Brace yourself, bad contractor season has been extended

By Warren O’Shea

It used to be that “bad contractor season” started sometime after our beloved black fly and mud season, or at least that’s when the local news channels would tend to run their stories. The stories may have been popular during this time of year due to many Mainers starting to think of their projects, and clicks equals money. The recent story of a disabled woman in York County ripped off by a contractor lies outside of this scheduled norm. Have the media outlets decided it was hot enough to now put it in their agenda cycle? Did the failed Contractor Licensing bill LD1929 stir the pot enough, or are there just that many more contractors ripping people off?

The king of rhetorical questions says yes, all have some validity. It can be a challenge to get the news to run a story as they do not want to expose themselves to liability. They likely won’t run a story if the homeowner and contractor do not have a contract, and they may not run a story unless the contractor violated Maine state law. In the case of the York County woman, the contractor asked for a deposit of 50 percent of the total project cost up front, where State law sets the maximum request of no more than 1/3 of the total project cost.

According to the Office of the Maine Attorney General, since 2018 the agency has received nearly 4,000 complaints related to contractor fraud with a total of $12 million in losses. I personally know of one contractor who continues to advertise his services across multiple local social media platforms and community groups who has 15 complaints with the Better Business Bureau, 7 of which have been in the past 12 months. There are currently 24 complaints to the local police department, and it doesn’t help that law enforcement frequently lists these types of complaints as a civil matter rather than criminal, leaving the responsibility to the homeowner to seek restitution, usually in court.

From the Office of the Maine Attorney General’s page on home construction and repair:

“While there are a great many competent, ethical home contractors in Maine, it is up to you, the consumer, to find one. Home contractors are not licensed or regulated by the State of Maine. The old saying "Buyer Beware" applies. You should also keep in mind that the lack of state licensing allows the worst contractors to compete for your business alongside the best. The Attorney General's Consumer Mediation Program ranks home contractors among the top three most complained about businesses every year.”

Doing your research when hiring a contractor is crucial for several reasons

Quality of Work: Different contractors have varying levels of professionalism, expertise and workmanship. Research helps you find someone who has a track record of delivering quality results that meet your expectations.

Reputation and Reviews: Checking reviews and testimonials from previous clients can provide insights into a contractor’s reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work. This information can help you avoid contractors with a poor track record. Remember that the good contractors are working on getting your business right next to the bad contractors. It’s up to you to find the difference.

Credentials and Experience: Ensuring that the contractor has the necessary licenses when required, insurance, and certifications required by the state is vital. Maine is among 15 states that do not regulate home contractors. I highly recommend getting the contractor’s Certificate of Insurance directly from the insurance broker. Canceled COI policy documents can be forged to give the false impression that the policy is valid.. Researching their experience in the specific type of work you need helps ensure they are qualified for the job.

Price Estimates: By researching and comparing estimates from multiple contractors, you can avoid overpaying and identify a fair market price for your project.

Avoiding Scams: Unfortunately, there are fraudulent contractors who may try to take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Researching allows you to recognize red flags and avoid scams.

Communication and Compatibility: Finding a contractor who communicates well and understands your vision is essential for a successful project. Research helps you identify contractors who align with your communication style and project needs.

Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <

Real Estate: Programs available to reduce property taxes

By Lisa DiBiase

Reducing monthly expenses is a goal many of us strive to achieve, and property taxes are often one of the biggest expenses that homeowners face. Fortunately, for Maine residents, there are several programs available that can help lower these costs. By taking advantage of these property tax relief programs, homeowners can save a significant amount of money each year. Here are some of the key programs that can help Maine residents reduce their property tax bills:

Homestead Exemption:

The Homestead Exemption is a popular program that offers property tax relief to individuals who have owned homestead property in Maine for at least twelve months and use that property as their permanent residence on April 1st. Eligible homeowners can receive a reduction of up to $25,000 in the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes. This reduction can result in substantial savings, especially over the long term.

To take advantage of the Homestead Exemption, homeowners need to apply. The application process is straightforward. Simply visit www.maine.gov, click on the "Property Tax" From there, you can learn more about the Homestead Application and download the form, complete it, and submit it to your local assessor’s office. It's a quick and easy step that can lead to significant savings.

Veteran Exemption:

Maine offers additional property tax savings for veterans through the Veteran Exemption. This program is designed to honor and assist those who have served our country. Veterans who served during a recognized war period and are 62 years or older, or those receiving 100% disability or who became 100 percent disabled while serving, may be eligible for a $6,000 exemption on their property taxes.

The process to apply for the Veteran Exemption is similar to the Homestead Exemption. Veterans can visit the same section on www.maine.gov to find the Veteran Exemption Application form. By completing this form and providing the necessary documentation, veterans can benefit from this well-deserved tax relief.

Tree Growth Tax Program:

Maine’s Tree Growth Tax Program offers property tax reductions for landowners who manage their land for timber harvesting. To qualify, homeowners must have at least 10 acres of forestland. This program taxes land based on its current use—timber production—rather than its market value, which can result in significant tax savings.

Participating in the Tree Growth Tax Program not only helps landowners reduce their tax burden but also promotes responsible land management and sustainable forestry practices. This program is a win-win for property owners and the environment, ensuring that Maine’s forestland is preserved for future generations.

Farmland Tax Program:

Similar to the Tree Growth Tax Program, the Farmland Tax Program provides property tax reductions for land actively used for agricultural purposes. This program helps preserve Maine’s valuable farmland by reducing the tax burden on farmers and those who maintain agricultural land. By assessing the land based on its agricultural use rather than its market value, the Farmland Tax Program makes it easier for farmers to continue operating and maintaining their land.

To qualify, landowners must demonstrate that their land is used for agricultural purposes, such as growing crops or raising livestock. This program is vital for maintaining Maine’s agricultural heritage and supporting local farmers.

Additional Property Tax Relief Programs:

In addition to these programs, Maine offers other property tax relief options that homeowners may find beneficial:

Blind Exemption: Homeowners who are legally blind may qualify for a property tax exemption, providing up to $4,000 off the assessed value of their property.

Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption: Homeowners who install renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines, may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of the equipment, encouraging the use of clean, renewable energy.

Working Waterfront Tax Program: This program offers tax reductions for owners of waterfront land used for commercial fishing activities, supporting Maine’s traditional fishing industry.

For us Maine residents, taking advantage of these property tax relief programs can lead to some great savings. Whether you're a homeowner, veteran, farmer, or someone looking to manage your land responsibly, there are options available to help reduce your property tax burden.

When it comes to navigating these programs and maximizing your property investments, having a knowledgeable team of professionals by your side can make all the difference. As I have said before, please call a local Realtor® for all your real estate needs no matter how big or small. We are trained professionals here to make your life easier.

Lisa DiBiase is the Broker/Owner for Landing Real Estate. She and her company represent buyers and sellers in the Greater Portland area and surrounding areas. For all your real estate needs contact Lisa at lisa@landinghomesmaine.com or call 207-775-SOLD. <