What are the inspection requirements for a home addition?

Home additions in Ottawa require multiple inspections at different stages, coordinated through City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) and potentially ESA/TSSA depending on electrical and mechanical work involved.

City of Ottawa Building Inspections

For your home addition permit, the City typically requires these mandatory inspections:

Foundation Stage: Once your foundation is complete but before backfilling. The inspector checks footing depth, reinforcement, waterproofing, and compliance with Ontario Building Code requirements. You'll need to call 613-580-2424 or book online through ottawa.ca/building at least 24 hours before you're ready.

Framing Inspection: After framing is complete but before insulation goes in. This covers structural elements, fire separations, window/door rough openings, and ensures everything matches your approved plans. The inspector will verify beam sizes, joist spacing, and proper connections.

Insulation Inspection: Before drywall installation. The inspector checks insulation R-values, vapor barriers, electrical rough-in accessibility, and ventilation requirements. This is critical for energy code compliance.

Final Inspection: Once everything is complete. The inspector verifies all work matches approved drawings, checks safety items like smoke detectors, ensures proper egress, and confirms occupancy requirements are met.

ESA Electrical Inspections

If your addition includes new electrical work, you'll need separate ESA inspections. Only a Licensed Electrical Contractor can pull the ESA permit, or you can do it yourself as a homeowner but must arrange ESA inspection. The ESA inspector checks rough-in wiring before insulation, then final connections after drywall. Current ESA inspection fees run around $150-200. Verify your electrician's license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator.

TSSA Gas/HVAC Inspections

Adding heating, cooling, or gas lines requires TSSA-certified technicians and separate inspections. If you're extending your gas line for a fireplace or connecting new HVAC equipment, the TSSA inspector must approve the work. Check your gas technician's certification at tssa.org.

Timing and Coordination

Critical timing issue: Never cover up work before inspection. If the inspector can't see the work, you'll need to expose it, causing delays and extra costs. Book inspections 24-48 hours in advance, and don't schedule the next trade until you get approval.

Most Ottawa addition permits take 4-8 weeks to approve initially, then inspections typically happen within 1-2 business days of your request. The City charges inspection fees as part of your permit cost (usually $800-3000+ depending on addition size).

What Inspectors Look For

Common issues that fail inspections include improper structural connections, missing fire separations between addition and existing house, inadequate insulation installation, and electrical work not matching code requirements. Your contractor should know these requirements, but verify they're pulling all necessary permits upfront.

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 with your specific addition plans - they can tell you exactly which inspections you'll need and the sequence required for your project.