Inspections
How to request a building inspection.
Building inspections are required at various stages of construction under the Ontario Building Code to ensure all construction is done in accordance with approved plans. An inspector will visit your site and confirm that the minimum requirements of the Ontario Building Code have been satisfied and the building is safe to occupy.
Most renovation, construction or demolition projects require a building permit before construction can start.
It is illegal to start construction before receiving your building permit.
You’re ready to request an inspection if you have a building permit and construction has begun.
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 (see examples below). 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.
Examples of work requiring an inspection
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)
Required information
- Permit number
- Property address (street name, unit number)
- Company name (if applicable)
- Site contact information (name, phone number and email address)
- Indicate if the building is occupied
- Stage of construction or type of inspection required
Construction should not continue beyond the required inspection stage until it has been inspected by a town inspector and authorization to continue has been given.
Preparing for inspections
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.
Submit your request online
You can now make inspection requests online. If it is your first time, select Sign In and then sign up to create an account.
Submit your request online before 6 p.m. and it will be booked for the next business day, with the exception of statutory holidays.
Requests received online after 6 p.m. will be booked for the day after the next business day.
Requesting an inspection for a permit older than 2017
Phone 905-338-4220 or email buildinginspectionrequest@oakville.ca.
Requests for inspections received by 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday will be booked for the next business day, with the exception of statutory holidays.
Requests received after 3:30 p.m. will be booked for the day after the next business day.
Inspections cannot be booked directly through the area Inspector.
On the day of your inspection
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.
Selling/refinancing buildings with outstanding inspections
Open permits that have not been signed-off due to outstanding inspections, may delay the re-financing or closing of the sale of your home/building.
Occupancy permits
Prior to occupying the new construction space, final inspections need to be passed and an occupancy permit needs to be issued. Before making the final payment to your contractor, confirm that the final inspections have been passed and an occupancy permit has been obtained. It is generally more difficult to have a contractor return if final payment has been received. In addition, accidents as a result of incomplete construction may not be covered under your insurance policy.