What is a rough-in inspection and when is it needed?

A rough-in inspection in Ottawa is a mandatory building inspection that occurs after the "rough" work is installed but before walls are closed up - typically needed for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and framing work during renovations or new construction.

The rough-in inspection is one of the most critical checkpoints in any construction project because it's your last chance to verify that hidden systems are installed correctly before drywall goes up. In Ottawa, these inspections are required by the Ontario Building Code and must be completed before you can proceed to the next phase of construction.

When Rough-In Inspections Are Required

You'll need rough-in inspections in Ottawa when you have building permits for work involving structural changes, electrical systems, plumbing, or HVAC installation. This includes bathroom renovations, kitchen remodels, basement finishing, additions, and secondary dwelling unit conversions. Even smaller projects like adding a bathroom or moving electrical panels require these inspections.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) requires separate rough-in inspections for each trade. Your electrical contractor must call ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) for electrical rough-in inspection, while plumbing and HVAC rough-ins are inspected by City of Ottawa building inspectors. Gas line installations require TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) inspection.

What Inspectors Check During Rough-In

During electrical rough-in, ESA inspectors verify that wiring is properly sized, correctly routed, and meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements. They check junction boxes, circuit protection, grounding systems, and ensure proper clearances around electrical panels. For plumbing rough-in, City inspectors examine drain and vent sizing, pipe slopes, water supply lines, and fixture locations to ensure compliance with Ontario Building Code requirements.

HVAC rough-in inspection covers ductwork sizing and routing, ventilation requirements, and proper installation of heating and cooling systems. Structural rough-in inspection verifies that framing meets code requirements, including proper beam sizing, joist spacing, and structural connections.

Timing and Scheduling in Ottawa

Rough-in inspections must be scheduled before any walls are closed up or insulation is installed. Most contractors in Ottawa schedule these inspections 24-48 hours in advance through the City's online portal at ottawa.ca/building or by calling 613-580-2424. ESA electrical inspections are booked directly through the contractor's ESA account, typically with 1-2 business days notice.

The inspection must pass before you can proceed with insulation and drywall. If deficiencies are found, they must be corrected and re-inspected before moving forward. This is why choosing properly licensed contractors is crucial - Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC) and qualified plumbing contractors know exactly what inspectors are looking for.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary of contractors who suggest skipping inspections or closing walls before inspection approval. This is a major red flag that could indicate unlicensed work or code violations. All legitimate contractors in Ottawa understand the inspection process and will build inspection timing into their project schedule.

Never let a contractor pressure you to "save money" by avoiding permits and inspections. Beyond being illegal, uninspected work can cause insurance issues, safety hazards, and problems when selling your home.

Cost and Timeline Impact

Rough-in inspections in Ottawa typically cost $100-300 depending on the scope of work and are included in your building permit fees. While inspections can add 2-3 days to your project timeline, they're essential for ensuring safe, code-compliant work that protects your investment.

For current inspection scheduling and requirements, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building to access their online portal.