What does Maine law tell a homeowner before a home job?

§1487. Home construction contracts Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing and must be signed by both the home construction contractor and the homeowner or lessee. Both the contractor and the homeowner or lessee must receive a copy of the executed contract prior to any work performance. This basic contract must contain the entire agreement between the homeowner or lessee and the home construction contractor and must contain at least the following parts:

Source: 10 M.R.S. § 1487 (intro), read 22 October 2026

5. Payment. The method of payment, with the initial down payment being limited to no more than 1/3 of the total contract price;

Source: 10 M.R.S. § 1487(5), read 22 October 2026

§1487. Home construction contracts Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing and must be signed by both the home construction contractor and the homeowner or lessee. Both the contractor and the homeowner or lessee must receive a copy of the executed contract prior to any work performance. This basic contract must contain the entire agreement between the homeowner or lessee and the home construction contractor and must contain at least the following parts:

Source: 10 M.R.S. § 1487 (intro), read 14 October 2026

4. Contract price. The total contract price, including all costs to be incurred in the proper performance of the work, or, if the work is priced according to a "cost-plus" formula, the agreed-upon price and an estimate of the cost of labor and materials;

Source: 10 M.R.S. § 1487(4), read 14 October 2026

The consumer may avoid a contract or sale by giving written notice of avoidance to the seller by ordinary mail, postage prepaid, within 3 full business days following the day on which the contract or sale was made. The notice shall be sufficient if addressed to the seller at the address given on the contract or agreement. Notice of avoidance shall be effective upon deposit in the United States mail.

Source: 32 M.R.S. § 4664, read 14 October 2026

Where merchandise is sold or contracted to be sold, whether under a single contract or under multiple contracts, to a consumer as a result of or in connection with a salesman's direct contact accomplished by means of and including, but not limited to, a personal visit or a telephone call, upon the consumer other than at the seller's place of business, without the consumer soliciting the initial contact or sale, the consumer may void the contract or sale by giving notice of his intention not to be bound by the contract or sale and returning or making available for return any merchandise delivered pursuant to the terms of this subchapter.

Source: 32 M.R.S. § 4663, read 14 October 2026

In Maine, general contractors - and trades such as roofing and framing - are not licensed or regulated.

Source: maine.gov, read 22 October 2026