Is there a City inspection for drywall itself in Ottawa?

The City of Ottawa lists no drywall inspection stage. The City's inspection process for permit work includes framing, insulation and vapour barrier, and a final inspection, but no separate stage for drywall board or taping.

Where drywall is part of permit work, that matters in a practical way. The City says missing an inspection may mean having to uncover and expose the work. So if you are closing up walls or ceilings after framing or insulation work that required a permit, ask the City's Building Code Services which inspections apply to your project and at what point the walls can be closed. Booking is 48 hours in advance.

For work that does not involve a permit, there is no City inspection of any kind. The City's exempt list includes painting and decorating and new flooring, but does not name drywall, taping, patching or skim coating. Whether those specific tasks need a permit is not stated on the City's lists; ask Building Code Services if you are unsure about your job.

One thing worth knowing: the City's Building Code Services flood-repair FAQ says a permit is not required to remove drywall or other interior finish to allow insulation to dry. For putting the board back, the FAQ does not address that step; ask the City.

When you have two written quotes in front of you, line them up on what each one actually covers: what is being removed and what replaces it, the board thickness and type named, the finish level from the Gypsum Association's GA-214 industry scale, and whether primer and paint are included or are a separate cost.