New Construction Electrical: A Builder's Checklist for the GTA

This checklist is for builders, developers and owners planning a new construction home or small building in Toronto and the GTA. It covers the electrical items to line up at each stage, how ESA inspections fit, and what your electrical contractor needs from you.

Stage 1: Drawings and Planning

Before anyone breaks ground, the electrical scope should be clear on paper.

• Electrical drawings and load information. Lighting, receptacles, appliance and mechanical loads, and any special equipment.
• Service size. The planned loads drive the size of the electrical service. EV charging, heat pumps, electric cooking and future additions all count.
• Utility service. A new service involves the local utility, such as Toronto Hydro in Toronto. The utility sets its own process, documents and schedule.
• Mechanical coordination. HVAC, plumbing and electrical layouts should agree on where equipment, disconnects and controls go.
• Low-voltage and future-ready items. Decide early on data, security, doorbell or EV-ready rough-ins so pathways are planned.

The more settled the drawings are, the fewer changes on site later.

Stage 2: Permit

ESA explains that Licensed Electrical Contractors file the notification of work with ESA, so the electrical work is under a permit and reviewed by ESA. ESA describes "New Residential" inspection as installing a wiring system in a structure that did not have one before.

We take out the ESA permit and arrange the inspection.

ESA also notes that only Licensed Electrical Contractors, or electricians employed by one, are legally authorized to be hired for electrical work in a home. If you're a builder hiring the electrical trade, check the licence first. Our Guide on how to verify a licensed electrician in Ontario shows how.

Stage 3: Inspection Stages to Plan Around

ESA lists the inspections a new or renovated home electrical installation can include. Not every project has every stage, but they are the milestones to build the schedule around.

Trench

Where there is underground wiring, ESA inspects it before it's covered. Plan backfilling around it.

Service / connection

ESA describes the service inspection as covering wiring to the meter, the main disconnect and grounding to the service. It takes place after customer-owned service equipment and related wiring is installed and ready. This connects to the utility's own connection process, which is separate and run by the utility.

Rough-in

ESA's rough-in inspection takes place when all branch circuit wiring and outlet boxes are installed and before wiring is hidden by insulation, vapour barrier or drywall. This is the stage that most affects the other trades: insulation and drywall crews need to know when it's cleared.

Final

ESA's guidance is to request the final inspection as soon as possible after the electrical installation is complete.

We don't quote durations for inspection stages. Scheduling of inspections is set by ESA, and utility connection steps are set by the utility.

Stage 4: Coordinating With Other Trades

A new build has many trades sharing the same framing. A few habits keep electrical on track:

• Share an up-to-date schedule. Give the electrical contractor notice of framing completion, mechanical rough-in and insulation dates.
• Settle fixture and appliance selections early. Changes after rough-in can mean extra boxes, circuits or rework.
• Protect the rough-in. Wiring in framing can be damaged by other work before it's covered.
• Hold the insulation crew until the rough-in inspection is passed.
• Keep the panel location clear and accessible as required for the installation.

Stage 5: Finishing and Handover

After drywall and paint, devices, fixtures, panel labelling and equipment connections are completed. Then the final inspection.

At handover, owners should receive:

• The ESA Certificate of Acceptance once the work is accepted. ESA recommends keeping it for records and insurance purposes.
• A clearly labelled panel directory.
• Any equipment manuals for items such as EV chargers or generators.

Builder's Electrical Checklist

Copy this into your project file:

• [ ] Electrical drawings and load list complete
• [ ] Service size decided with future loads in mind
• [ ] Utility service request started (utility's own process)
• [ ] Licensed Electrical Contractor confirmed and licence verified
• [ ] ESA permit (notification of work) filed by the contractor
• [ ] Trench inspection (if underground wiring)
• [ ] Service / connection inspection
• [ ] Rough-in inspection passed before insulation and drywall
• [ ] Fixtures, devices and equipment connected
• [ ] Final inspection requested
• [ ] Certificate of Acceptance and panel directory handed over

EV-Ready and Future Loads

New construction is the easiest time to plan for EV charging, since pathways and panel space can be planned before walls are closed. If you include an EV charger, brands we supply and install include FLO, ChargePoint, Autel, Leviton, Tesla, Grizzl-E and Jule.

Electro Group Ltd. holds ESA Licence #7017939.

Next Steps

Planning a new build in Toronto or the GTA?

• Request a free quote
• Call 289-814-7241

Share your drawings, location and target stages. We'll review the electrical scope, take out the ESA permit and plan our work around your schedule.

Electro Group Ltd. · Toronto and the GTA · 289-814-7241 · ESA Licence #7017939

FAQ

Who files the ESA permit on a new build?
The Licensed Electrical Contractor files the notification of work. We take out the ESA permit and arrange the inspection.

What inspections happen on new construction?
ESA lists trench, service/connection, rough-in and final inspections. Not every project needs each one.

When can insulation and drywall go in?
After the rough-in inspection. ESA's rough-in inspection happens before wiring is hidden by insulation, vapour barrier or drywall.

Do you handle the utility connection?
The utility runs its own connection process. We take care of the electrical work on the customer side and coordinate with the utility as needed.

How long does new construction electrical take?
It depends on the project, the trades and the inspection and utility schedules. We don't promise durations.