Can I be present during my home renovation inspection?

Yes, you absolutely can and should be present during your home renovation inspection in Ottawa. In fact, it's highly recommended that homeowners attend their inspections to better understand any issues and ask questions directly.

Your Rights During Ottawa Building Inspections

When you schedule an inspection through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), you have the right to be present during the entire process. The building inspector will typically appreciate having you there, as it allows them to explain findings directly and ensures clear communication about any required corrections.

Most inspections in Ottawa are scheduled with advance notice - usually 24-48 hours - giving you time to arrange to be home. You can request specific time windows when booking through the ottawa.ca/building portal to ensure you're available.

What to Expect During the Inspection

The inspector will walk through your renovation project, checking work against the approved plans and Ontario Building Code requirements. They'll examine structural elements, electrical connections, plumbing installations, insulation, vapor barriers, and other components depending on your project scope.

Being present allows you to understand exactly what passes or fails inspection. If corrections are needed, you'll hear firsthand what must be fixed before the next inspection, potentially saving time and avoiding miscommunication between the inspector and your contractor.

Questions You Should Ask

Take advantage of having the inspector there to ask about any concerns you have about the work quality. While they're checking code compliance rather than workmanship, experienced inspectors often notice issues that could become problems later.

Ask about timeline for re-inspection if corrections are needed, and get clarification on any technical requirements you don't understand. This is also a good time to verify that your contractor is addressing all permit conditions properly.

Coordinating with Your Contractor

Your contractor should also be present during inspections, as they need to hear any correction requirements directly. However, don't rely solely on your contractor to communicate inspection results to you. Being there yourself ensures you have complete information about your project's compliance status.

If your contractor seems reluctant to have you present during inspections, consider this a red flag. Reputable contractors welcome homeowner involvement and transparency in the inspection process.

ESA and TSSA Inspections

The same principle applies to electrical inspections by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and gas work inspections by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). You can and should be present for these specialized inspections as well, as they're checking critical safety systems in your home.

For current inspection scheduling and requirements, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building for the most up-to-date procedures and timelines.