Before a new building, addition or renovated space can be occupied, the local authority usually has to be satisfied that the work meets the building code and the approved permit. We inspect the building ahead of that final review, find the deficiencies that commonly hold up occupancy, and help you close them out so the official inspection goes smoothly.
Where we fit in the process
The certificate of occupancy, occupancy permit or final occupancy approval is issued by the authority having jurisdiction, which is usually the municipality. The name and the steps differ between provinces and between cities, and only the authority can grant it. Our role is independent preparation: we look at the building the way a final inspector will, tell you what is likely to be flagged, and help you fix it before the inspector arrives.
That is useful because a failed final inspection can mean a re-booking, a delayed move-in and tenants or buyers waiting. Finding a missing fire separation, a blocked exit or a missing guard a week early is far cheaper than finding it on the day.
What we look at
- Exits and egress: exit routes, door hardware and swing, stair and ramp details, guards and handrails, and exit signage.
- Fire separations: rated walls and floors, firestopping at penetrations, fire doors and closers, and dampers where they can be seen.
- Life safety systems: presence and condition of fire alarm devices, sprinklers, emergency lighting and extinguishers, and whether verification and testing documents are in hand.
- Mechanical and plumbing: ventilation, exhaust, heating, backflow prevention and fixtures, compared with the approved drawings.
- Electrical: panels, labelling, visible wiring, receptacles and emergency power, and whether electrical permits have been closed.
- Accessibility: accessible routes, entrances, washrooms and signage where required.
- Documentation: permits, inspection records, letters of assurance, test reports and other papers the authority is likely to ask for.
How it works
- Review the permit and drawings. We start with the approved permit set, any conditions on it, and the inspections already completed.
- Pre-occupancy walkthrough. We inspect the building room by room against the drawings and the requirements that commonly cause failed finals.
- Deficiency list. You receive a list of items to correct, each with a location, photograph and the reason it matters.
- Coordinate corrections. We work with your contractor and trades to clarify what is needed, and we track items to close.
- Re-check. We verify the corrections and confirm the documents are assembled before you book the authority's inspection.
- Final inspection support. If you want, we attend the authority's inspection and help resolve any remaining items afterward.
What you get
- A clear, prioritized deficiency list before the official inspection
- A checklist of the documents the authority is likely to request
- Follow-up verification of corrected items
- Notes on systems that need tests or verifications by licensed contractors, such as fire alarm verification
Deficiencies that commonly hold up occupancy
Every project is different, but the same kinds of items come up again and again at final inspections. Most are small and quick to fix if someone notices them in time.
| Item | Why it gets flagged |
|---|---|
| Unsealed penetrations in rated walls and floors | Pipes, conduit and cable added late in the job pass through fire separations without firestopping |
| Fire doors that don't close and latch | Closers not adjusted, hardware swapped, or doors held open with wedges |
| Missing or loose guards and handrails | Installed last, or left out where a change in level was added during construction |
| Exit signs and emergency lights not working | Batteries not charged, circuits not connected, or fixtures moved during finishing |
| Panels without directories | Circuits changed during the build and labelling never caught up |
| Missing paperwork | Verification reports, letters of assurance or test certificates not collected from trades |
What to have ready
The walkthrough is faster and the deficiency list more useful when we can compare the building with the paper trail. Before the visit, gather:
- The approved permit drawings, including any revisions and conditions
- Records of the inspections already passed and any open deficiency notices
- Fire alarm, sprinkler and emergency lighting test or verification reports received so far
- Electrical, plumbing and gas permit status from your trades
- Any professional letters of assurance or field review reports the authority requires
A typical case
A tenant improvement on the second floor of an office building is a few weeks from its planned move-in. The walkthrough finds a new corridor wall where several data cables pass through without firestopping, a fire door that no longer latches after new hardware was installed, and a server room with no directory on its new panel. The fire alarm verification report has not yet been issued because two relocated devices still need testing by the alarm contractor. The deficiency list goes to the general contractor with photographs and locations. Trades close the items over the following week, the re-check confirms them, and the final inspection is booked once the verification report is in hand.
Mandated inspections still apply. Our inspection does not replace the authority's final inspection or any required verifications, such as fire alarm verification, sprinkler acceptance testing or elevator acceptance inspections. These are done by the authority, designated inspectors or licensed contractors. We help you get ready for them and follow up on what they find.
Who it's for
- Developers and general contractors approaching substantial completion
- Owners and tenants finishing a tenant improvement or change of use
- Property managers taking over a newly completed building
- Owners who have had a failed final inspection and need a plan to fix it
Learn more before you book
Read what a certificate of occupancy is and how occupancy permits differ from building permits. If your project also needs commissioning, our guide to commissioning a new building explains how the two fit together. To discuss your project, call 1-833-888-0091 or email contact@ehzee.ca.
Common questions
Can you issue the certificate of occupancy?
No. Only the authority having jurisdiction, usually the municipality, can issue occupancy approval. We prepare you for that inspection and help resolve deficiencies.
When should we book a pre-occupancy inspection?
Early enough that there is time to fix what we find. For most projects that means while trades are still on site and finishing, rather than the day before the final inspection.
Does this help with a failed final inspection?
Yes. We can review the authority's deficiency notice, check the items on site, and help your contractor plan the corrections and the documents needed for a re-inspection.