What does a building inspector look for during an inspection?

Building inspectors in Ottawa check that your construction work meets Ontario Building Code requirements and matches your approved permit drawings. They're looking for safety, structural integrity, and code compliance - not aesthetics or workmanship quality.

What Ottawa Building Inspectors Focus On

Structural Elements: Foundation work, framing, load-bearing walls, beam sizing, and proper connections. They verify that structural changes match the engineer's drawings submitted with your permit application.

Electrical Safety: All electrical work must have ESA permits and inspections completed before the City inspector arrives. They'll check that ESA approval stickers are posted and that electrical panels are properly labeled and accessible.

Plumbing and HVAC: Proper venting, drain slopes, fixture placement, and that all work meets Ontario Plumbing Code. For gas work, TSSA inspections must be completed first. They ensure bathroom ventilation meets code requirements.

Fire Safety and Egress: Window sizes in bedrooms (minimum 3.8 sq ft opening), proper egress from basements, smoke detector placement, and fire separation between units. This is especially critical for secondary dwelling unit permits in Ottawa.

Insulation and Vapor Barriers: Proper R-values for Ottawa's climate zone, continuous vapor barriers, and proper sealing. They check that insulation isn't compressed and that vapor barriers are on the warm side.

Common Ottawa Inspection Issues

Permit Compliance: The biggest red flag is work that doesn't match your approved drawings. If you made changes during construction, you need permit amendments through ottawa.ca/building before inspection.

Missing Sub-Trade Inspections: ESA electrical and TSSA gas inspections must be completed and approved before requesting your City building inspection. Have these certificates ready.

Accessibility Requirements: New construction and major renovations must meet barrier-free design requirements under the Ontario Building Code. This includes door widths, ramp slopes, and bathroom layouts.

Energy Code Compliance: Ottawa follows Ontario's energy efficiency requirements. Inspectors check window ratings, insulation values, and air sealing details.

What Inspectors Don't Check

Building inspectors don't evaluate finish quality, color choices, or whether you're happy with your contractor's work. They're not there to resolve disputes between you and your contractor - that's a separate consumer protection issue.

Preparing for Inspection in Ottawa

Call 613-580-2424 or book online at ottawa.ca/building at least 48 hours before you need the inspection. Have all required sub-trade approvals completed first. Ensure work areas are accessible and well-lit.

If your inspection fails, you'll receive a written report detailing required corrections. You can't proceed to the next phase until deficiencies are addressed and re-inspected.

The City of Ottawa typically conducts inspections Monday through Friday, with some Saturday availability. Final inspections can take 2-3 weeks to schedule during busy construction seasons, so plan accordingly for your project timeline.