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

A final inspection in Ottawa is the City's last check to ensure your construction project meets the Ontario Building Code before you can legally occupy or use the space. You need one for virtually every project that required a building permit - it's not optional.

When Final Inspections Are Required in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa requires final inspections for any work that needed a building permit, including:

• Structural work - additions, renovations affecting load-bearing elements
• Electrical installations - new circuits, panel upgrades, major wiring changes
• Plumbing modifications - new bathrooms, kitchen relocations, rough-in work
• HVAC installations - new furnaces, ductwork, ventilation systems
• Basement finishing - creating habitable space below grade
• Secondary dwelling units - garden suites, basement apartments
• Decks and additions - any structure attached to your home

Even smaller projects like bathroom renovations or kitchen remodels typically need final inspection if they involved electrical, plumbing, or structural changes that required permits.

What Happens During Final Inspection

The City inspector will verify that all work matches the approved plans and meets Ontario Building Code requirements. They'll check that:

• All electrical work has ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) approval certificates
• Plumbing installations meet code and have proper permits
• HVAC systems are properly installed with TSSA certification if gas-related
• Structural work follows engineered plans
• Safety features like smoke detectors, GFCI outlets, and proper ventilation are installed
• Egress windows meet requirements in basement bedrooms

The inspector will also verify that all required interim inspections were completed and passed during construction.

Scheduling Your Final Inspection in Ottawa

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or book online through the ottawa.ca/building portal. You'll need:

• Your building permit number
• Confirmation that all trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are complete
• ESA certificates for electrical work
• TSSA documentation for gas-related installations

Timing is crucial - schedule your final inspection only after ALL work is 100% complete. Inspectors won't pass incomplete work, and you'll pay additional fees for re-inspections (typically $150-200 per return visit).

What to Watch For

Red flag: If your contractor says "we don't need a final inspection" or tries to close out the project without one, that's a major warning sign. No legitimate contractor skips required inspections.

Make sure your contractor coordinates all the necessary certificates before calling for final inspection. A professional contractor will walk through the project with you beforehand to ensure everything is ready.

After Final Inspection

Once you pass, the City issues final approval and closes your permit file. This documentation is important for insurance, future sales, and proves the work was done to code. Keep these records with your home's permanent files.

For complex projects involving multiple trades, your contractor should coordinate with ESA and TSSA inspectors first, then schedule the City's final inspection as the last step. This ensures a smooth approval process and gets you back to enjoying your newly renovated space.