What happens if my renovation fails a building inspection?

If your renovation fails a building inspection in Ottawa, you'll receive a written notice detailing the deficiencies that must be corrected before work can proceed or be considered complete.

When the City of Ottawa building inspector identifies code violations or incomplete work, they'll provide you with a detailed inspection report listing each issue that needs to be addressed. This isn't the end of the world - failed inspections are actually quite common, especially on complex renovations. The key is understanding your next steps and ensuring your contractor handles the situation professionally.

What Happens Immediately After a Failed Inspection

The inspector will leave a written report (often called a "correction notice") that specifically identifies what needs to be fixed. Common issues include missing vapor barriers, incorrect electrical connections, improper framing, inadequate insulation, or work that doesn't match the approved plans. In Ottawa, you typically have 30 days to address the deficiencies before the permit could be considered abandoned, though extensions are usually granted for legitimate reasons.

Your contractor should review this report with you immediately and explain how they'll correct each item. A reputable contractor will take full responsibility for bringing the work up to code at no additional cost to you, since meeting building code requirements is part of their basic obligation.

The Re-inspection Process

Once corrections are made, you'll need to schedule a re-inspection with the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. There's typically a re-inspection fee of around $100-150, and you should expect to wait another 5-10 business days for the inspector to return. Some contractors will try to charge you this re-inspection fee, but if the failure was due to their workmanship or code knowledge, this cost should be theirs to bear.

During the re-inspection, the inspector will focus primarily on the items that failed initially, though they may notice other issues if the work has progressed. It's not uncommon for renovations to require multiple inspections, especially on complex projects involving structural, electrical, and plumbing work.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be very concerned if your contractor seems surprised by the failed inspection or doesn't understand the inspector's comments. A professional contractor should be thoroughly familiar with the Ontario Building Code and should rarely have inspections fail for basic code violations. If your contractor wants to argue with the inspector or suggests "the inspector doesn't know what they're talking about," this is a major red flag.

Also watch out for contractors who want to charge you extra to fix code violations. Unless the failed items relate to changes you requested that weren't in the original scope, bringing work up to code is the contractor's responsibility. Similarly, be wary if your contractor suggests proceeding with other work before addressing the failed inspection items - this can lead to having to tear out completed work later.

Protecting Yourself During This Process

If you're working with a licensed contractor, verify their credentials are still current through the ESA (for electrical work) at esasafe.com or TSSA (for gas work) at tssa.org. Document all communications about the failed inspection and keep copies of both the original inspection report and any correspondence about corrections.

Under the Ontario Construction Lien Act, you should be holding back 10% of each payment until 60 days after substantial completion. A failed inspection means the work isn't substantially complete, so don't release this holdback until all inspections pass and you've received your final occupancy permit or completion certificate from the City of Ottawa.

If your contractor refuses to correct the deficiencies or wants to charge you extra for code compliance work, contact Ontario's consumer protection services and consider consulting with a construction lawyer. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or relevant licensing body.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services can provide guidance on code requirements, but they won't mediate disputes between you and your contractor. For serious issues, the Tarion Warranty Corporation (for new home construction) or small claims court may be your recourse.

Remember, a failed inspection is often just a bump in the road with a good contractor, but it can reveal serious problems with an inexperienced or unprofessional one.