Is it a scam if a contractor says they have leftover materials?

Yes, the "leftover materials" pitch is one of the most common contractor scams in Ottawa and across Ontario. Legitimate contractors don't typically have expensive materials just sitting around that perfectly match what you need.

How This Scam Works in Ottawa

Scammers often target Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, and Barrhaven with door-to-door visits claiming they just finished a job nearby and have "leftover" roofing, paving stones, or siding materials. They'll offer a steep discount if you decide "right now" and often demand payment upfront.

The reality? These materials are either stolen, defective, or don't exist at all. Many Ottawa homeowners have paid thousands upfront only to have the contractor disappear or show up with substandard materials that don't match what was promised.

Red Flags to Watch For

This scam becomes obvious when contractors can't provide proper documentation. In Ontario, legitimate contractors must have WSIB clearance certificates, proper insurance, and for electrical work, valid ESA licenses. They should also be registered for HST if earning over $30,000 annually.

Real contractors order materials specifically for each job and build material costs into their quotes. They don't drive around Ottawa with truckloads of expensive leftover materials hoping to find buyers.

Protect Yourself in Ottawa

Before considering any "leftover materials" offer, verify the contractor through proper channels. Check ESA licensing at esasafe.com for electrical contractors, TSSA certification at tssa.org for gas work, and confirm WSIB coverage. Get everything in writing, including material specifications, warranties, and proof of where materials originated.

Never pay large amounts upfront. Ontario's Construction Lien Act allows for progress payments, but legitimate contractors don't need full payment before starting work. If they're pushing for immediate payment to "hold" the materials, that's a major red flag.

What Legitimate Contractors Do

Established Ottawa contractors have relationships with suppliers like Home Depot Pro, Lowes Pro, or local suppliers in Nepean and Gloucester. They order exactly what's needed and can provide receipts showing material sources. They also carry proper insurance and can provide references from recent Ottawa-area projects.

If you're considering a contractor's offer, take time to verify their credentials and get multiple quotes. Contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to confirm if permits are required for the proposed work.

The "leftover materials" approach preys on the desire for a good deal, but legitimate savings come from proper planning and competitive bidding, not from mysterious surplus materials.