How do I schedule a building inspection in Ottawa?

To schedule a building inspection in Ottawa, you'll need to contact the City of Ottawa's Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or use their online portal at ottawa.ca/building. Most inspections can be requested 24-48 hours in advance, though busy periods may require longer lead times.

The inspection scheduling process depends on your permit type and project stage. For most residential renovations, you'll need to call or log into the city's online system using your building permit number. The inspection department typically schedules appointments between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM on weekdays. When you call, have your permit number ready along with the specific inspection type you need - whether it's rough-in electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation, or final inspection.

Different renovation stages require different inspections. For bathroom renovations, you'll typically need rough-in inspections after framing and before drywall installation, covering electrical, plumbing, and any structural changes. Kitchen projects often require electrical rough-in and sometimes gas line inspections if you're installing new appliances. Basement finishing projects usually need the most inspections: foundation/footing (if applicable), framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, insulation, and final inspection.

Ottawa-specific timing considerations are important to understand. The city aims to conduct inspections within 1-2 business days of your request, but during peak construction season (April through October), you may need to book 3-4 days ahead. Winter months typically have shorter wait times. Failed inspections require corrections and re-booking, which can add significant time to your project timeline.

Secondary dwelling unit projects require additional inspections beyond standard renovations. These include fire separation inspections, separate entrance compliance, and often multiple stages of review. The city is particularly thorough with ADU inspections since they involve life safety systems and zoning compliance.

Professional tip: Never cover work that requires inspection - this is a common mistake that leads to expensive tear-out and delays. Your contractor should coordinate inspection timing, but as the homeowner, you're ultimately responsible for ensuring inspections happen on schedule. Most experienced contractors in Ottawa build inspection scheduling into their project timeline and will handle this coordination for you.

What to expect during the inspection: The inspector will arrive within the scheduled timeframe and examine the work against the approved plans and Ontario Building Code requirements. They'll either approve the work, approve with minor conditions, or issue a correction notice requiring fixes before re-inspection.

For complex projects or if you're managing your own renovation, consider working with an experienced Ottawa contractor who understands the local inspection process and can ensure your project stays on track with proper scheduling and code compliance.