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

We are launching a centralized call number for building inspections! Have a building permit and need a building inspection? Call us at 905-546-2424 ext. 7777

The City of Hamilton is making it more convenient for those who are renovating or making structural buildings changes to obtain a building inspection.

Now, if you have a building permit, you can use their new, centralized call number to start the process of obtaining a building inspection. No more following up with individual inspectors to book an appointment or to find out the status of your appointment request.

Customers can now call us at 905-546-2424, ext. 7777. 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.

Advantages of the centralized call number

Convenient

  • A file will be created so you can track your appointment and status.
  • No need to call an inspector directly.

Business friendly

  • One call does it all during regular business hours.

Efficient

  • Your account is available to you during business hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 
  • Database files are easily accessed by multiple staff. You can get the most up to date information on your appointment and inspection status.

Building permits and inspections

Property owners and contractors can start construction once their Building Permit is approved and paid for. 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.

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.

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 uncovered.  You must have your Building Permits and the approved construction drawings on site for each inspection.

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

  • Commencement of construction or demolition
  • Readiness to construct the footings
  • Substantial completion of footings and foundations (ex., drainage layer and weeping tile with adequate stone cover ; first storey decking or lateral support of foundation walls must be in place prior to backfilling).
  • Plumbing and drainage work, including the substantial completion of:
    • outside water supply, sanitary and storm sewer connections
    • interior underground sanitary and storm drains
    • rough-in of interior water distribution pipes and drain, waste and vent piping
    • finished plumbing systems, including all traps and cleanouts
  • Substantial completion of structural framing
  • Substantial completion of rough-in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and air-contamination extraction equipment
  • Installation of building drains and building storm drains
  • Substantial completion of insulation and vapour barriers
  • Substantial completion of air barriers
  • When applicable, commencement of construction or installation of:
    • masonry fireplaces and chimneys
    • factory built fireplaces using solid fuel and chimneys
    • solid fuel burning appliances (wood stoves) and chimneys
  • Substantial completion of interior fire separations and fire protection systems
  • Occupancy
  • Final inspection

To schedule an inspection, you can call us at 905-546-2424 ext. 7777. 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. You will no longer be contacting an inspector directly.

Customers can also call the new dedicated number to:

  • 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

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 have to pay additional fees.