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. This is a classic high-pressure sales tactic designed to rush you into a decision before you can properly vet the contractor or get competing quotes.

How the Leftover Materials Scam Works

Legitimate contractors don't typically have expensive "leftover" roofing, siding, or driveway materials sitting around. Materials are ordered specifically for jobs, and reputable contractors have established relationships with suppliers who handle returns or exchanges. When someone shows up at your Ottawa door claiming they have extra materials from a job in Kanata or Barrhaven, they're usually running a scam.

The scammer creates artificial urgency by claiming the materials will "go bad" or they need to "use them today." They often quote prices that seem like great deals but are actually inflated, and the work quality is typically substandard or incomplete. Many homeowners in Ottawa neighborhoods like Orleans and Nepean have fallen for this, only to discover shoddy work, unlicensed contractors, or projects that are never completed.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be immediately suspicious if a contractor approaches you unsolicited claiming leftover materials. Other warning signs include demanding full payment upfront, having no fixed business address in Ottawa, lacking proper Ontario licensing, or pressuring you to sign immediately. Legitimate contractors will provide written estimates, proof of WSIB clearance, and references from recent Ottawa-area projects.

What Legitimate Contractors Do Instead

Professional contractors in Ottawa obtain proper permits through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424), carry appropriate insurance, and provide detailed written contracts. They order materials specifically for your project and can show you exactly what you're paying for. For electrical work, they'll have current ESA licensing you can verify at esasafe.com, and for gas work, they'll have TSSA certification.

Protecting Yourself in Ottawa

Always verify any contractor through official channels before agreeing to work. Check ESA licensing for electrical contractors, verify WSIB clearance certificates, and ensure they're properly insured. Get multiple written quotes for comparison, and never pay large amounts upfront. The Ontario Consumer Protection Act requires written contracts for home improvement work over $50.

If someone approaches you with this "leftover materials" pitch, politely decline and contact verified contractors through proper channels. For major work requiring permits, ensure the contractor will handle the permit process through ottawa.ca/building rather than suggesting you can "skip the permits" - another common red flag.

Remember: legitimate contractors earn business through reputation and referrals, not by knocking on doors with urgent material deals.