How many inspections does a kitchen renovation require?

Kitchen renovations in Ottawa typically require 2-4 inspections depending on the scope of work, with electrical and plumbing being the most common inspection triggers.

The number of inspections for your Ottawa kitchen renovation depends entirely on what systems you're modifying:

Electrical Inspections (Most Common)

If you're adding new outlets, moving electrical panels, or installing hardwired appliances, you'll need an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection. This is separate from your City of Ottawa building permit. The ESA inspection costs around $100-200 and must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC). You can verify your electrician's license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator.

Plumbing Inspections

Moving plumbing lines for your sink, dishwasher, or adding a kitchen island with plumbing requires a City of Ottawa plumbing inspection. This is included in your building permit fee, which typically runs $200-500 for kitchen renovations depending on complexity.

Structural Inspections

If you're removing walls (especially load-bearing), adding beams, or significantly altering the structure, you'll need framing and structural inspections. Load-bearing wall removal always requires an engineer's report and multiple inspections during the process.

Gas Line Inspections

Installing a gas range or moving gas lines requires TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification and inspection. Only TSSA-certified technicians can perform this work - verify at tssa.org.

What to Expect in Ottawa

Call City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to discuss your specific project. They'll outline exactly which inspections you need based on your scope of work. Most kitchen renos that involve electrical updates and minor plumbing modifications require 2-3 inspections total.

Timeline Considerations

Book inspections early - Ottawa inspection scheduling can take 3-5 business days. Failed inspections mean delays and re-inspection fees, so ensure your contractor knows Ottawa's specific code requirements.

Your contractor should coordinate all inspections, but verify they're properly licensed for each trade. A general contractor without electrical licensing cannot pull ESA permits - you'll need separate licensed trades or a contractor who employs licensed electricians directly.

For complex kitchen renovations involving structural changes, budget 4-6 weeks for the permit approval process through ottawa.ca/building before work begins.