Consumer Alert: Although plumbers, electricians, and heating contractors must be licensed to work for you, Maine does not license nor register building or remodeling contractors.
Selecting a Qualified Building Contractor
Selecting a Qualified Building Contractor: A quality building should be built right in the first place. Start planning your project by selecting a professional and reliable builder.
Home Construction and Remodeling Contracts: Maine Law requires a written contract, including specific information, and signed by both parties for any home construction or services exceeding $1,400.00. (See: 10 M.R.S.A. c. 219-A; 10 M.R.S.A. c. 219 1482)
Implied Warranties and Unfair Trade Practices: Maine Law prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices, and may provide warranty protection to consumers beyond the limits of an express written warranty received with the purchase of a product. See: Title 11, Maine Uniform Commercial Code; Article 2; Part 3; Sec. 314, 315, 316
Maine Energy Conservation Standards: Maine Law has established energy efficient building performance standards which may, or may not, apply to your building or remodeling project. See: Title 10, Commerce and Trade; Part 3; Chapter 214, Energy Efficiency Building Performance Standards; Sec. 1415-c, Mandatory Standards for Residential Construction
Mechanic's Lien: Failure to require lien waivers from your contractor for payments made to subcontractors and suppliers could result in you having to pay for some portions of the work twice. See: Title 10, Commerce & Trade; Part 7, Liens; Chapter 603, Buildings...; Sec. 3251>>>3269
Chimney or Fireplace Construction / Installation Disclosure: State law, specifically 32 M.R.S.A., Chapter 33, 2313-A, requires that chimney or fireplace installers, as of January 1, 1992, provide you with this "Disclosure" prior to the installation or construction of your chimney or fireplace. The purpose of this Disclosure is to inform you that the National Fire Protection Standard #211 (NFPA #211) is the current standard which applies to all new construction of chimneys and fireplaces. Please to note that the State of Maine does not require registration or licensure of chimney or fireplace installers. It is important to realize that many fires are caused each year from improperly constructed fireplaces and chimneys. This disclosure form should help you in making an informed decision as to the abilities of the installer and under what requirements the installation must comply. For related information see: Title 32, Professions & Occupations; Chapter 33; SubA-1; Sec. 2313-A, Disclosures; Penalties and http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/25/title25ch3170sec2465.html.
Lead-Based Paint In Your Home: It is likely that, if your home was built prior to 1978, it contains lead based paint.
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 ("Title X") was established by Congress to reduce the risk of lead poisoning in Federal Housing stock. Some of the general purposes of this law were to prevent lead poisoning, insure Federal policies, incorporate lead hazards reduction measures, educate the public and develop an infrastructure capable of dealing with lead in housing.
Section 406(b) is an important part of "Title X" for companies performing renovation or remodeling work on homes built prior to 1978. It requires communication with the homeowner about lead before work begins. A lead hazard information pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, EPA747-K-94-001, May 1995, must be provided to the homeowner. A copy of the pamphlet may be obtained from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323 or see:
www.epa.gov/lead and www.hud.gov/offices/lead.
For More Consumer Information:
Energy Conservation Division of the
Maine Dept. of Economic and Community Development
State House Station 59
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 287-3153
Info, Complaints, Consumer Mediation Service:
Plumbers Examining Board or, Electricians Examining Board
or, Oil & Solid Fuel Board
Department of Professional & Finance Regulation
State House Station 35
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-8500
Maine Attorney General
State House Station 6
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 626-8849 (Consumer Mediation Service)
Better Business Bureau of Maine
812 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 878-2715
Disclaimer: The information above is provided to aid you in planning your building project and to head off some potential problems. The scope of this information is limited to Maine. Although we have done our best to insure its accuracy, we do not warranty for any errors or omissions, and are not responsible for any ill effects of its use. This information is not intended to be a complete guide nor is it intended to replace proper legal counsel. Since most building and remodeling projects involve relatively large sums of money, we advise you to consult with appropriate professionals, ie. attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc..
e-mail: bob@rctheberge.com
Phone/ Fax: 207-725-7499
