"The inspector has been" can sound like the end of the structural paperwork. Before the drywall arrives, establish which inspector, what was reviewed, and whether another visit is still required.
Two appointments can concern the same beam without being duplicates.
Separate the responsibilities
| Visit | Purpose to clarify |
|---|---|
| Engineer’s field or general review | Review of the construction against the engineering design within the retained scope. |
| Municipal building inspection | The building department’s required inspection under the permit process. |
PEO's general-review guideline describes review of general conformity with design documents and reporting obligations for applicable projects. It also distinguishes that work from broader site services an owner may retain.
Not every small renovation has the same statutory general-review requirements. Ask the engineer and municipality what applies to this permit, rather than buying a generic promise of "sign-off."
Arrange visits before the detail disappears
Connections, bearing, reinforcing, and other concealed elements need to remain available for the relevant review. Ask what must be visible and how much notice each reviewer needs.
Toronto's inspection guidance says covered elements that have not passed inspection must be uncovered. A few photographs may help document work, but do not assume they replace an inspection or a required engineering visit.
Name the person who makes the calls
The contract should make the coordination clear. Who requests the municipal inspection? Who books the engineer? Who receives reports, deals with deficiencies, and confirms the work can be concealed?
A homeowner can reasonably expect the contractor to coordinate agreed tasks. It is still worth keeping the permit number, reviewer contacts, and relevant reports in the project folder.
Changes need a closed loop
If the site work differs from the drawing, resolve the change with the designer and building department as applicable. Do not let a verbal instruction become a permanent mystery behind plasterboard.
The useful end point is a clear record: what was built, which reviews were required, what deficiencies were addressed, and whether the permit's remaining conditions are satisfied. "Someone looked at it" is a much smaller amount of information.