What inspections are required for a bathroom renovation?

For bathroom renovations in Ottawa, you'll typically need electrical and plumbing inspections, and potentially a building permit inspection depending on the scope of work.

The specific inspections required depend on what's being changed in your bathroom renovation:

Electrical Inspections (ESA Required)

If you're adding new outlets, moving electrical fixtures, or installing heated floors, you'll need an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection. In Ottawa, any electrical work requires a permit from ESA, which costs approximately $100-200 for the inspection. Only Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC) can pull electrical permits, though homeowners can do their own electrical work if they obtain the proper permits and inspections. You can verify your electrician's license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator.

Plumbing Inspections

Moving plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, or showers requires a plumbing permit and inspection through the City of Ottawa. This includes rough-in inspections before covering walls and a final inspection. The permit fee is typically $150-300 depending on the complexity. Call City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to determine if your plumbing changes require permits.

Building Permit and Inspections

Structural changes like removing walls, adding windows, or significant layout changes require a building permit from the City of Ottawa. This involves plan submission, permit fees of $200-500+, and multiple inspections including framing, insulation, and final inspection. Simple cosmetic updates like replacing fixtures, tiles, or vanities typically don't require building permits.

What to Watch For

Ensure your contractor pulls all required permits before starting work. Some contractors try to skip permits to save time and money, but this can cause major problems when selling your home or with insurance claims. Always verify that electrical work is done by an ESA-licensed contractor and that plumbing work is done by a licensed plumber.

Getting Started

Contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building to discuss your specific renovation plans. They can tell you exactly which permits and inspections you'll need based on your project scope. For electrical work, the ESA website at esasafe.com has detailed information about permit requirements.

The inspection process typically adds 1-2 weeks to your project timeline, as inspections must be scheduled in advance and work cannot proceed until each inspection passes. Factor this into your renovation schedule and budget.