How much does it cost to build a house in Maine?
How much does it cost to build a house in Maine?
$250 – $350 cost per square foot (basic home)
$350 – $450+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$400,000 – $900,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Maine
The average cost to build a house in Maine is $400,000 to $900,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Maine range from $250 to $450+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and style, amount of customization, and the quality of the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $400,000 – $700,000 |
| Custom home | $700,000 – $900,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Maine
The cost to build a house in Maine is $250 to $350 per square foot for a basic builder-grade home with standard finishes. Builder-grade homes feature limited customization options, but they offer good value while maintaining quality construction standards suitable for Maine's climate.
Building a custom home in Maine costs $350 to $450+ per square foot. Custom homes allow for unique designs, premium materials, and personalized features. Luxury waterfront properties on Maine's coastline can exceed $500 per square foot due to specialized construction requirements and premium materials designed to withstand coastal conditions.
| Home size (square feet) |
Builder-grade home cost* | Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $200,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $360,000 |
| 1,000 | $250,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $450,000 |
| 1,500 | $375,000 – $525,000 | $525,000 – $675,000 |
| 1,800 | $450,000 – $630,000 | $630,000 – $810,000 |
| 2,000 | $500,000 – $700,000 | $700,000 – $900,000 |
| 2,500 | $625,000 – $875,000 | $875,000 – $1,125,000 |
| 3,000 | $750,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,350,000 |
| 3,500 | $875,000 – $1,225,000 | $1,225,000 – $1,575,000 |
| 4,000 | $1,000,000 – $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 – $1,800,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Maine?
Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total construction budget, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size, design, layout, and your choice of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the total cost.
Maine's climate presents special considerations that affect building costs. The state experiences cold, snowy winters and below-freezing temperatures, requiring robust insulation, energy-efficient windows, and heating systems capable of handling extreme cold. Additionally, coastal properties may need hurricane-resistant construction elements.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Framing | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Plumbing | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| HVAC | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $250,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
*Including labor and materials; not including the cost of the land or site prep
Buying land
Land prices in Maine vary dramatically based on location and features. Rural inland properties cost $5,000 to $20,000 per acre on average, while coastal or lakefront lots in desirable areas like Portland and Bar Harbor can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000+ for less than an acre.
A land survey for property boundaries costs $400 to $1,500 in Maine, while a more detailed survey identifying wetlands, floodplains, and other features may cost $1,500 to $3,000+.
Site preparation
Site preparation costs $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on the terrain, vegetation, and soil conditions. Rocky soil, common in many parts of Maine, can increase excavation costs significantly. Maine's varying terrain often requires specialized site work, particularly in coastal areas or on hillsides, where additional retaining walls or drainage solutions may be necessary.
Getting utilities to the site
The cost to get utilities on vacant land ranges from $9,000 to $34,500+. This includes connecting electric, water, sewer or septic systems, and natural gas lines. Costs are often on the higher end of that range for rural properties due to the need for well drilling, septic system installation, and the longer distance to run power lines.
Foundation
Building a foundation costs $25,000 to $60,000, depending on the size, type, and site conditions. Maine's deep frost line (typically 48" to 60" deep) requires a foundation that extends below the frost depth to prevent frost heave damage.
Full basements are common in Maine homes due to the state's climate and the need for additional protected storage space. A full basement provides space for mechanical systems, storage, and potentially additional living area while keeping these elements protected from the harsh winter environment.
Framing
House framing costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average, depending on the home's size and design complexity. Maine building codes require framing that can support substantial snow loads, particularly in northern regions where annual snowfall can exceed 100 inches.
Many Maine builders now incorporate advanced framing techniques with enhanced insulation, adding 5% to 10% to standard framing costs but offering significant long-term energy savings.
Roof
Roofing a new house costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the roof size and complexity and the material you choose. Maine's heavy snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles require durable roofing materials and proper installation techniques. Metal roofing has gained popularity in Maine due to its longevity, snow-shedding capabilities, and resistance to ice dam formation.
Siding
Siding for a house costs $12,000 to $45,000, depending on the material and home size. Durable siding is essential for withstanding Maine's coastal humidity, freezing temperatures, and heavy precipitation. Common siding options in the state include vinyl, fiber cement, wood clapboard, and cedar shakes.
Maine's traditional New England architecture often incorporates wood siding, particularly cedar shingles along the coast, though maintenance requirements have made fiber cement products increasingly popular alternatives.
Electrical
Electrical wiring for a new home costs $12,000 to $20,000. This includes service panel installation, wiring throughout the house, outlets, switches, and basic lighting fixtures. Maine's cold climate often necessitates additional electrical considerations, such as wiring for a whole-house generator.
Plumbing & HVAC
New plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $25,000. This includes water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and fixture connections. Freeze protection is crucial in Maine, often requiring additional insulation for pipes in exterior walls and unheated spaces.
HVAC installation costs $8,000 and $18,000, depending on the type and efficiency level. Maine's climate requires a robust heating system. Due to increasingly warm summers, many new Maine homes now incorporate central air conditioning or heat pump systems that provide both heating and cooling capabilities.
Insulation & drywall
Insulation and drywall installation costs $12,000 to $40,000. Maine's climate demands high-performance insulation, with most new homes requiring R-values significantly above national minimums.
Interior finishing & fixtures
The total cost for interior finishes and fixtures ranges from $75,000 to $250,000+, making up a significant chunk of the build cost. This category includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and other design elements. The wide range in pricing reflects the vast differences in material quality and design choices available to homeowners.
Appliances
The average cost of new appliances ranges from $3,100 to $7,700 for standard packages, while high-end appliance suites can exceed $30,000. Energy-efficient models are particularly important in Maine due to the state's high electricity costs.
Labor costs to build a house in Maine
Labor typically represents 40% to 50% of the total construction cost in Maine. Your builder will normally act as the general contractor, managing all aspects of the project for a fee of 10% to 20% of the construction budget.
Maine's relatively small population and seasonal construction limitations can impact labor availability and costs. The building season often runs from April through November, with winter construction requiring special accommodations and potentially higher costs.
The table below lists the average labor rates for many of the professionals involved in building a house.
| Professional | Labor cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Excavating contractors | $100 – $300 |
| Plumbers | $75 – $150 |
| Electricians | $50 – $130 |
| Roofers | $30 – $100 |
| Carpenters & framing contractors | $30 – $100 |
| Siding contractors | $40 – $80 |
| Drywall contractors | $40 – $100 |
| Painters | $20 – $70 |
| Flooring installers | $20 – $70 |
| HVAC installers | $75 – $150 |
| Landscapers | $25 – $50 |
Cost to build a house in Maine vs. other states
Compared to Maine, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $300 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes and $300 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land or site prep.
For reference, consider the average cost to build a house in these other states:
The average cost to build a house in Pennsylvania is $200 to $450 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Michigan is $150 to $300+ per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Virginia is $250 to $500 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Maine
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Maine?
It's typically cheaper to buy a house than build one in Maine. However, this depends greatly on the home size, style, and features, the location, and current housing market conditions.
According to the latest real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Maine ranges from $370,000 to $410,000 depending on the location and time of year.
How long does it take to build a house in Maine?
Building a house in Maine takes 8 to 14 months from breaking ground to completion, not including the design and permitting phase. Maine's relatively short construction season (April to November) means projects that don't get started early in the season may experience weather delays pushing completion into the following year.
Other factors that affect the construction timeline include the home size and complexity, site accessibility, and whether you go with a builder-grade home or a custom design.
Can you build a tiny house in Maine?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Maine, though regulations vary by municipality. Maine has been relatively progressive regarding tiny homes, passing legislation that officially recognizes tiny houses on permanent foundations as traditional single-family dwellings.
However, it's important to check local zoning laws and building codes before buying or building a tiny home. Tiny homes on wheels may face additional restrictions and are often classified as recreational vehicles rather than permanent dwellings.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Maine is $45,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Maine
Follow these tips to find the best Maine house builders near you:
Research local builders and read reviews from previous clients.
Choose builders who specialize in the house type and style you're looking for.
Meet with at least 3 builders to discuss your preferred home size, design, and features.
Ask for references from recent clients. Contact them to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Visit the builders' recently completed projects or model homes to assess the work quality.
Request detailed quotes from each builder for comparison.
Confirm the builder is licensed and insured for new home construction in Maine.
Get a written contract detailing the specific materials, costs, and project timelines.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask home builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Maine?
How many homes have you built in the past 5 years?
Are you licensed and insured to build homes in Maine?
Do you have any model homes or recent builds I can tour?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs?
How much input will I have on the materials and fixture choices?
What energy efficiency features do your homes include?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
What's your typical timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you handle potential weather-related delays?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
What is your process for the final walk-through and addressing any issues before the move-in date?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.