What is a final inspection, and when do I need one?

A final inspection in Ottawa is the last mandatory inspection by City building officials to verify your project meets all Building Code requirements before you can legally occupy or use the completed work.

The City of Ottawa requires final inspections for virtually all permitted work - whether it's a simple deck, bathroom renovation, or major addition. This inspection confirms that all work has been completed according to your approved plans and meets Ontario Building Code standards. You cannot legally use the space or consider the project "officially complete" until you receive final approval.

When You Need a Final Inspection in Ottawa

You must schedule a final inspection once all construction work is 100% complete, including finishing touches like paint, fixtures, and cleanup. The timing is crucial - call City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to book your inspection only when everything is truly finished. Inspectors won't approve partial work or projects with obvious deficiencies.

For electrical work, you'll actually need two final inspections: one from ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) for the electrical components, and one from the City for overall building compliance. The ESA inspection typically happens first - your electrician should arrange this through esasafe.com. Similarly, if your project involved gas work, TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) must also provide final approval before the City's final inspection.

The Ottawa Final Inspection Process

Schedule your inspection through ottawa.ca/building or by calling 613-580-2424. You'll typically get an appointment within 3-5 business days, though this can extend during busy periods. The inspection fee is included in your original permit cost - no additional payment required.

During the inspection, the City official will check that work matches your approved drawings, verify proper installation of safety features like smoke detectors and egress windows, confirm insulation and vapor barrier installation, and ensure all electrical and plumbing rough-in work was properly inspected earlier. They'll also verify that any required ESA or TSSA approvals are in place.

What Happens After Final Inspection

If everything passes, you'll receive final approval and can legally occupy the space. If issues are found, you'll get a list of deficiencies that must be corrected before a re-inspection. Common failures include missing smoke detectors, improper handrail heights, or work that doesn't match approved plans.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary of contractors who suggest skipping the final inspection or claim it's "not really necessary." This is a major red flag - final inspection is legally required and protects your investment. Also watch out for contractors who pressure you for final payment before the final inspection is complete and approved.

Never make final payment to your contractor until you have the City's final approval in hand. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should hold back 10% of the contract value for 60 days after completion anyway, but final inspection approval is your confirmation that the work truly meets code requirements.

For complex projects involving multiple trades, ensure your contractor coordinates all required inspections - ESA electrical, TSSA gas, and City building - in the proper sequence before scheduling the final building inspection.