What inspections does the City of Toronto require during a basement renovation?

The City of Toronto requires multiple inspections at key stages throughout a basement renovation, and each inspection must be booked and passed before work can proceed to the next phase — you cannot legally close up walls until the rough-in inspections have been completed and approved. The specific inspections required depend on the scope of your project, but a typical full basement finishing with a bathroom involves four to six separate inspections across different trades.

The first inspection is typically the framing inspection, conducted after all walls are framed, blocking is installed, and any structural modifications (headers, beam pockets, support posts) are complete but before insulation is installed. The inspector verifies that the framing matches the approved permit drawings, checks stud spacing, header sizes, fire blocking between floors, and ensures the layout conforms to Ontario Building Code requirements for room sizes, ceiling heights, and egress.

The insulation and vapour barrier inspection follows the framing inspection. The inspector verifies that insulation meets the minimum R-20 requirement for below-grade walls, checks that the vapour barrier (6-mil polyethylene) is properly installed on the warm side of the insulated walls with all seams sealed, and ensures that the insulation type used against the foundation walls is appropriate (closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam board — never fibreglass batts directly on concrete). This inspection must be passed before drywall can be installed because the insulation and vapour barrier are completely concealed once the drywall goes up.

Electrical inspection is conducted by the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), not the City of Toronto building inspector. Your Licensed Electrical Contractor obtains the ESA permit and books the inspection. The ESA inspector checks all rough-in wiring — circuit routing, box placement, wire sizing, panel connections, GFCI protection in required locations (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, unfinished spaces), AFCI protection on bedroom circuits, and smoke and carbon monoxide detector wiring. This inspection happens at the rough-in stage before drywall, and a final ESA inspection occurs after all devices (switches, outlets, fixtures) are installed.

Plumbing inspection is required if you're adding a basement bathroom, wet bar, or kitchenette. The plumbing inspector checks the rough-in drain, waste, and vent piping before the concrete floor is patched (for below-slab drains) and before walls are closed. A backwater valve inspection may be required separately if you're installing or replacing a backwater valve on the sanitary sewer line. The plumbing inspector verifies pipe sizing, slope, venting, and connections to the existing drain system.

HVAC inspection may be required if your project involves extending ductwork, adding supply and return registers, or modifying the furnace or air conditioning system. The inspector verifies duct sizing, clearances from combustible materials, and proper connection to the existing system.

The final inspection (also called the occupancy inspection) occurs after all work is complete — drywall finished, flooring installed, fixtures in place, painting done. The inspector does a comprehensive review of the entire project, verifying that the finished space matches the approved drawings and that all previous deficiencies have been corrected. Once the final inspection is passed, you receive your completion certificate, which confirms the work was done to code. Keep this document permanently — you'll need it when selling the home.

Book inspections through the City of Toronto's online portal or by calling 311. Inspectors typically provide a 4-hour arrival window, and someone must be present to provide access and answer questions. Your contractor should coordinate all inspections and be present for them.