When should I do a final walkthrough with my contractor?

You should do your final walkthrough with your contractor 2-3 days before making the final payment in Ottawa, giving yourself time to address any deficiencies before releasing funds.

The timing of your final walkthrough is crucial for protecting yourself under Ontario's Construction Lien Act. In Ontario, you're required to hold back 10% of the contract value for 60 days after substantial completion, but you want to identify any issues before making that substantial completion determination.

Ideal Timeline for Ottawa Projects

Schedule your walkthrough when the contractor says the work is "substantially complete" - meaning the project is ready for its intended use, even if minor finishing touches remain. This typically happens when all major work is done, permits have received final inspection approval from the City of Ottawa, and any required ESA or TSSA inspections are complete.

Don't rush this process. Take your time during the walkthrough, ideally during daylight hours when you can see everything clearly. Bring a notepad or use your phone to document any deficiencies, scratches, incomplete work, or items that don't match your contract specifications.

What to Check During Your Ottawa Walkthrough

Test everything that should work - lights, outlets, plumbing fixtures, HVAC systems, doors, and windows. For electrical work, verify you have your ESA inspection certificate. For gas work, confirm TSSA approval. Check that all City of Ottawa permits show "final inspection passed" status on the ottawa.ca building portal.

Look for proper cleanup, protection of your existing property, and that all work matches your signed contract and any approved changes. Pay special attention to finish quality, proper caulking, paint touch-ups, and that all fixtures and materials are what you specified.

Protecting Yourself Before Final Payment

Create a deficiency list during the walkthrough and have both you and your contractor sign it. Set a reasonable timeline for addressing these items - typically 1-2 weeks for minor issues. Don't make your final payment until all deficiencies are corrected to your satisfaction.

Remember, once you make that final payment and the 60-day holdback period expires, your leverage decreases significantly. Some contractors become less responsive after receiving full payment, so use this walkthrough as your final quality control checkpoint.

Red Flags During Final Walkthrough

Be wary if your contractor pressures you to skip the walkthrough or rushes you through it. Quality contractors welcome thorough inspections because they stand behind their work. If major deficiencies exist or permits haven't received final approval from the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424), don't declare the project substantially complete.

For projects requiring ongoing warranty work or seasonal items (like exterior work completed in winter), document these items separately and establish clear timelines for completion when weather permits.

The final walkthrough is your last chance to ensure everything meets Ottawa building standards and your contract requirements before releasing final payment and starting that crucial 60-day lien period clock.