We invite you to find out when building inspections are required and request an appointment. On this page you can:

  1. Find out when inspections are required
  2. Check inspection fees
  3. Contact an inspector

Find out when inspections are required

Inspections are required throughout the construction process. The type of inspection varies depending on the stage of construction and scope of the project.

One and two family homes

Single detached homes, semi-detached homes, duplexes would require an inspection at the following stages.

Find out how to contact an inspector when ready.

Building inspections

Building inspections are required at the following stages of construction for new detached homes.

  1. Excavation prior to constructing foundation.
  2. Completion of foundation prior to backfilling.
  3. Soil gas barrier/ground insulation prior to placing floor slab.
  4. Completion of structural framing and mechanical ductwork.
  5. Completion of insulation.
  6. Completion of air/vapour barrier systems prior to finishing.
  7. Rough-in of wood burning appliances and chimneys.
  8. Readiness for occupancy.
  9. Final inspection

Plumbing inspections

Plumbing inspections are required at the following stages of construction for new detached homes.

  1. Completion of the sewage system prior to backfilling.
  2. Readiness for inspection and testing of
    • Building sewers and building drains
    • Water service pipes
    • Drainage and venting systems
    • Water Distribution system
    • Plumbing fixtures and appliances
    • In-floor heating systems
  3. Readiness for occupancy
  4. Final inspection

Download information sheet

Download new detached homes information sheet

Small residential projects

A single final inspection is typically required for small residential projects.

Find out how to contact an inspector when ready.

Accessory buildings

An inspection is required for the site prep and layout of the proposed building prior to construction and when the building is structurally complete. The scope of work for completion includes wall and roof framing, installation of doors and windows and application of finishes for the exterior and roof.  

Decks

An inspection is required after the deck is structurally complete, including all handrails and guards/guardrails.

Pool fences

An inspection is required when the fence and gates have been built and the pool is assembled onsite.

Note: the pool cannot be filled with water until the inspection is complete and approved.

Solid fuel burning appliances

Three inspections are required, including the chimney chase inspection (framing/insulation/vapour barrier must be inspected before covering), the appliance and chimney rough-in (components must be visible), and a final inspection.

Sump systems

An inspection is required prior to backfilling the discharge line and drywell when the sump pit and pump are installed.

Download information sheet

Download small residential projects information sheet

Commercial projects 

Any building or project that does not fall under the above two categories would meet the requirements for a commercial inspection.

Multi-unit Residential

Any residential building with more than two units belongs to this category. This includes new buildings, renovations or additions to this building type.

Common examples include triplexes, fourplexes, sixplexes, boarding houses, townhomes, lodges, large apartments, condos and hotels.

Small Commercial

Any building that is three storeys or less in height, with a building area not more than 600m2 (6458 sq.ft.) and is used for business, personal services, low or medium-hazard storage, production or manufacturing may belong to this category.

Common examples include banks, offices, hair salons and spas, clinics, retail stores and shops. 

Change of Use

Any conversion of building use would require a commercial inspection. Common examples are one or two dwelling unit to multi-unit conversion and conversion to offices, spas, salons, group/care homes, or daycare.

Building Systems

Any upgrades to an existing system or addition of a new system would require a commercial inspection. This includes upgrades to:

  1. Fire Alarm System
  2. Roof replacement
  3. HVAC upgrades
  4. Plumbing System
  5. Structural System

Large Commercial Buildings

Any building larger than three storeys in height, with a building area more than 600m2 (6458 sq.ft.) or used for assembly, care or high hazard storage, production or manufacturing belongs to this category.This includes new buildings, renovations or additions to this building type.

Common examples include hospitals, schools, daycare centres, gymnasia, restaurants, clubs and churches.

Find out how to contact an inspector when ready for inspection.

Building inspections

Inspections are required at the following stages of construction for a commercial building or a large project.

  1. Excavation prior to constructing foundation and footings.
  2. Completion of foundation and footings prior to backfilling.
  3. Soil gas barrier/ground insulation prior to placing floor slab.
  4. Completion of structural framing and mechanical ductwork.
  5. Completion of insulation.
  6. Completion of air/vapour barrier systems prior to finishing.
  7. Completion of all required fire separations and closures.
  8. Completion of all fire protection systems (fire alarm, emergency lighting).
  9. Completion of fire access routes.
  10. Rough-in of wood burning appliances and chimneys.
  11. Readiness for occupancy.
  12. Final inspection

Plumbing inspections

Plumbing inspections are required at the following stages of construction for new detached homes.

  1. Completion of the sewage system prior to backfilling.
  2. Completion of plumbing system installation not located in a structure prior to backfilling.
  3. Readiness for inspection and testing of
    • Building sewers and building drains
    • Water service pipes
    • Fire service mains
    • Drainage and venting systems
    • Water Distribution system
    • Plumbing fixtures and appliances
    • In-floor heating systems
  4. Completion of all wet fire protection systems (standpipe, sprinkler).
  5. Readiness for inspection of suction and gravity outlets, covers, piping outlets and circulation or recirculation system of an outdoor pool.
  6. Readiness for occupancy
  7. Final inspection

Download information sheet

Download commercial and other projects information sheet
 Designated Structures 
 

Any designated structures would require a commercial building inspection. These include:

  1. Retaining wall more than 1m high catering to the public.
  2. Signs regulated by 3.15, of Div B, not structurally supported by a building.
  3. Demountable stages and support structures.
  4. Outdoor pool with a depth greater 3.5m at any point.
  5. Pedestrian bridge belonging to a building.
  6. Solar Collectors (including solar panels)

Find out how to contact an inspector when ready for inspection.

Building inspections

Inspections are required at the following stages of construction for a commercial building or a large project.

  1. Excavation prior to constructing foundation and footings.
  2. Completion of foundation and footings prior to backfilling.
  3. Soil gas barrier/ground insulation prior to placing floor slab.
  4. Completion of structural framing and mechanical ductwork.
  5. Completion of insulation.
  6. Completion of air/vapour barrier systems prior to finishing.
  7. Completion of all required fire separations and closures.
  8. Completion of all fire protection systems (fire alarm, emergency lighting).
  9. Completion of fire access routes.
  10. Rough-in of wood burning appliances and chimneys.
  11. Readiness for occupancy.
  12. Final inspection

Download information sheet

Download Designated Structure information sheet
 Temporary Structures and Greenhouses

Any tent or group of tents over 60 m2 and temporary greenhouses would require a commercial building inspection.

Any tent that is over 225m2 would require a general review by a professional engineer. 

Find out how to contact an inspector when ready for inspection.

Building inspections

Inspections are required at the following stages of construction for a commercial building or a large project.

  1. Excavation prior to constructing foundation and footings.
  2. Completion of foundation and footings prior to backfilling.
  3. Soil gas barrier/ground insulation prior to placing floor slab.
  4. Completion of structural framing and mechanical ductwork.
  5. Completion of insulation.
  6. Completion of air/vapour barrier systems prior to finishing.
  7. Completion of all required fire separations and closures.
  8. Completion of all fire protection systems (fire alarm, emergency lighting).
  9. Completion of fire access routes.
  10. Rough-in of wood burning appliances and chimneys.
  11. Readiness for occupancy.
  12. Final inspection

Download information sheet

Download Temporary Structure information sheet

Check inspection fees

Fees for building and plumbing inspections are included as part of the Building Permit fees. The current fee schedule provides a list of the current Building Permit fees, along with any additional fees for additional inspections.

Contact an inspector

Building and Plumbing Inspectors provide inspection services Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please contact the inspector you require, dependent on the location of the inspection. Inspectors will reply to your request as soon as possible, and book your project in for an inspection based on availability and location. Senior inspectors provide inspections for large building projects, and Supervisors are available to respond to inspection issues. Call 807-625-2574 or use an email below.

North side inspector

South side inspector

Senior inspector

North Side Plumbing inspector

South Side Plumbing inspector

Backflow inspector

Inspection supervisor

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