How do I schedule a building inspection in Ottawa?

To schedule a building inspection in Ottawa, call the City's Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or book online through the ottawa.ca building portal - you'll need your permit number and must give at least 24 hours notice.

The City of Ottawa requires specific timing for different inspection types. For most residential work, you need to schedule inspections at key stages rather than waiting until the end. Here's exactly how the process works in Ottawa:

Online Booking Process
Visit ottawa.ca and navigate to the building permits section, then select "Request an Inspection." You'll need your building permit number (starts with BP), the type of inspection needed, and your preferred date. The online system shows available time slots and confirms your booking immediately.

Phone Booking
Call 613-580-2424 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Have your permit number ready and specify which inspection you need. The inspector will provide a 4-hour window for their arrival - typically morning (8 AM-12 PM) or afternoon (12 PM-4 PM).

Required Notice and Timing
Ottawa requires minimum 24 hours advance notice, but 48-72 hours is recommended, especially during busy construction seasons (spring through fall). Never schedule an inspection for the same day unless it's an emergency safety issue.

Common Inspection Types in Ottawa
Foundation inspections happen before concrete pour. Framing inspections occur after rough framing but before insulation. Electrical rough-in requires ESA approval first. Plumbing rough-in happens before covering pipes. Insulation inspections come before drywall. Final inspections verify everything meets Ontario Building Code.

What Inspectors Check
Ottawa building inspectors verify compliance with the Ontario Building Code, not workmanship quality. They'll check structural elements, safety requirements, egress windows in basements, ceiling heights, and permit compliance. They don't evaluate finish quality or contractor performance.

Inspection Fees
Most inspections are included in your original permit fee. Re-inspections due to failed inspections cost additional fees - typically $100-200 per re-inspection. The City posts current fee schedules on ottawa.ca.

Failed Inspections
If work doesn't pass, you'll receive a written report detailing required corrections. Fix the issues, then schedule a re-inspection. Don't proceed to the next construction phase until you pass the current inspection.

Special Considerations for Ottawa
In areas like Kanata, Orleans, or rural Ottawa, inspectors may have longer travel times, so morning appointments often work better. For heritage districts in Centretown or the Glebe, additional heritage approvals may be needed beyond standard building inspections.

Working with Your Contractor
Your contractor should coordinate inspection scheduling, but as the permit holder, you're ultimately responsible. Reputable Ottawa contractors will walk you through the inspection schedule during project planning and ensure work is ready before each inspection.

The key is staying ahead of the schedule - don't wait until you need the inspection to book it, as Ottawa's building department gets busy during peak construction months.