What to Worry About When Buying a Home in Maine (And How to Fix It!)
Buying a home in Maine is one of the best lifestyle choices you can make — but it does come with a few regional quirks that every buyer should understand. From the natural beauty of the woods to Maine’s seasonal extremes, here are five things to watch out for when purchasing a home in the Pine Tree State — and, more importantly, how to fix them.
1. Rodents and Wildlife Intrusion
Living near the woods means living close to nature — and sometimes, nature tries to move in with you. It’s common in Maine for homes to deal with uninvited guests like mice, squirrels, or raccoons. They often sneak into basements, attics, or walls through small openings.
What to Look For:
- Droppings in corners or crawl spaces
- Chewed wires or insulation
- Gaps around doors, soffits, or foundations
How to Fix It:
- Always get a pest inspection
- Seal entry points with steel mesh or spray foam
- Trim trees back from the roof
- Consider a quarterly pest control service
2. Septic Systems vs Public Sewer
While many assume they’ll be connected to public sewer, a large portion of Maine homes rely on private septic systems — even within city limits.
What to Look For:
- Age of the system
- Date of last pump or inspection
- Pooling water, odd smells in the yard
How to Fix It:
- Always get a septic inspection — it’s separate from your general home inspection
- Ask for maintenance records from the seller
- Budget $300–$500 every 3–5 years for pumping
- Learn how your system works and don’t overload it
3. Proximity to Amenities
Rural charm is a huge part of Maine’s appeal — but that can mean being 20–30 minutes from the nearest grocery store, school, or hospital.
What to Think About:
- Daily commute times
- Access to reliable internet (especially for remote work)
- Proximity to healthcare or emergency services
How to Fix It:
- Map out your routines before you commit
- Confirm internet speeds with local providers
- Choose a location based on your lifestyle priorities
4. Radon in Air and Water
Maine has some of the highest radon levels in the U.S., especially in granite-rich areas. But the good news? It’s easy to detect and fix.
What to Look For:
- Elevated levels in air (measured in pCi/L)
- Radon in water if the home has a private well
How to Fix It:
- Always test for radon during inspections
- Install a radon mitigation system (~$1,000–$2,000)
- Use filtration for well water if necessary
- Bonus: A home with an existing system is a plus!
5. Wear and Tear from Maine Weather
With harsh winters, rainy springs, and freeze-thaw cycles, Maine’s weather puts homes to the test.
What to Look For:
- Roof age and condition
- Foundation cracks or water intrusion
- Heating system efficiency
- Wear on siding (especially wood)
How to Fix It:
- Get a full inspection focused on structural and mechanical elements
- Budget for roof and boiler replacements in older homes
- Ask sellers how they handle winter maintenance
- Consider a home warranty for added protection
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To reach out to Doug you can call or text 207-838-5593, search listings, or contact him with any questions.
If you Make Maine Your Home, you don’t have to do it alone!
