8 Investigates: Maine’s lack of home contractor licensing could harm consumers [Video]

Maine is one of 20 states that don’t have any licensing requirements for contractors. Consumers have to do a lot of legwork upfront to ensure that their contractor is reputable, but many don’t, assuming the industry is already regulated for them. Once they hand over the money, it’s very difficult to get it back. “I think a lot of us don’t realize — there are a lot of legislators who didn’t realize that this profession is not regulated in any way,” said Maine Rep. Tiffany Roberts. During the last legislative session, Roberts introduced a bill to create a licensing system for contractors. It’s an idea that’s been kicking around the legislature for a while, but it’s never come to fruition. In the meantime, each year, hundreds of Mainers lodge complaints about home construction projects. “We cannot bring a legal action for every single complaint that comes into our office,” said …