Building & Renovating

Building Inspections

COVID-19: FAQ for Development Approvals

As the COVID-19 situation in Hamilton continues to evolve, these Frequently Asked Questions for Development Approvals will be regularly updated as circumstances change to provide residents and developers with current information.

Promotion for the new centralized call number for building inspections 905-546-2424 ext. 7777

Property owners and contractors can start construction once their Building Permit is approved. Holding a Building Permit and completing building inspections ensures construction meets the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable laws. 

The Building Permit holder is responsible for:

  • calling to arrange inspections at the required inspection stages
  • ensuring construction meets the Ontario Building Code

Contractors can also schedule building inspections on the permit holder’s behalf. Make sure you set up your inspections on time to avoid delays.

One Call Does It All!

Call us at 905-546-2424 ext 7777 to: 

  • schedule inspections
  • inquire about your building permit
  • speak with a building inspector about your project
  • file complaints about construction without a building permit
  • file a notice of a potentially unsafe building
  • ask any questions regarding the inspection process or issued permits

You can schedule a building inspection during our business hours:  8:30 am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. To schedule an inspection, call 905-546-2424 x 7777, or email [email protected]. Staff will ask you a few questions and take down your information which will be logged into a database. An appointment will be set up and a file created so your request will be tracked for your convenience.  

Call before 3 pm to book your inspection for the following working day.

Staff will ask you a few questions, please be ready to provide:

  • Your contact information (name and phone number)
  • Building permit number
  • Property address

Do you need to cancel an inspection? Contact us as soon as possible. If work is not ready and you do not cancel a scheduled inspection before the building inspector arrives, you may be subject to additional fees.

Inspections at key stages of construction are conducted to make sure the construction has proceeded as planned and in accordance with the approved permit drawings, Ontario Building Code regulations and other relevant municipal by-laws. These inspections are mandatory and legislated by the Ontario Building Code.

Failure to get an inspection at the proper stages may require you to uncover work that was completed. Schedule your inspections as work progresses to reduce extra costs or delays to your project.

When conducting inspections, building inspectors must be able to see the work that is being inspected. If you have covered anything that needs to be inspected, it may be required, to be uncovered. You must have your Building Permits posted on site and the approved construction drawings on site for each inspection. You can book more than one inspection at a time.

For most projects, you will need to schedule inspections for one or more of these required inspection stages:

Type of Inspection Call for Inspection once..
Prior to pouring footings Footings, column pads, slabs are formed, prior to pouring concrete.
Prior to backfilling foundation excavations Drainage layer, weeping tile, and stone installed, prior to backfilling.
Building Sewer and Water installation, prior to backfill Required drainage storm and sanitary sewer lines installed, proper slope/fall, required cleanouts installed, prior to backfilling.
Building Drains All underground plumbing and sewage systems are installed and ready for test, and prior to backfill.
HVAC Rough in Completion of HVAC rough in, supply, return air and plenums.
Plumbing Rough in Completion of above ground plumbing rough in, required to air/water test system.
Framing Completion of framing, HVAC rough in, and plumbing rough in, prior to installing insulation & vapour barrier.
Insulation, Vapour Barrier & Air Barrier Installation of insulation, vapour barrier and air barrier system, prior to installing interior finishes including drywall.
Fire Stopping of Penetrations through Fire Separations Completion of fire stopping, and smoke seals for penetrations through required fire separations.
Fire Separations Installation of sound insulation, completion of one side of fire separation/shaft wall system, completion of fire separation or fire wall.

When applicable, commencement of construction or installation of:

  • Masonry fireplaces & chimneys
  • Factory built fireplaces using solid fuel and chimneys
  • Solid fuel burning appliances (wood stoves) and chimneys
 Prior to installation and after completion.
Installation of Sewage Systems Prior to backfilling with required fill, bed pipes installed.
Sewage System Drainage Bed Pipe Layout Prior to backfilling.
Sewage System Tank Installation Prior to backfilling.
Life Safety Components Completion & Verification of the fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe and emergency lighting systems.
Occupancy  Contact your building inspector to clarify which occupancy requirements apply to your project.
Final – Completion of the Building Permit** Completion of work under the approved building permit and OBC requirements.

**Grading must be complete prior to final inspection. The process to complete the final grading inspection shall be to submit the final grading certificate from the consultant, along with the OBC Review and Admin Form (PDF, 112 KB). The form is submitted to provide updated mailing information for the payor of the fee in order to expedite the release of any deposit.

If you are unsure if you require an inspection or not, call the inspection request line 905-546-2424 ext. 7777 and request to speak to your building inspector to discuss the inspection procedures for your specific project.