Can I move into my house before the final inspection?

In Ottawa, you generally cannot legally occupy your home before receiving final inspection approval and occupancy permits from the City of Ottawa Building Code Services.

Moving in before final inspection creates several serious risks. The City of Ottawa requires all construction work to be completed and pass final inspection before issuing occupancy permits. If you move in early, you could face stop-work orders, fines, and potential safety hazards from incomplete electrical, plumbing, or structural work that hasn't been verified by city inspectors.

For new construction in Ottawa, you need a final occupancy permit before moving in. For major renovations, you may need a conditional occupancy permit if work is substantially complete but minor items remain. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) makes this determination based on whether all life safety systems are functional and code-compliant.

Your insurance coverage could also be compromised if you occupy the home before proper approvals. Most home insurance policies require valid occupancy permits, and moving in early could void your coverage if something goes wrong.

The inspection process in Ottawa typically involves multiple stages. For major projects, you'll have rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems before drywall goes up, then final inspections once everything is complete. ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) must also provide final electrical approval, and TSSA may need to inspect gas connections. Only after all these approvals can the City issue occupancy permits.

If you're facing timeline pressures, contact Ottawa Building Code Services to discuss your specific situation. In some cases, they may issue conditional occupancy permits if the home is substantially complete and safe for habitation, with minor deficiencies to be addressed within a specified timeframe.

The consequences of moving in early aren't worth the risk. You could face fines up to $100,000 under the Ontario Building Code Act, plus potential liability issues if someone is injured due to incomplete work. Your contractor should coordinate all inspections and not consider the job complete until you have proper occupancy permits.

For current permit status and inspection scheduling in Ottawa, use the online portal at ottawa.ca/building or call 613-580-2424. Don't let timeline pressures compromise your safety or legal compliance.