How many inspections are needed during a renovation?

The number of inspections required for your Ottawa renovation depends on the scope of work, but most projects need 2-4 inspections from the City of Ottawa plus additional inspections from ESA (electrical) and potentially TSSA (gas/HVAC).

For City of Ottawa building permit inspections, here's what you can expect:

Minor Renovations (bathroom updates, flooring, non-structural changes) typically require just a final inspection if a permit was needed at all. Many cosmetic renovations don't require City permits.

Major Renovations involving structural, plumbing, or HVAC changes usually need:

• Rough-in inspection after framing and before drywall goes up


• Insulation inspection (if required)


• Final inspection before occupancy

Additions or Structural Work require the most inspections:

• Foundation inspection (if applicable)


• Framing inspection


• Rough-in inspection (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)


• Insulation inspection


• Final inspection

ESA Electrical Inspections are separate from City inspections and required for ANY electrical work in Ontario. You'll typically need a rough-in electrical inspection and a final electrical inspection. Each ESA inspection costs approximately $100-200. Your Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) schedules these through ESA, not the City.

TSSA Gas Inspections are required if you're doing any gas work (new gas lines, appliances, furnace installation). These are also separate from City inspections and scheduled by your TSSA-certified technician.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) will specify exactly which inspections your project requires when they issue your permit. Each inspection must pass before you can proceed to the next phase - failing an inspection means corrections and a re-inspection fee.

Timeline Planning: Book inspections at least 48 hours in advance through the City's online portal at ottawa.ca/building. ESA inspections can sometimes be scheduled same-day for urgent situations, but plan for 24-48 hours notice.

Your contractor should coordinate all required inspections, but as the homeowner, you're ultimately responsible for ensuring they happen. Never let work proceed past an inspection point without approval - this can result in expensive corrections later.

For complex renovations in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven, expect the inspection process to add 1-2 weeks to your project timeline when factoring in scheduling and any required corrections.