

Average cost per square foot

The average cost per square foot to build a house in New Brunswick varies depending on several factors. The national average cost to build a house is $150 per square foot, but this can range from $100 to $155 per square foot or even up to $400 per square foot for a high-end custom build.

In New Brunswick, the average cost per square foot is between $150 and $250, with the total cost of building a 2,000-square-foot home ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. These prices can fluctuate based on market conditions and location, with properties in bustling cities like Fredericton or near the Bay of Fundy likely costing more than those in rural areas.

The size of the home also plays a significant role in the overall cost, as larger homes require more materials, labour, and time. The design complexity can also impact the cost, with more corners and custom features generally resulting in higher expenses.

Additionally, the materials chosen can affect the cost per square foot. Classic wood framing, for example, may be more affordable than modern steel. Eco-friendly materials may have higher upfront costs but can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.

It's important to consider all these factors when estimating the cost per square foot to build a house in New Brunswick.

Cost of land

The cost of land in New Brunswick varies depending on the location and the type of property you are looking for. For example, a lot in a bustling city like Fredericton or near scenic areas like the Bay of Fundy will be more expensive than a rural location. Similarly, a waterfront property in Saint John will have higher land costs.

In general, land prices in urban areas are significantly more expensive than in rural areas. For instance, land in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can range from $50 to $200 per square foot, whereas it costs less than $50 per square foot in Calgary or Edmonton. In New Brunswick, the cost of land in urban centres like Fredericton, Saint John, or Moncton is higher than in rural areas.

The average cost of building a home in New Brunswick can vary widely, from CAD 150 to CAD 250 per square foot, depending on location, size, materials, and labour. For a 2,000-square-foot home, this translates to a rough estimate of CAD 300,000 to CAD 500,000, though prices can fluctuate with market conditions.

If you are looking for the cheapest places to live in New Brunswick, consider rural areas or smaller cities. Additionally, consider the size of the home, as larger homes will require more materials, labour, and time, increasing the final cost.

When budgeting for the cost of land, keep in mind that there may be additional costs for site preparation, such as clearing trees, accounting for drainage, driveway placement, and levelling the land, which can cost between $3.50 and $12 per square foot.

Furthermore, you will need to factor in the cost of utilities and living expenses, which can be higher in rural areas. For example, if your plot of land does not have access to electricity or gas, you will need to pay for connections, which can be costly. Similarly, if you are not connected to a local wastewater treatment system, you will need to install a septic tank, which can cost between $10,000 and $60,000.

To find land to purchase, you can work with a real estate agent or search for vacant land listings online. It is also important to consider the cost of any necessary permits and fees, such as building permits, utility connections, impact fees, and inspections, which can be substantial depending on the location.

Cost of labour

The cost of labour is a significant factor in building a house in New Brunswick, and it's important to understand the breakdown of these costs to make informed choices that align with your budget and goals. Here is a detailed overview of the cost of labour:

• Skilled Labour: Skilled labour, such as electricians or plumbers, isn't cheap in New Brunswick. The unique weather conditions in the region can impact building schedules, leading to variable labour costs. The expertise and specialisation required for certain tasks also influence the overall expense.
• Customisation and Complexity: The more custom features and complex designs you incorporate into your home, the higher the labour costs will be. Custom cabinetry in the kitchen, for example, can significantly increase labour expenses.
• Size of the Home: Larger homes require more labour, and this adds to the overall cost. A 2,000-square-foot home will have higher labour costs than a modest bungalow of a smaller size.
• Location: The cost of labour can also vary depending on the location of your build. A lot in a bustling city like Fredericton or near scenic areas like the Bay of Fundy might have higher labour costs compared to rural areas.
• Market Conditions: Keep in mind that labour costs can fluctuate with market conditions. For example, during the COVID rush, wait times increased, and supply delivery became a challenge, impacting overall costs.
• Labour Rates: In general, labour rates in New Brunswick have been subject to change. Retention challenges have led to increased starting wages, and employers have had to offer raises to keep up with inflation.
• Builder's Fee: If you decide to hire a builder or contractor, their fee will be included in the labour costs. However, if you choose to manage the project yourself and hire tradespeople directly, you can save on the builder's fee but may need to allow for a longer construction timeline.
• Specialty Trades: Depending on the features and requirements of your home, you may need to factor in the costs of specialty trades such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. These specialised trades come with additional labour expenses.
• Off-Season Rates: Contractors may offer better labour rates during slower periods or off-season. If you're flexible with your construction timeline, consider off-season construction to potentially reduce labour costs.
• DIY Approach: If you're handy and capable, taking on some tasks yourself can help reduce labour expenses. Tasks like painting, installing fixtures, or project management can be DIY projects, but be sure to assess your skills to avoid costly mistakes.

Cost of materials

The cost of materials is a significant factor in the overall expense of building a house in New Brunswick. The choice of materials can impact both the aesthetics and the cost of construction. Here are some key points to consider regarding the cost of materials:

• Material Costs per Square Foot: The cost of materials per square foot can vary depending on factors such as location, design choices, and interior and exterior finishes. On average, the material cost to build a house is about $50 per square foot, but this can range from $100 to $155 or even higher for custom or high-end finishes.
• Exterior Materials: Exterior costs include landscaping and land preparation, and materials that contribute to the structure and curb appeal of the property. Brick, stone, or wood siding, roofing materials, windows, and doors are some of the key exterior material choices that will impact the overall cost.
• Interior Materials: Interior materials cover everything needed to finish the inside of the house, including HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical work, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and fixtures. The cost of interior materials will depend on the size of the home, the type of materials and finishes selected, and any custom features.
• Foundation and Framing: The foundation and framing are essential structural components. The cost of the foundation can vary depending on the size and type of foundation required. Framing costs can range from $13 to $22 per square foot, depending on the number of stories and the choice of lumber or other materials.
• Architectural and Design Fees: Hiring an architect or custom home designer can add significant costs to the project. Architectural fees typically range from $2,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Custom home designers can add 10% to 17% to the budget, with high-end professionals charging up to $50,000.
• Labor Costs: The labor cost to build a house is another significant expense. On average, labor costs can be roughly 39% of the total build cost, or about $34 per square foot. Skilled labor, such as master electricians and bricklayers, typically charge higher hourly rates, which can impact the overall labor expense.
• Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Materials: Opting for energy-efficient or eco-friendly materials can be a wise investment, as they may have higher upfront costs but can lead to significant savings on energy bills in the long run.
• Comparison with Pre-built Homes: Building a custom home typically costs more than buying a pre-built home in a subdivision or working with a developer. Developers can offer pre-designed floor plans and build multiple houses simultaneously, resulting in lower costs per house.

Cost of utilities

When building a house in New Brunswick, there are several utility costs to consider. These costs can vary depending on the location and specific requirements of your property.

Firstly, if your plot of land does not have access to electricity or gas, you will need to factor in the cost of connecting to the utility grid. In some cases, this may involve paying for an electricity company to establish a connection, which can be expensive. Additionally, if your property is not connected to a local wastewater treatment system, you will need to install a septic tank, which can cost between $10,000 and $60,000.

Another important consideration is water access. If your property is not supplied by an aqueduct, you may need to construct a well, which can cost between $3,500 and $50,000. Soil and water quality tests may also be necessary, depending on the availability of information, and can range from $900 to $3,000.

Furthermore, it is essential to engage the services of an electrician to install lighting and any other required electrical fixtures. The cost of this will depend on the complexity of the installation and the rates charged by the electrician.

It is also worth noting that there may be additional taxes and fees associated with utility connections, such as welcome or transfer taxes, which can amount to between $2,000 and $3,000 for a project worth $240,000.

Lastly, don't forget about the ongoing costs of utility bills, such as electricity, heating, and water charges, which can vary depending on usage and the size of your home.

Overall, while the exact costs will depend on your specific circumstances, it is important to carefully consider and budget for utility expenses when building a house in New Brunswick to avoid unexpected financial burdens.

Frequently asked questions