What is the cost of subfloor repair in a New Brunswick home?

Subfloor repair in a New Brunswick home typically costs $1-$5 per square foot depending on the type and extent of damage, with most whole-room repairs falling between $500 and $3,000. The wide range reflects the reality that subfloor problems vary enormously — from minor re-screwing to full structural joist repair.

Here is a breakdown of common subfloor repair costs in the NB market for 2025-2026. Minor repairs such as re-screwing loose plywood panels to eliminate squeaks, patching small damaged sections, and filling low spots with levelling compound typically run $1-$2/sq ft. For a 200-square-foot bedroom, that is $200-$400. Moderate repairs including replacing water-damaged plywood sections, installing a plywood overlay over old board subfloors, and applying self-levelling compound over uneven concrete run $2-$4/sq ft. A 300-square-foot living room might cost $600-$1,200. Major repairs involving structural joist sistering or replacement, full subfloor sheet replacement, and addressing rot or insect damage run $4-$8/sq ft or more, depending on accessibility and structural complexity.

The plywood overlay deserves special mention because it is so common in older NB homes. Many houses built before the 1970s have diagonal board subfloors that are too uneven and gappy for modern flooring. Installing a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch plywood overlay on top costs $1.50-$3.00/sq ft for materials and labour — a typical 1,000-square-foot main floor overlay runs $1,500-$3,000. This is usually far more cost-effective than trying to flatten and fill an old board subfloor.

New Brunswick's Maritime climate is a major factor in subfloor damage. Our seasonal humidity swings (indoor RH can range from 20% in winter to 65%+ in summer) cause wood subfloor materials to expand and contract year after year, loosening fasteners and creating squeaks and movement. Homes in coastal communities and river valleys are especially prone to subfloor moisture damage due to persistently higher ambient humidity and ground moisture. Crawl spaces without adequate vapour barriers — extremely common in older NB housing stock — allow ground moisture to attack the subfloor from below, leading to rot, delamination, and soft spots that worsen every spring when snowmelt raises the water table.

Additional costs to factor into your budget include old flooring removal ($1-$4/sq ft depending on the material), which is necessary before subfloor work can begin. Asbestos testing ($25-$50 per sample) is essential if you are removing vinyl flooring or tile from a pre-1986 NB home. Moisture testing ($50-$150 per area) should be done on any subfloor that shows signs of water damage. And baseboard removal and reinstallation adds $2-$4 per linear foot.

NB labour rates for subfloor work run approximately 10-15% below the national Canadian average, which helps keep costs manageable. However, prices vary 25-40% between contractors for identical scope, so getting three or more quotes is essential. A flooring professional can assess your subfloor during a free estimate visit and provide an accurate repair quote based on your home's specific conditions. Browse flooring contractors in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory to find installers experienced with NB's older housing stock.

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

• Gionetterenovations
• FRS Flooring Solutions
• Arctic Fox Construction Inc.
• 3Tone Construction Ltd
• M&L Commercial and residential services