FAQs
With over 30 years of construction experience in Maine, we’ve fielded hundreds—probably thousands—of questions. Here are some we’re frequently asked.
Click to see answer.
"How far do you travel to build a new home?"
We typically cover about a 50 mile radius from our location here in Auburn, which covers most of central and southern Maine.
"How much money do I need to put down to build?"
We require an earnest money deposit in order to “sign up” as a customer. This deposit will get you working with our drafting team, walking land with us, and placed on our production schedule. With our turn-key financing option, the down payment will vary depending on the exact loan you receive. Most loans are between 3.5% to 20% down but we are willing to work with our customers with any loan program including 0% down VA loans. Any further down payments will be based on your specific financing. See our process page for more details.
"What is the most cost-effective home to build?"
A colonial style home will give you the most square footage for your dollar. The most expensive portions of a home are the foundation and the roof, so by stacking the floors on top of one another these amounts are lowered, saving on costs.
"How much does it cost per square foot to build?"
Each home is a little different, and there are a myriad of factors that can affect pricing. We do not price our houses strictly based on square footage--however, a base price is typically around $225 to $325 per square foot. Give us a call to get a free, no obligation quote.
"Do we need a construction loan to build a new home?"
No. With our turnkey financing you'll have no need for a construction loan. Due to the turnkey construction, the loan will be structured the same as if it were an existing home, similar to a home-end loan.
"Do you build in the winter?"
Yes, we work year round.
"Do you have employees doing the work or do you bid everything out?"
We have about 30 full-time employees and multiple different crews. We self-perform all carpentry work. For major subcontractor work such as plumbing, electrical, excavation, etc., we have trade partners who are involved in all of our homes. We do not use a competitive bid process for our sub work.
"Do I need to go through one of your approved banks or can I use my own?"
We will work with any lender or bank that will issue a commitment letter. This letter commits to lend a specified amount upon the completion of the home. We do urge you to talk with or visit one or a few of our approved lenders, simply because they know our process well and will save you some time in the pre-construction phase of your home.
"My friend is a master electrician. Can he do the electrical work?"
Yes. However, anytime we do not use one of our standard subcontractor partners, we will not warrantee or pay for their work. This policy just means if you want someone else to perform the work, you'll need to have the cash to pay them. We would remove that portion from our contract and credit you the difference.
"Can I do some of the work myself?"
Depending on where your skills lie, yes. As long as it will not hold up the project for too long, we are willing to work with you. Doing some of the work yourself will also give you a chance to earn some sweat equity in your new home.
"How long does it take to build a standard home?"
Our construction start time will vary based on the amount of existing customers we are currently working with. Ensuring that each customer and build receives the quality assurance we offer at Fortin, we do not begin new projects until we feel fully prepared to take your new home on. We do collect an earnest money deposit as a hold in our schedule. Typically, once we begin a build, it is 6-8 months for actual construction time. Contact us today to learn more about our current schedule and wait times.
"Do I need to own land before I build?"
No. As part of our turn-key financing, we are also able to secure land for you. We would purchase the land for you, build your new home on it, and then sell it to you as one package. Take a look at our available properties.
"What makes a better home, stick-built or modular?"
Stick-built homes are better by far. Here's why:
- They have a flexible layout with unlimited designs and options.
- There's no wasted space from a 12-inch marriage wall.
- Stick-built homes use better construction materials and methods.
- Stick-built homes are not transported through weather and over rough, frosty roads.
- Licensed contractors work on the homes and local code enforcement officers are involved, ensuring everything is up to code and well done.
- Because we use local products you can easily get service and replacement parts.
- Building all construction together instead of attached as separate units allows it to all conform to one cohesive plan.
- The total cost of stick-built homes is actually less than modular homes.