Building Inspection Application Process

Evaluate the stage of your construction and the associated inspections that are required. Refer to the list of required inspections provided with your building permit. 

All prerequisite inspections must be passed before proceeding to the next inspection stage.

Ensure the work completed fulfills the requirements of the relevant stage but do not cover or enclose the work so that it cannot be inspected. If the work cannot be inspected you will be required to uncover the work.

For more information about building inspections please call 905-338-4220.

Depending upon the project, inspections for residential buildings may include the following list. Refer to the list provided with your building permit and do not proceed to the next stage without an inspector’s clearance.

• Excavation/footing forms (prior to pouring concrete)
• Sanitary and storm sewers
• Water service
• Pre-backfill (Site survey including top of foundation elevation to be submitted prior to inspection for new construction)
• Sanitary drains
• HVAC rough-in
• Rough-in waste and vents
• Water distribution piping only
• Framing (house must be weather-tight prior to inspection i.e. exterior cladding or wrapped with membrane)
• Completion of fire separations
• Masonry for wood burning fireplace rough-in (if applicable)
• Basement ductwork
• Appliance rough-in
• Insulation / vapour barrier
• HVAC final (prior to occupancy)
• Plumbing final (prior to occupancy)
• Final interior and exterior safety (prior to occupancy)
• Final exterior (to be completed within six months)

Inspections are conducted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. All inspections will be conducted onsite, unless a virtual inspection is pre-approved by the inspector in certain circumstances.

It is the responsibility of the property owner and the contractor to ensure the jobsite is safe.

What to expect

• The building inspector attends the site and conducts an in-person inspection.
• All applicable safety measures will be taken, i.e. physical distancing and use of masks.
• Only one site contact should attend to accompany the building inspector.

How to prepare

• Ensure safe and full access to the site and area to be inspected, no closed gates, lock boxes or animals.
• Ensure the contractor or site supervisor will be present for the inspection.
• Ensure building permit and approved drawings are readily available.

An inspector will be visiting your site between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

During the inspection

The inspector will:

• Arrive to the site and introduce themselves
• Request to view the building permit and stamped drawings
• Conduct the inspection and communicate deficiencies, if applicable
• Indicate if the inspection passed or did not pass
• Provide instruction on which inspection to book next

After the inspection the contractor or site supervisor will:

• Address any deficiencies or proceed with work as directed by the inspector
• Prepare for the next inspection and when ready, place request for inspection

Failed inspections

If required inspections are not passed, the property owner is held responsible. Ensure your contractor/authorized agent obtains the required inspections by asking them to provide you with documentation verifying the required construction stages have been inspected and passed.

Missed inspections

Inspection stages that are missed may result in orders to comply and possibly legal action. Obtaining the inspector’s approval at each required construction stage keeps your project on track, which saves you time and money. The required stages to be inspected are provided with your building permit. If work has been covered over without inspections, it will need to be uncovered before construction of the project can continue.