Contractors and Repair Shops in Maine

Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing, signed by both the contractor and the homeowner, with each receiving a copy before work begins. The contract must include the parties' contact information, the property location, estimated start and completion dates, the total price, a description of the work and materials, a required warranty statement, a choice of dispute resolution methods (binding or nonbinding arbitration or mediation), a written change-order clause, the Attorney General's consumer protection information, and any door-to-door cancellation rights. The initial down payment may be no more than one-third of the total contract price.

Before a repair shop begins work, the customer may set in writing a maximum amount for repairs; the customer is not liable for charges above that amount without a further specific oral or written agreement. Shops must bill using the same hourly labor rate and shop-supplies calculation used in any estimate, and may bill shop supplies only as a disclosed single line item. Before asking for payment, the shop must let the customer inspect replaced parts and must return them on request, unless they must go back to the manufacturer or distributor under a warranty or exchange. A shop may not install used, reconditioned or rebuilt parts unless the customer specifically agrees beforehand. Shops must post a notice of these rights and their hourly labor rate, may not charge a fee for exercising these rights, and a violation is an unfair trade practice.