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Book a building permit inspection

Find out how to prepare for and book a building, plumbing, HVAC and fire permit inspection.

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Building permit inspections are a mandatory part of the approval process for all construction, including new construction, renovation, demolition or change of use projects. Inspections are conducted by City inspectors to ensure all construction work complies with the approved permit documents, Ontario Building Code and all applicable laws.

Prepare for a building inspection

Have your documents ready:

  • Upon receiving your building permit, post the building permit card in a visible location.
  • Review the permit documents, drawings, notes and markups.
  • Address major changes to the original plans. You may need to submit a revision application.
  • Print all permit documents and drawings in the correct format. Copies should be printed in colour at a minimum of 11×17-inch paper.
  • Ensure that you have followed the approved plans and revision indications marked in the drawings.

When to schedule your inspections:

  • Before starting any construction work, book an initial site inspection to learn what types of inspections you’ll need and when.
  • Ensure you have passed the previous inspection before starting the next construction stage. If not, you may need to redo the work.
  • Schedule the inspection before covering up your work with insulation, drywall, gravel, concrete or other construction materials. The inspector needs to be able to see the work.

Check the list of required inspections to see which ones apply to your project.

What to expect on inspection day

Inspections occur Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The inspector will let you know if the work passed at the end of the inspection.

If you pass the permit inspection, you can start the next project stage. If you don’t pass the permit inspection, you’ll need to address the issues identified by the inspector and schedule a follow-up inspection.

Tips to pass your building inspection

Building inspections confirm your work complies with the Ontario Building Code and follows your approved drawings.

Your initial inspection will identify which inspections you need to pass and the order you need to do them in.

The following tips cover the most common inspection issues, not the full list of inspections you may need.

To book a fire inspection, email fire.prevention@mississauga.ca or call 905-896-5908.

How to prepare for a fire separation inspection

Book your fire separation inspection after the framing, sound insulation, plumbing and heating rough-in inspections have all been completed and approved. Drywall has not been installed before completing this inspection.

The City inspector will check:

  • Fire separations are installed to provide the required fire-resistance rating.
  • Fire separations remain continuous at intersections with bulkheads, ductwork, and stairwells.
  • Openings in fire separations are protected with approved closures.
  • Fire-rated doors are installed with permanent labels indicating their fire-resistance rating.
  • Fire-rated doors are equipped with approved self-closing devices, such as self-closing hinges.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your fire separation inspection:

How to prepare for a footing inspection

Book your footing inspection before placing any concrete.

The City inspector will check:

  • Excavation has not been carried below the depth of existing footings to maintain structural stability.
  • Soil conditions are checked to make sure they can safely hold the required load, such as 75 kilopascals (kPa) for typical residential design.
  • A soil engineer’s report is provided confirming the soil’s ability to hold up a structure, where required.
  • All required reinforcement, including reinforcing bar (rebar) dowels between existing and new footings, is installed according to the approved drawings.
  • Formwork is installed according to the approved drawings, with the correct footing width, thickness and location.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your footing inspection:

How to prepare for a framing inspection

Book your framing inspection once all the framing and electrical work is complete. The City inspector will check:

  • Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-in inspections have been completed and passed.
  • Insulation is not installed until inspection has passed.
  • Framing is prepared for firestopping as required.
  • Fire blocks and firestopping are in place within concealed spaces.
  • Ceiling heights, room dimensions and layout and window measurements match those indicated on the approved drawings.
  • Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector rough-ins are complete.
  • New framing above window and door openings and other structural changes match the approved drawings.
  • A gasket approved under the Ontario Building Code is installed to separate wood from the basement floor.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your framing inspection:

How to prepare for a garden suite inspection

For a garden suite not all utilities are governed by the Building Code. For example, gas and electrical work are regulated by their respective utility providers rather than the City. These services still need to be properly arranged and inspected through those providers.

Excavation, footing and backfill inspection

  • Before starting any excavation, be sure to consider the method of excavation, location and to request utility locates.
  • Schedule the footing inspection before any concrete is poured.
  • Ensure that your footings are formed in accordance with the approved drawings, and any required reinforcement and insulation is in place.
  • When the footing inspection is passed and the foundation has been completed and poured, all formwork must be removed.
  • After the formwork is removed, install the damp proofing drainage layer, weeping tile and stone as shown on the approved drawings.
  • Schedule a backfill inspection before starting to cover the footings and foundation with any backfill material.

Insulation requirements

Before placing insulation under the slab or on the foundation walls, confirm that the materials and installation match the approved drawings and energy efficiency requirements.

Water and sanitary servicing considerations

  • Services must be installed below frost depth and approved materials and sizing must be used.
  • If plastic water lines are used, make sure a tracer wire is installed so they can be located easily in the future.
  • Sanitary connections must be properly separated from the water service and include accessible cleanouts where the building drain enters the structure.

Framing inspection

  • Roof framing must follow approved drawings that would include truss or rafter plans with proper bracing and secure nailed connections.
  • Load-bearing walls, lintels and floor systems must meet required structural assembly and support standards.
  • Engineered floor systems must follow manufacturer specifications and reinforcement layouts.
  • Holes, notches and modifications must comply with strict size, location and member restrictions to maintain structural integrity.

Roof ventilation

  • Roof ventilation must have continuous airflow from soffits to roof peak to prevent moisture.
  • Baffles, such as Moore vents, must maintain airflow above insulation. Exhaust vents must be kept away from soffit intake vents.

Site conditions

Site conditions such as stairs and grading may differ from approved drawings and are reviewed during inspection for safety and compliance.

Occupancy permit

  • Occupancy inspections by all disciplines are required to confirm all deficiencies are resolved and the building is safe for occupancy.

  • The inspector will ensure fire and emergency access matches the approved drawings.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your garden suite inspection:

How to prepare for an HVAC rough-in inspection

The inspector will verify that the construction matches the drawings. The City inspector will check:

  • All ductwork is correctly installed and all pipes and vents are visible.
  • Bathroom fans are installed with ducts insulated where required and they terminate at the exterior of the building.
  • All ducts are the correct size and material and do not terminate at the soffit.
  • The kitchen hood fan exhaust duct is at least 6 inches in diameter, is made of smooth, corrosion-resistant material and vents directly outside.
  • Supply layout matches the approved drawings.
  • Each residential unit has a dedicated return air register in the specified locations as shown on the drawings.

Laundry area

  • The exhaust duct for the dryer is made of smooth, corrosion-resistant material.
  • The duct discharges directly and independently to the outdoors.

Secondary unit

  • Installation of a duct-type smoke detector on your furnace if required and indicated by your approved drawings.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your rough-in HVAC inspection:

How to prepare for a plumbing inspection

Book your inside drain inspection once the plumbing below the slab has been installed. Book your plumbing rough-in inspection once the plumbing has been installed between the studs, in the attic and in the above grade floor system. This inspection must be booked before your framing inspection.

Do not cover pipes with concrete or drywall or any other materials before they are inspected. Make sure the inspector has clear access to the plumbing that will be inspected.

The City inspector will check:

Inside drain inspection

  • Underground plumbing must be exposed for inspection. Gravel or concrete should never be placed over the drains until the inspection has passed.
  • All fixtures and traps are properly vented. Vents must be connected after the trap and tie into the vent or stack vent at a level that is higher than the fixture it is serving.
  • Washing machine has a proper vertical standpipe at least 24 inches high, using the required 2-inch pipe size.

Plumbing rough-in inspection:

  • All drains, vents and potable water piping is properly secured and protected.
  • Pipes that penetrate wood studs or top plates are protected with steel plates.
  • Columns or beams should not be cut or drilled through. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult an engineer.

Secondary units

  • Potable water lines are installed with proper suite separation.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your inside drain and rough-in inspection:

How to prepare for a thermal insulation and vapour barrier inspection

Book your thermal insulation and vapour barrier inspection after the framing inspection has been completed and approved. Do not install drywall before completing this inspection.

The inspector will check:

  • The energy efficiency design summary is reviewed to confirm required thermal insulation values (R-values).
  • Framing inspection has been completed and approved, and drywall has not been installed prior to this inspection.
  • Thermal insulation is installed in accordance with the approved energy efficiency design summary, including correct type and thickness.
  • Insulation requirements are maintained where exterior modifications, such as windows, doors and new entrances, have been made.
  • Converted spaces, like cold rooms or unconditioned areas, meet minimum requirements for insulation (R-values) and headroom.
  • Exterior walls are insulated with the correct products and R-values, with insulation markings visible for inspection.
  • Continuous insulation (CI), where specified, is installed without interruption to maintain a continuous thermal barrier.
  • Vapour barrier is installed on the interior side of insulation and sealed to prevent air leakage.
  • Vapour barrier seams are overlapped a minimum of 100 millimetres or sealed with approved tape or sealant.
  • Vapour barrier is continuous and sealed at all intersections with walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for thermal insulation and vapour barrier inspection:

 

How to prepare for a final building inspection

You can book your final building inspection once:

  • Work is complete in accordance with the approved drawings, including any authorized revisions.
  • Previously identified deficiencies have been addressed.
  • All required building, plumbing, and mechanical final inspections are ready to be completed.

The City inspector will check:

  • Both interior and exterior construction are complete, including smoke alarms, CO detectors, required gas proofing, grading and caulking.
  • Guards and handrails are installed where required, securely fastened, and meet applicable height and continuity requirements.
  • Guards do not permit the passage of a 100 millimetre (4 inch) sphere.
  • All required egress windows and window wells are installed, operational, and meet minimum size and clearance requirements.

Fire separations final inspection

  • Fire separations are complete, including required drywall installation, and all joints, fasteners and penetrations are properly finished.
  • Fire separations are continuous and constructed in accordance with the approved drawings, with no unprotected openings or gaps.

All required doors, including fire-rated doors, are installed, operational and equipped with self-closing devices where required.

HVAC final inspection

  • Mechanical systems are installed in accordance with approved drawings.
  • HVAC equipment is properly sized and includes completed ductwork, installed grilles, exterior terminations and thermostats.
  • Heating and hot water systems are operational and functioning.
  • Where required, in-duct smoke detectors are installed and operational for shared systems.

Thermal insulation and vapour barrier final inspection

Attic insulation is installed as per approved drawings, and the insulation card identifying R-value and product is completed and accessible.

Plumbing final inspection

  • Plumbing fixtures are installed and operational, with correct hot (left) and cold water (right) orientation, no visible leaks, and traps in place.
  • Sump pumps are installed with secure covers, and hose bibs include accessible shutoffs and vacuum breakers.
  • Backwater valves, cleanouts and access covers are installed, visible and remain accessible.
  • Hot water tank is installed and operational.

For more tips, watch our video on getting ready for your final building inspection:

Book your inspection

Once you are ready for inspection, use the building permit application number and WEB ID found on your building permit notice to book.

Book an inspection

 

After the inspection

You can keep track of the status of your permit inspections online. The status of the permit inspection will show as “pass” if it is approved.

Once all required inspections have passed and the permit is closed, the status will be updated to “completed – all inspections signed off” online. You can search for the status of a permit using the property information tool.

Order an occupancy permit

Before a new home can be occupied, it must pass the occupancy inspection done by building, plumbing and HVAC inspectors. If it has passed all inspections and you want to get an occupancy permit, submit a service request and include your name, address and application number.

You can only get an occupancy permit for a new home if you applied for the building permit in 2012 or later.

Report work being done without a building permit

If you suspect work is being done without a building permit, check the property information tool to confirm if it was issued. If there is no building permit, call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) to report it.

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