Contracts

Maine law requires a written contract between a contractor and homeowner or lessee for any home construction or repair work that costs more than $3,000. (The requirement for a contract applies whether you own your home or rent it.) “Home construction” means any work that involves building, remodeling or repairing a residence, including electrical, plumbing, and heating work, as well as nonstructural work, such as installing carpets or window replacements. The contract must have certain provisions, including the total contract price, the estimated dates when the work will begin and end, a description of the work and materials, and an express warranty of good workmanship. The contractor can’t require you to pay more than 1/3 of the contract price as a down payment unless you and the contractor agree to exempt yourself from this requirement. Any change in the work or materials that changes the contract price must be stated in a written change order that is signed by both parties; and both the previous contract price and the revised price must be stated. See the Maine Consumer Law Guide.