Certified WETT Inspections in Ottawa & Eastern Ontario
If your Ottawa home has a wood-burning fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove, or fireplace insert, you likely need a WETT inspection. Whether you're buying or selling a home, renewing your home insurance, or simply want peace of mind about fire safety, a WETT-certified inspection is the standard required by insurers and real estate professionals across Ontario.
Property Inspection Network's WETT-certified inspectors serve Ottawa and all of Eastern Ontario, with same-week availability and 24/7 online booking.
What Is WETT?
WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer — Canada's national education and certification program for wood-burning systems. A WETT inspection is performed by a trained, registered inspector who evaluates wood-burning appliances and their installations against the applicable safety standards (CSA B365 and NFPA 211).
WETT inspections are widely required by:
Home insurance companies — many insurers require a WETT inspection before providing or renewing coverage on a home with a wood-burning system
Real estate transactions — buyers' lawyers and lenders often require WETT clearance before closing
New installations — required for newly installed wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces
What Our WETT Inspection Covers
A WETT inspection assesses the complete wood-burning system from appliance to chimney cap, including:
The Appliance
- Wood stove, fireplace, pellet stove, or insert — make, model, and WETT-listed status
- Clearances to combustibles (walls, floors, mantel, and surrounding materials)
- Condition of the firebox, glass, door gaskets, and grates
- Ash pit and clean-out condition (where applicable)
The Connector
- Stove pipe or connector between the appliance and chimney
- Diameter, gauge, condition, and proper installation
- Clearances to combustibles and presence of required supports
The Chimney
- Interior liner condition (terra cotta, stainless steel, or masonry)
- Chimney cap, rain guard, and spark arrestor
- Exterior masonry condition (cracking, spalling, mortar condition)
- Flashing and waterproofing at the roof penetration
- Clearance above the roofline
Written WETT Report
You receive a formal WETT inspection report, signed by a registered WETT inspector, documenting the findings and any deficiencies. This report is the document your insurer or lawyer requires.
WETT Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
In Ottawa's real estate market, homes with wood-burning systems routinely require a WETT inspection as a condition of the transaction. Timing matters — here's what buyers and sellers need to know:
For buyers: If the home has a fireplace, wood stove, or insert, include a WETT inspection in your offer conditions. A failed WETT inspection can be negotiated — but only if you have the report before closing.
For sellers: A pre-listing WETT inspection removes a common obstacle in offers. If deficiencies exist, you can address them before listing rather than negotiating a price reduction mid-transaction.
WETT Inspections for Insurance Purposes
Home insurance companies in Ontario increasingly require WETT inspection reports before providing or renewing coverage on properties with wood-burning systems. If your insurer has requested a WETT report, our inspectors provide the signed documentation they require.
Common insurance trigger: Many insurers ask for a WETT report when a policy is first issued on a home with a wood-burning appliance, or at renewal if the property has changed ownership.
WETT Inspection Seasons in Ottawa
WETT inspections are in highest demand in fall and early winter (October through December) as homeowners prepare to use their fireplaces and wood stoves for the heating season. We recommend booking your inspection in September or October to ensure availability before the busy season.
That said, WETT inspections can be performed year-round — and for real estate transactions, we accommodate tight closing timelines.
What Does a WETT Inspection Cost in Ottawa?
WETT inspection pricing varies based on the number of appliances and complexity of the installation. Contact us for a quote specific to your property. Our WETT inspections can also be bundled with a full home inspection for buyers who want a comprehensive assessment in a single visit.
Why Choose Property Inspection Network for Your WETT Inspection?
Book a WETT Inspection in Ottawa
Property Inspection Network serves Ottawa, Gatineau, Kingston, Brockville, Pembroke, and all of Eastern Ontario. Same-week availability for most locations.
Frequently Asked Questions - WETT Inspection Ottawa
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There is no provincial law requiring it, but most insurers and many lenders require a WETT report before providing coverage or financing on a home with a wood-burning appliance — making it effectively mandatory for most transactions.
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A WETT inspection typically adds $150–$250 when bundled with a general home inspection. See our complete Ottawa home inspection pricing guide for full details.
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No. Only WETT-certified inspectors can issue a WETT report. Not all home inspectors hold this certification. Read our detailed guide: WETT Inspection Ottawa: Everything You Need to Know.
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Yes. Pellet stoves and inserts fall under WETT's scope and require the same inspection as wood-burning systems.
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WETT Inc. recommends inspecting wood-burning systems every few years, after heavy use, or following any incident such as a chimney fire.
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