What happens if electrical work is done without a permit?

Electrical work done without a permit in Ottawa can result in serious safety hazards, legal issues, and costly remediation - plus you'll still need to get the proper ESA inspection before it's considered legal.

In Ontario, all electrical work requires an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit and inspection, regardless of who does the work. If electrical work is discovered without proper permits, here's what typically happens:

Immediate Safety and Legal Concerns

The ESA has authority to issue compliance orders requiring you to bring the work up to code. This often means opening up walls to inspect connections, which can be far more expensive than doing it right initially. Insurance companies may deny claims for electrical fires or damage if the work wasn't properly permitted and inspected.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) can also issue stop-work orders and require permits retroactively. You'll face the original permit fee plus additional penalties, typically 2-3 times the standard ESA inspection fee of $100-200.

Real Estate Implications

When selling your Ottawa home, unpermitted electrical work creates major complications. Home inspectors flag unpermitted work, and buyers often demand ESA compliance before closing. Real estate lawyers may require ESA clearance letters, and mortgage companies sometimes refuse financing on homes with unpermitted electrical systems.

Getting Back into Compliance

If you discover unpermitted electrical work in your Ottawa home, contact ESA immediately at 1-877-372-7233. They'll guide you through the compliance process, which typically involves:

Having a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) assess the work and determine what needs correction. You can verify contractors at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. The contractor will pull the necessary permits and arrange ESA inspection. Depending on the work quality, you may need to upgrade components to meet current Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards.

Prevention is Key

Always verify your contractor holds a valid LEC license before starting electrical work. Even simple tasks like adding outlets or switches require permits in Ontario. Homeowners can do their own electrical work legally, but must still obtain ESA permits and inspections - the licensing requirement is only for contractors doing work for others.

For any electrical project in Ottawa, start by contacting ESA or visiting their website to understand permit requirements. The small upfront cost of proper permits and inspection (typically $100-300 total) is minimal compared to the thousands you might spend fixing unpermitted work later.

Remember: there are no "minor" electrical violations when it comes to safety and resale value of your Ottawa home.