While there are a great many competent, ethical home contractors in Maine, it is up to you, the consumer, to find one. Home contractors are not licensed or regulated by the State of Maine. The old saying "Buyer Beware" applies. You should also keep in mind that the lack of state licensing allows the worst contractors to compete for your business alongside the best. The Attorney General's Consumer Mediation Program ranks home contractors among the top three most complained about businesses every year.
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Although home construction contractors are not licensed, some building trades are licensed. Architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, oil burner technicians, manufacturers, dealers and installers of mobile and modular homes are licensed in Maine. For more information on these licensed trades, go to www.maine.gov/pfr/.
For all home construction and home improvement projects over $3,000, Maine law requires a written contract with a specific provision that prohibits payment up front of more than one third of the contract price. When a contractor asks you for any money up front, make sure that the money is being used to purchase materials for your project. Ask for receipts and for a lien waiver from subcontractors. A model home construction contract and a model change order that meet State law can be found in Chapter 17 of the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Law Guide.
You can find out if a particular contractor has been the subject of a consumer complaint that the Attorney General attempted to mediate by contacting the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-436-2131. Keep in mind that just because the Attorney General has accepted a complaint for mediation does not necessarily mean the consumer was right and the contractor was wrong.
The Androscoggin County District Attorney has obtained theft convictions against home contractors Harold Soper (State of Maine v. Harold Soper (PDF)) and Mikel Tuttle (State of Maine v. Mikel W. Tuttle (PDF)). Even when our law suits have been successful, we have been unable to collect a significant portion of the judgements because the builders are bankrupt, judgement proof, or have left the state. We strongly recommend that you research a contractor's record before you begin any construction project.
Chapter 17 of the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Law Guide explains your rights when constructing or repairing your home. It includes a model home construction contract that meets the statutory requirements for any home construction contract over $3,000..
The City has an aspirational goal of 15% of the total contract amount to be performed by MWBE businesses in contracts awarded by the City for: (i) construction and building projects of $300,000 or more; and (ii) construction and building projects of $100,000 or more that have any state funding. 2ff7e9595c
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