What inspections are required during garage construction in New Brunswick?

Garage construction in New Brunswick typically requires three to five inspections at key stages of the build, with the exact number depending on the complexity of the project, whether the garage is attached or detached, and your municipality's inspection schedule. These inspections are not optional extras — they are conditions of your building permit, and proceeding to the next phase of construction before the current inspection is completed and approved can result in being ordered to open up or undo completed work.

The first and arguably most critical inspection is the footing and foundation inspection. This happens after the footings are excavated and formed but before concrete is poured. The inspector verifies that the excavation reaches below the frost line — a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 metres) in southern NB and up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) in northern communities like Bathurst, Edmundston, and Campbellton. They check that the footing dimensions meet code (typically 16 inches wide and 8 inches thick minimum for residential garage loads), that reinforcing steel is in place if required, and that the soil bearing capacity is adequate. If you are building on a slab-on-grade with thickened edges, the inspector checks the edge thickness, reinforcement, vapour barrier placement, and any sub-slab insulation. Never pour concrete before this inspection is completed — a foundation that does not meet code must be removed and rebuilt, and that is a catastrophically expensive mistake.

The second inspection is the framing inspection, which occurs after the walls, roof structure, and sheathing are complete but before insulation and interior finishing begin. The inspector checks stud spacing, header sizes over garage door openings, roof truss or rafter installation and bracing, wall sheathing and fastening, hurricane straps and hold-downs, and the overall structural adequacy of the frame for NB's snow loads (2.4 to 4.8 kPa depending on location) and wind loads. For attached garages, this inspection also covers the structural connection between the new garage and the existing house, including any modifications to the house wall or roof.

For attached garages, a fire separation inspection is typically required either as part of the framing inspection or as a separate inspection. The inspector verifies that the common wall and ceiling between the garage and living space have the required 5/8-inch Type X fire-rated drywall, that all joints are taped and finished, that penetrations are fire-stopped, and that the door between the garage and house is the correct type (solid-core, minimum 1-3/4 inches thick, with self-closing hardware).

The electrical inspection is conducted by the electrical inspector (often a different person from the building inspector) after all wiring, boxes, panels, and devices are installed but before walls are closed up with insulation and drywall. The inspector checks that the sub-panel or circuit connections are properly sized, that all garage receptacles have GFCI protection, that wiring is properly supported and protected, that dedicated circuits are provided where required (garage door opener, EV charger, heater, workshop tools), and that the overall installation meets the Canadian Electrical Code. This inspection requires a separate electrical permit, and the work must be done by a licensed electrician.

The final inspection occurs when construction is complete — all finishing, doors, hardware, and exterior grading are done. The inspector does a comprehensive check of the completed garage, including proper operation of the overhead door and opener, safety sensor function, exterior grading and drainage away from the foundation, completion of all fire separation components (attached garages), and confirmation that the garage matches the approved plans. Once the final inspection is passed, the inspector signs off on the permit and you receive your occupancy approval.

Practical tips for smooth inspections. Give your building inspection office at least 48 hours' notice before you need an inspection — some busy municipalities require more lead time. Be present or have your contractor present during the inspection to answer questions. Keep your approved plans on site so the inspector can reference them. If an inspection identifies deficiencies, correct them promptly and schedule a re-inspection. Do not cover up or proceed past any stage without the required inspection approval. Your contractor should be managing the inspection schedule as part of the project — if they seem unfamiliar with the process, that is a red flag worth paying attention to. Browse garage builders in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory at newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com.