How long after a renovation is done before I get the final inspection in New Brunswick?

Final inspections in New Brunswick typically happen within 1-3 business days of your contractor's request, but the timeline depends on which authority is handling your inspection and their current workload.

For electrical work, your licensed electrical contractor contacts NB Power first to arrange a rough-in inspection (if needed), then calls Technical Inspection Services (TIS) at 1-888-659-3222 for the final electrical inspection once wiring is complete. TIS aims for same-day or next-day scheduling in urban areas like Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, but rural areas may see 2-3 day waits, especially during busy construction seasons.

Building permit final inspections are scheduled through your local building authority — either your municipality (like City of Moncton at 856-4375 or City of Fredericton at 460-2020) or your Regional Service Commission for rural areas. Most municipal building departments can schedule within 1-2 business days, while RSCs serving rural areas might need 2-4 days depending on travel distances and inspector availability.

Plumbing and gas installations also require TIS final inspections before use. Your licensed plumber or gas fitter handles scheduling these through the same TIS number. Gas work inspections are prioritized for safety reasons and often happen within 24 hours.

What affects timing? Spring and summer construction seasons create longer waits. Northern New Brunswick locations may need extra time due to inspector travel. Weather can delay inspections requiring exterior access. Some municipalities offer expedited inspections for an additional fee if you need faster turnaround.

Critical timing note: Never occupy, use, or energize systems before final inspection approval. Using electrical, plumbing, or gas systems before TIS sign-off violates provincial regulations and can create insurance issues. Your contractor should coordinate all inspection scheduling and will receive the approval certificates you need for your records.

If your contractor seems unclear about inspection requirements, that's a red flag — licensed professionals know these processes inside and out.