Maine contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

No state general contractor or home improvement license

General contractors, remodelers, roofers, framers, painters and other home improvement contractors are not licensed or regulated by the state.

• Good to know: Contractors must still follow the Home Construction Contracts Act for jobs over $3,000.

Contracts and homeowner protections

Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing, signed by both parties, with each getting a copy before work begins (10 M.R.S. 1487). It covers building, remodeling or repairing a residence of 3 or fewer living units, including electrical, plumbing, heating, carpeting, window replacement and other nonstructural work. The contract must include the parties' names, addresses and phone numbers; the property location; estimated start and substantial completion dates; the full price (or cost-plus terms); the payment method; a general description of work and materials; a warranty statement; a dispute-resolution statement (binding arbitration, nonbinding arbitration or mediation, plus small claims court); a change-order statement; any door-to-door cancellation rights; insulation disclosures if applicable; an energy-efficiency statement; and the Attorney General's consumer protection addendum and website notice. The initial down payment cannot exceed 1/3 of the total contract price unless both parties agree in writing to an exemption. Price changes require a written change order signed by both parties. The Attorney General publishes a model home construction contract and change order.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

The State of Maine licenses electricians (Electricians' Examining Board) and plumbers (Plumbers' Examining Board), and oil, solid fuel, propane and natural gas technicians (Maine Fuel Board), all through the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

City and county rules

No municipal contractor licensing was confirmed. Municipalities with more than 4,000 residents must enforce the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), so check local permit and inspection rules.

Working without a license

There is no license to be penalized for. Violating the Home Construction Contracts Act is prima facie evidence of a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices Act (Title 5, chapter 10), and each violation is a civil violation with a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 (10 M.R.S. 1490). Actions must be brought within 2 years.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• Whether any Maine city or town requires its own contractor license (none confirmed).
• Requirements for lead-safe renovation or other specialty certifications were not checked.

Sources

1. Home Construction - Maine Office of the Attorney General
2. 10 M.R.S. 1486 Definitions
3. 10 M.R.S. 1487 Home construction contracts
4. 10 M.R.S. 1490 Violation
5. Professions - Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation