A new Nanos Research poll conducted exclusively for CTV News shows that many Canadians believe governments need to do more to protect homeowners from unethical contractors and home renovation scams.

According to the survey, 39.1% of Canadians rated government efforts to protect consumers from fraudulent contractors as either poor (23.8%) or very poor (15.3%). In comparison, only 5.2% felt governments were doing a good or very good job safeguarding homeowners.

The findings come as reports of renovation fraud continue to increase across Canada, leaving many families with significant financial losses and unfinished home projects.

One homeowner, Doreen Johnson of Brampton, Ontario, said she paid a contractor $28,000 upfront to build a separate basement entrance. After receiving the payment, the contractor allegedly failed to return, leaving the project incomplete.

Another Ontario family, Gino and Cristabell Carletti of Mississauga, reported paying $85,000 for a basement renovation that included a legal apartment conversion. They said the contractors demolished the existing basement before abandoning the project after receiving payment.

Toronto Police Detective David Coffey, from the Financial Crimes Unit, said authorities receive reports of renovation scams almost every day. Police have recorded around 150 renovation fraud complaints so far this year.

However, Coffey explained that not every complaint becomes a criminal investigation. In many cases, authorities must determine whether the dispute is a civil contract issue or whether there is sufficient evidence of fraud, theft, and intentional deception before criminal charges can be pursued.

Consumer advocates are urging homeowners to take precautions before hiring contractors. The Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) recommends checking references, obtaining multiple written estimates, signing detailed contracts, and avoiding large upfront payments.

CHBA CEO Kevin Lee also advises homeowners to use milestone-based payment schedules, ensuring contractors are paid only after agreed-upon work has been completed.