What are the warning signs of driveway paving scams?

Driveway paving scams are extremely common in Ottawa, especially during spring and summer months. The biggest red flags are door-to-door solicitation, cash-only demands, and high-pressure tactics claiming they have "leftover materials from another job."

Common Driveway Paving Scam Tactics in Ottawa

Scammers often target Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, and Barrhaven with these approaches:

Door-to-door solicitation is the most common warning sign. Legitimate paving contractors in Ottawa don't need to knock on doors - they're busy with scheduled work. Scammers will claim they're "working in your neighborhood" or have "extra asphalt from a job down the street."

Pressure for immediate decisions is another major red flag. They'll say the price is only good today or that the materials will go bad. Real contractors understand that driveway paving is a significant investment requiring time to consider quotes and check references.

Cash-only payments or demands for large upfront payments should immediately raise concerns. Legitimate Ottawa contractors accept multiple payment methods and typically require minimal deposits. Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should never pay more than 10% upfront for materials.

Verification Steps for Ottawa Homeowners

Before hiring any paving contractor, verify their credentials through proper channels:

Check WSIB clearance at wsib.ca/clearances to ensure they carry workplace insurance. Any contractor working on your Ottawa property should have valid WSIB coverage to protect you from liability.

Verify business registration through Ontario's business registry. Legitimate contractors have proper business licenses and can provide HST numbers for tax purposes.

Request local references from recent Ottawa-area projects. Drive by these properties if possible, or contact previous customers directly. Established contractors will gladly provide references from Nepean, Gloucester, or other Ottawa neighborhoods.

City of Ottawa Permit Requirements

While driveway paving typically doesn't require a building permit in Ottawa, there are important considerations:

Drainage and grading changes may require permits if they affect neighboring properties or municipal drainage. Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 if your driveway alteration involves significant grading changes.

Shared driveways or work near property lines may require neighbor consent and potentially permits. The City of Ottawa has specific requirements for drainage and setbacks that legitimate contractors understand.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

Get multiple written quotes from established Ottawa contractors. Compare not just prices but materials specifications, timeline, and warranty terms. Legitimate quotes will detail asphalt thickness, base preparation, and drainage considerations.

Never pay large amounts upfront. Ontario's Construction Lien Act protects you by limiting initial payments. A 10% deposit for materials is reasonable, but full payment should only occur after satisfactory completion.

Verify insurance coverage beyond just WSIB. Contractors should carry general liability insurance to protect against property damage during the work.

If you encounter suspected scammers, report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and notify Ottawa Police non-emergency line at 613-236-1222. The Ontario Consumer Protection Act provides additional recourse for fraudulent contractor practices.

For legitimate driveway contractors in Ottawa, check our verified contractor directory where all members have confirmed licensing, insurance, and local references.