Housing inspections

Once a permit is issued, a housing inspection is the next step. An inspection is a mandatory audit conducted by a City of Winnipeg housing inspector. Inspections determine if the project follows applicable codes, standards, bylaws, and approved plans.

Homeowners are responsible to ensure:

  • the work under the permit is inspected by a City inspector at the required stages of construction
  • any defects identified by the inspector are corrected and arrange for re-inspection
  • the inspection process has been satisfied and the permit is closed

When you need an inspection

All projects that need a permit also need an inspection. Projects include:

  • new building construction
  • additions
  • renovations/alterations
  • accessory structures
  • change of use
  • plumbing work
  • electrical work

In all cases, the homeowner and permit applicant share responsibility for coordinating and setting up housing inspections.

For more information about required inspections, see mandatory audit inspections by permit type.

Note: The City does not inspect propane or natural gas equipment, piping or utility installations.

 

Schedule a housing inspection

Homeowners or contractors can schedule a housing inspection.

Before scheduling, review housing inspection availability.

Housing Inspection Request Form

Can't apply online?

Call housing inspections at 204-986-5300 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

 

Mandatory audit inspections by permit type

Once a permit is issued, inspections are needed at certain stages to audit the status of the project.

Refer to the table and definitions for mandatory audit inspections that are required for your project.

Mandatory audit inspections by permit type
Figure 1 - Mandatory audit inspections by permit type

✔* = if applicable to your installation
✔** = preserved wood foundations only

Some final inspections may be required at rough-in where the work is not concealed.

Minimum inspections required. Additional inspections may be required depending on the scope of work.

All-trades (multidiscipline)

Roofing membrane (shingles) is in place; windows and doors are installed and lockable; structural, framing, rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC are complete.

Bonding (pool & spa related)

All pool, tub, spa operational equipment, metal components and all reinforcing steel to be encased in concrete or concealed underground has been bonded back to the distribution panel.

Electrical service

When the new electrical service and distribution panel is ready to be hooked up by Manitoba Hydro. Hydro will not energize a new service without the City's approval.

Final

All work is complete under all permits related to the work being done. Project is ready for occupancy and/or use.

Pipe & pit

Sump pit and all interior foundation drainage lines are installed and adequately sloped to the sump pit.

All domestic wastewater (sewer) lines that are to be located below the basement floor slab are complete and adequately sloped.

Pre-backfill

  • Demolition-related
    All building and foundation materials resulting from the demolition have been removed from the excavation and the site, and before any backfill material is placed in the excavation.
  • Foundation-related
    All work that will be underground has been completed and before any backfill material is placed in the excavation.

Pre-boarding

Insulation and air/vapour barrier are complete and sealed.

Rough-in

Prior to covering any structural, framing, HVAC, electrical and/or plumbing work performed under the permit that will be concealed by finishing materials.

Trench

Prior to covering any underground electrical work performed under the permit.

Permit types with mandatory audit inspections listed below:

  • Construct new
    • Pre-backfill (for preserved wood foundations only)
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Electrical service
    • Pre-boarding
    • Pipe and pit
    • Final
  • Exterior alteration
    • Rough-in
    • Final
  • Structural/interior alteration
    • Rough-in
    • Pre-boarding (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final (if applicable to your installation)
  • Interior & exterior alteration
    • Rough-in
    • Pre-boarding (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Fire repair
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Pre-boarding (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Foundation repair
    • Pre-backfill (for preserved wood foundations only)
    • Rough-in
  • Detached secondary suite
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Electrical service
    • Pre-boarding
    • Pipe and pit
    • Final
  • Attached secondary suite
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Electrical service (if applicable to your installation)
    • Pre-boarding
    • Pipe and pit (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Construct addition
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Pre-boarding
    • Pipe and pit (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Basement/lower level development
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Pre-boarding
    • Pipe and pit (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Detached garage/carport/shed/gazebo
    • Rough-in
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Electrical service (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Deck
    • Rough-in
    • Final
  • Flood proofing
    • Rough-in
    • Pipe and pit
    • Final
  • Demolish house (partial or complete)
    • Pre-backfill
    • Final
  • Demolish accessory structure
    • Pre-backfill (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Stand-alone plumbing permit
    • Rough-in
    • Pipe and pit (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Stand-alone electrical permit
    • Rough-in
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Change of use
    • All-trades/rough-in
    • Electrical service (if applicable to your installation)
    • Pre-boarding (if applicable to your installation)
    • Pipe and pit (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final
  • Electrical service
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Electrical service
  • Install solid fuel burning appliance
    • Final
  • Outdoor pool (above ground and in ground)
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Bonding
    • Final
  • Hot tub/spa
    • Trench (if applicable to your installation)
    • Bonding (if applicable to your installation)
    • Final

 

Preparing for an inspection

City inspections conduct mandatory audit inspections to confirm compliance with applicable codes, standards, bylaws and approved plans.

Review your project. Make sure:

  • the construction project stage is complete.
  • any defects are addressed because if defects are found during an inspection, more inspections may be needed, and additional fees may be applied.
  • the project has not deviated from the permit description and City-approved drawings.
    • If you need to revise the permit, email ppd-permit@winnipeg.ca or phone 204-986-5140 before scheduling an inspection.
    • If you need to revise City-approved drawings, email ppd-hpx@winnipeg.ca before scheduling an inspection.
  • a complete set of City-stamped plans are on-site at all times during construction. This may include:
    • City-stamped construction drawings with the red Plan Examination stamp - 11 in. x 17 in. recommended (stamped drawings are emailed to the permit applicant when a permit is issued)
      Red plan examination stamp
      Red plan examination stamp
    • Prefabricated roof truss layout and individual truss drawings
    • Floor layout and engineered drawings
    • Engineered repair details
    • Manufacturer's installation instructions for specialized equipment
  • street signage and property address are visible. Temporary signage is allowed.
  • unoccupied and secured buildings are accessible to the inspector upon arrival.
  • a safe jobsite with unobstructed access is provided to the building or area of the building under construction per Workplace Safety and Health Manitoba, including:
    • Suitable ramps or ladders may be needed to provide safe access to areas such as basements or change in elevation greater than 300 mm (12 in.).
    • Excess ground water in basements and crawlspaces is sufficiently removed.
    • Guards are provided at stair openings and balconies.
    • Spray foam/lacquer applications are done at least 24 hours before a scheduled inspection. Proper signage must be displayed at each entrance to the building noting the date and time a spray foam was applied.

 

Extra inspections fees

Once a permit has been issued, extra fees may be charged.

Inspections are part of the permit process and are included in the permit fee. Inspections for excessive and/or reoccurring defects may be subject to extra inspection fees. It is important that work at each stage is complete before scheduling an inspection. Your permit will not be closed until the work has passed all required inspections.

  • Inspection limits
    Permit holders are encouraged to coordinate inspections and perform defect-free work. Extra inspections will be charged extra fees. Refer to the Planning, Development and Building Fees and Charges schedule for more information.

  • Combining inspections on a project basis
    For projects with many permits (building, plumbing, electrical), permit holders should combine project inspection site visits. You can request multidiscipline inspections rather than separate inspections for each discipline.

  • Work not started
    Permits expire if the work has not started within six months of permit issuance. A fee is applied if the permit holder does not:
    • contact the Inspections Branch to confirm that work has started within six months.
    • contact for at least one required inspection before six months after permit issuance.
    • request an extension of time before the six-month expiry date.
  • Correction of defects
    Once a defect is identified by an inspector, it must be corrected and re-inspected within one month or a fee will be applied.
  • Permit not closed
    Permits that are not closed (a final inspection with no outstanding defects) within three years of a permit being issued will be charged a fee for non-compliance.

Note: a project extension may be requested and may or may not be granted. An extension request may require a detailed plan that includes time frames.

The City imposes fees (in addition to the permit application fee) when:

  • inspection appointments are cancelled within less than one business day.
  • an appointment has been scheduled and the work requiring inspection is not ready or accessible (e.g. no one available to provide access) when the inspector arrives.
  • the inspector identifies more than 10 defects.
  • the site is not safe for the inspection to be conducted (e.g. dogs, unsafe access).
    • Not having the site ready for an inspection includes unsafe or improperly constructed ramps where adjacent elevations have more than a 300 mm (12 in.) rise or drop. Sites must be compliant with Provincial Workplace Safety regulations for inspectors to enter.
  • the site address is not visible or proper access to the site is not provided.
    • The house number must be at least 75 mm (3 in.) high and visible from the street or sidewalk.
  • required documents are not on-site (City stamped plans, truss and engineered floor drawings).

 

Extension requests

If you are experiencing delays in starting or completing work, complying with a deficiency notification, or facing a demolition permit deadline, a project extension may be requested by completing the Extension Request Form

Extension Request Form

 

Questions?

Housing Inspections Branch
204-986-5300

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