Thinking about moving to Maine (Bangor: job market, contractor, price)

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by sameQ8

Can anyone provide me contact info for homebuilders in the Presque Isle area? Thank you

Honestly, I would contact Troy Haney in Caribou. He is a straight shooting guy and as honest as they come. I like Troy a lot and has always been a good guy. He has some great people working for him and NEVER cuts a corner in any house he does. He offers several top notch Modulars built to Canadian specs (Which is tougher than the US and higher insulation requirements). They are every bit as nice as stick built. He also does stick built homes as well. He will take the time to sit down and go over every detail of what you want and take as much time as needed to get you the most bang for your buck.

Yes I am an Electrician, no, I do NOT do Troys homes, so I have zero to gain by recommending him. He is just the best I know and he is who I personally would have build a home for me and my family if I were to have a new one built. I have worked with every single builder in the Presque Isle, Caribou, to Madawaska area up here. Troy is the most honest, best builder. I'll DM you his contact information.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

what for?





OMG I think that's the first time I've used that sarcasm smilie....I'm going to hell in a hand basket.....

I'll bring the marshmallows because I'll be right there with you.

[moughie]

Originally Posted by Bydand

Should I add a smiley to that last post? LOL

Bydand, we love you even if you do not add smileys!!!

It really seems to be a more female thing to do anyway.....

[Elcarim]

Not sure what started the "smiley" or "no smiley" discussion, but I do appreciate when the emoticons are used, because it helps me "hear" the tone in your voice so I know if you're joking or not.

[bignhfamily]

Originally Posted by Bydand

Honestly, I would contact Troy Haney in Caribou. He is a straight shooting guy and as honest as they come. I like Troy a lot and has always been a good guy. He has some great people working for him and NEVER cuts a corner in any house he does. He offers several top notch Modulars built to Canadian specs (Which is tougher than the US and higher insulation requirements). They are every bit as nice as stick built. He also does stick built homes as well. He will take the time to sit down and go over every detail of what you want and take as much time as needed to get you the most bang for your buck.

Yes I am an Electrician, no, I do NOT do Troys homes, so I have zero to gain by recommending him. He is just the best I know and he is who I personally would have build a home for me and my family if I were to have a new one built. I have worked with every single builder in the Presque Isle, Caribou, to Madawaska area up here. Troy is the most honest, best builder. I'll DM you his contact information.

Hey Bydand,
I'm not trying to hijack the thread but was just curious to know what builders are charging, on average, per sq ft for new homes in your area. I'm a small contractor myself and here in central NH $125-$150 seems to be the going rate. I mostly do historic renovations so it's a little different for me. Is there opportunity for hard working well rounded carpenters up there?

[Bydand]

There is a vast range of prices as you know. New stick builts here seem to average $80-$100 depending on a huge number of things. That is seat of the pants though as I do the electrical and not a GC usually so those numbers may be off by a bit. For us we have done the minimum required on houses per the owners request. And we have gone the opposite and have had $150,000 in electrical in a house.

There seems to always be a need for a good carpenter. Just don't expect to get what you have been for the same job. Average for a carpenter on a T&M job right now is $35-$40, about half that for a laborer. People have been screeching bloody murder lately because the cost of an electrician has gone up to $40-$45 an hour. That is what I was charging YEARS ago out of state.

[Mainer61]

How is the work ethic up there? I have a feeling it's pretty good..my husband is from the County. We built a home Downeast and no one ever showed up for work. We were blown away.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by Mainer61

How is the work ethic up there? I have a feeling it's pretty good..my husband is from the County. We built a home Downeast and no one ever showed up for work. We were blown away.

Depends on who you talk to. Locals who have never been away will swear up and down it is the best. People who have lived and worked elsewhere will say it is something you can work around and still get things done.

[bignhfamily]

Originally Posted by Mainer61

How is the work ethic up there? I have a feeling it's pretty good..my husband is from the County. We built a home Downeast and no one ever showed up for work. We were blown away.

I don't think it matters where you live - everybody has or knows somebody who has a contractor nightmare story.

I get a lot of new customers simply because I answered my phone, showed up when I said I would and promptly got an estimate out to them. I haven't advertised in a couple of years now.

I don't know your particular situation, but I have seen many, many times people bargain hunt contractors. They get estimates from several builders and go with the lowest price without comparing apples to apples. You often get what you pay for. Usually somewhere in the middle is right. IMHO that is.

[WhoFanMe]

Originally Posted by Mainer61

How is the work ethic up there? I have a feeling it's pretty good..my husband is from the County. We built a home Downeast and no one ever showed up for work. We were blown away.

Probably the first week of hunting season...