Hiring a contractor in Maine

Maine has no state contractor license. A written contract over $3,000 and a one-third deposit cap are the rules that protect you. From Portland and the Midcoast to Lewiston-Auburn, Bangor and Aroostook, these guides cover what each trade costs in Maine, which licenses do exist, and how to vet before you sign.

Plumbers

Hiring a plumber in Maine: look up the master plumber by name, septic jobs with a site evaluator and the town inspector, well testing, camp winterizing.

Electricians

Hiring an electrician in Maine: search the electrician's own name on ALMS, the 2026 NEC from July 1, who inspects wiring in small towns, and heat pump circuits.

A heat-pump condenser mounted on an exterior wall

HVAC Contractors

Hiring HVAC help in Maine: Fuel Board licenses for boilers and gas lines, Efficiency Maine's per-unit heat pump rebates, the $500 bonus, and oil as backup.

A roofer fastening shingles with a drill

Roofers

Hiring a roofer in Maine: no roofing license, a signed contract over $3,000 with a one-third deposit cap, why ice dams start in the attic, lien waivers.

Interior renovation with exposed beams and framing

General Contractors

Hiring a general contractor in Maine: no license or registry, what the contracts Act puts in writing, the AG's model contract, and which towns enforce MUBEC.

A remodeled bathroom with a freestanding tub and walk-in shower

Bathroom Remodelers

Hiring a bathroom remodeler in Maine: the plumber and electrician need licenses, plumbing permits go through the town inspector, and changes need signed paper.

Kitchen Remodelers

Hiring a kitchen remodeler in Maine: the one-third deposit cap versus cabinet orders, who may connect a propane range, lead in old cabinets, and disputes.

A white colonial house with black shutters

Window, Siding & Gutter Contractors

Hiring a window, siding or gutter pro in Maine: lead-safe work on pre-1978 houses, written contracts for window jobs, and shoreland limits on porches.

Fence Contractors

Hiring a fence contractor in Maine: the Dig Safe window of 3 business days to 30 days, setting posts in frost and ledge, and fences on shoreland lots.

Well-worn gardening gloves on weathered boards

Landscapers

Hiring a landscaper in Maine: lawn and tick spraying needs a pesticide license, when to clip browntail moth webs, and cutting trees near the shore.

A roller laying fresh blue paint on a wall

Painters

Hiring a house painter in Maine: who can test for lead before scraping, what lead-safe prep looks like, Boston-level rates, and a short exterior season.

A roofline and gutter system under a grey sky

Waterproofing Contractors

Hiring a basement waterproofing contractor in Maine: test radon before you seal or finish, where sump water may go, digging outside, and the warranty.

Handymen

Hiring a handyman in Maine: which plumbing and electrical tasks need a licensed person, when small jobs cross the $3,000 line, and rebate-eligible air sealing.

Carpenters

Hiring a carpenter in Maine: when a deck needs a permit, why timber-frame and log homes sit outside MUBEC, and the warranty written into every big contract.

Flooring Contractors

Hiring a flooring installer in Maine: carpet counts as home construction, an in-home sale can be cancelled within 3 business days, and painted floors.

A technician in protective gear treating a yard

Exterminators

Hiring pest control in Maine: the Board of Pesticides Control license every applicator needs, tick sprays as Lyme spreads, and browntail timing.

A magnifying glass over a wooden house model

Home Inspectors

Hiring a home inspector in Maine: no inspector license, a registered radon tester at every sale, what to test a well for, septic files and camp conversions.

Movers

Hiring movers in Maine: checking an interstate mover's USDOT number, how long in-state drives change a quote, college move-in crowds and winter moves.