Do I need an inspection for drywall installation?

In Ottawa, drywall installation itself doesn't require a separate inspection, but it depends on what's behind those walls and whether you pulled building permits for the overall project.

Here's what you need to know for Ottawa specifically:

If you're just replacing existing drywall in the same locations without any structural, electrical, or plumbing changes, no inspection is required. However, if your drywall installation is part of a larger renovation project that required a City of Ottawa building permit, then yes - inspections will be needed at various stages.

When Ottawa Building Inspections ARE Required:

If you pulled a building permit through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424), you'll need inspections before the drywall goes up. This includes projects like basement finishing, room additions, or major renovations. The typical inspection sequence is:

ESA Electrical Inspections:

If any electrical work was done behind those walls, you'll need an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection before closing up the walls with drywall. This applies even if the City of Ottawa doesn't require a building permit. Your Licensed Electrical Contractor will arrange this through ESA, or if you did the electrical work yourself, you must call ESA directly. The inspection fee is typically $100-200.

What to Watch For:

Never let a contractor drywall over electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work that hasn't been inspected yet. This is a major red flag. If discovered later, you may need to remove drywall for inspections, costing you thousands in rework.

Getting It Right:

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or check ottawa.ca/building to confirm what inspections your specific project requires. Each project is different, and it's better to ask upfront than deal with compliance issues later.

Remember, if your contractor is pushing to skip required inspections or close up walls too quickly, that's a serious warning sign about their knowledge of Ottawa's building requirements.