If you’ve ever wondered how many inspections a home project actually involves—or what, exactly, inspectors are looking for—you’re not alone. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, the inspections you need will depend on the scope of your project.

The list below walks through the inspections you’ll typically encounter during a new build, with notes on which ones may also apply to renovations. Your project may require more or fewer, so use this as a guide rather than a definitive checklist.

Every City has its own requirements. Before your project begins, contact your local building department and get their specific inspection schedule.

1. Footings / Foundation – After the forms for footings and foundations are complete, but prior to placing / pouring of any concrete. A few items may be required to be submitted and within a timeline window.
   Ex. A Structural field review (if involved) submitted 48 hours prior to a spread footing inspection. A Geotechnical and Structural field review and original Forms Survey must be submitted 48 hours prior to the forms/foundation wall inspection.

2. Damp proofing / Drain tile – After the removal of the formwork from a concrete foundation and the installation of the perimeter drain tiles and damp proofing prior to back-filling against foundation. For ICF foundations inspection required for the peel and stick (to manufacturer’s specification).

3. Sewer & Water Service Pipe (Plumbing) – The Sewer and Water Service is the connection from the property line to the foundation. The Sanitary, Storm and Water Service pipe must be installed, bedded, tested and approved prior to pipe being covered. If the pipe is buried prior to inspection, you will be asked to uncover it. If heavy equipment is used to expose the pipe, retesting will be required.

4. Underground Plumbing (Under Slab) – All drainage (DWV - drainage, waste and vent) shall be installed, bedded and tested prior to backfill. Water pipe shall be installed and tested as per the province / state plumbing code requirements before backfill. 

5. Pre-slab Poly (Under Slab) – After the 6 mil (UV rated) poly and rigid insulation is placed over the compacted gravel base of the concrete slab but prior to any concrete being placed / poured for the floor.

6. Rough-In Plumbing (Above Slab) – After all DWV (drainage, waste & vent) shall be installed and tested through the roof. Water distribution pipe shall be installed and tested as per the province / state plumbing code.

7. Sheathing – (Optional inspection) – All windows and exterior door frames are installed. Paper and metal flashing is complete. A Structural Engineer's field review is required to be submitted.

8. Tubs & Showers – All tubs and showers, including valves, shall be installed, approved and tested to the overflow of the fixture. Tubs and showers shall be installed tested and approved prior to a framing inspection (stand-alone / drop- in tubs to be inspected at final plumbing inspection).

9. Framing – After framing and sheathing, fire-blocking, bracing, chimney, duct-work, gas venting, installation of tubs & showers are completed, but before any insulation, lath, or other interior or exterior finish is applied that conceals such work. Fire blocking is required. Fire-resistant drywall is required for fire separation (if applicable). Rigid / isoboard insulation is required behind plumbing pipes (facing the exterior side).
   
   Prior to ordering a framing inspection the following must be submitted: engineer sealed roof truss drawings and engineered sealed TJI floor layout shop drawings (original wet seal documents or electronic digital seal), a Structural field review (framing), a completed plumbing rough-in, a completed electrical rough-in (possible state / provincial forms / documents) and all windows and exterior door frames are installed.
   
   Other items may include: an original, designer stamped Mechanical Ventilation Checklist, a Fire Suppression field review (if applicable), 

10. Insulation / Poly Vapour Barrier – After all insulation and 6 mil polyethylene (UV rated) is installed, (including floor joist-end cavities, crawlspace foundation insulation and attic insulation), but prior to any interior finish or other concealment is applied (aka. drywall). If using spray foam in unvented roofs, a Schedule B and field review are required by either an architect or engineer at framing stage.

11. Solid Fuel Appliance / Fireplace / Chimney – When applicable, factory-built chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances are roughed-in; or in the case of masonry fireplace or chimney construction, when the smoke shelf is complete and the first two (2) flue liners are in place. A WETT Certificate is required.

12. Plumbing Final – All plumbing fixtures (including PRV, Check Valves and other Backflow Devices) are to be installed, tested and approved as per the province / state plumbing code. All testable Backflow Devices must have test report submitted at time of final inspection.

13. Building Final – Prior to ordering a final, the following is typically required to be submitted: a completed Plumbing final, a Schedule C-A (if applicable), all Schedule C-B documents (all Engineer's sign-off), a final inspection Electrical Permit and Gas Permit (if applicable), a Letter of Certification - Septic (if applicable), and a WETT Certificate (wood stove installation certificate).

14. Occupancy is generally not given prior to a final inspection report being issued. Check with your local City and their building bylaws to see if that applies. Penalties are usually imposed.

Inspections can feel like interruptions when you’re eager to keep the project moving, but they’re part of the process. Knowing how many you have for your project and when they're coming up can help you better understand the process. Just think of them as the checkpoints that get you closer to a completed home.