Maine Contractor Deposit Limit (2026): One Third
The most a Maine home construction contractor can take up front, quoted from 10 MRS 1487 and worked from $3,000 to $60,000.
Not legal advice. General information from each state's statutes, checked Oct 20, 2026. Local rules and the facts of your contract can change the answer; for a specific contract, ask a lawyer licensed in your state.
Set the deposit
Every payment tied to a stage
The deposit and payment schedule in the Clamp app: a $1,000 deposit due when the customer signs, then every other payment tied to a stage of the job. $1,000 on this $17,699 bathroom is under every state's cap. Sample data.
What the law says
“The method of payment, with the initial down payment being limited to no more than 1/3 of the total contract price;”
The maximum deposit, worked
| Contract price | How it works out | Maximum deposit |
|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | At or under $3,000, the cap does not apply | No cap |
| $8,000 | $8,000 divided by 3, rounded down to the cent | $2,666.66 |
| $10,000 | $10,000 divided by 3, rounded down to the cent | $3,333.33 |
| $25,000 | $25,000 divided by 3, rounded down to the cent | $8,333.33 |
| $60,000 | $60,000 divided by 3, rounded down to the cent | $20,000 |
Who it covers, opting out and the penalty
Covers
Any contract to build, remodel or repair a residence for more than $3,000 in materials or labor. A residence is a dwelling with 3 or fewer living units, and garages.
Opting out
Only if the contractor specifically informs the homeowner of their rights under the chapter and the parties then mutually agree to a contract without those terms (10 MRS 1489).
The penalty
Prima facie evidence of an unfair trade practice, and a civil violation with a forfeiture of $100 to $1,000 (10 MRS 1490).
Also in the law
- A down payment means all payments made before or at the signing of the contract.
Maine deposit questions
Can a Maine contractor ask for half down?
Not on a home construction contract over $3,000, unless the homeowner is told their rights and agrees to a contract without the cap.
Compare other states
How we checked
We read each state's statute or licensing rule on the official legislature or agency site and quote it as written. Where the official site would not load, the row says so and names the copy we read. A state stays "still being checked" until we have read the full rule; we never mark it "no cap" before then. Last checked .
This guide explains what the statutes say. It is not legal advice; for a specific contract, ask a lawyer licensed in your state.