In the bustling landscape of Portland, Maine, construction expertise serves as the backbone for real estate success. The market’s growth hinges on contractors who can blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. The list below highlights eight exceptional general contractors in the area, chosen for their industry awards, decades-long experience, and compelling portfolios. These firms are setting the standard for what Portland can expect from its built environment.
Woodhull
110 Exchange St #2, Portland, ME 04101
Since its establishment in 2003, Woodhull has carved a niche in the arena of design-led construction. Merging aesthetic vision with pragmatic construction, the firm commits to prioritizing durability, honesty, and meticulous selection of materials. Spearheading this mission is founding principal Caleb Johnson, an American Institute of Architects (AIA) member. Once an aspiring fine artist, Caleb Johnson transitioned his focus toward architecture and has led Woodhull to become a frontrunner in creative design. He is supported by an award-winning team that shares his commitment to capturing the landscape’s essence and the intrinsic value of materials.
Among Woodhull’s recent accolades are the AIA New England Architecture Award for their Pieri Pines project and the AIA Maine Honor Awards in 2021, 2020, and 2015. The firm has also earned a Fine Homebuilding Best New Home Award and a New England Homes 5 Under 40 Award, all within the past three years. Woodhull’s work has garnered media attention, with features in publications like Dwell, The New York Times, and Better Homes & Gardens. This exposure has further solidified its standing in the sector.
Knickerbocker Group
82 Hanover St, Suite 3, Portland, ME 04101
For four decades, the Knickerbocker Group has established itself as a one-stop solution for architecture, interior design, woodworking, and construction management. Founded by Stephen Malcom as Boothbay Home Builders in 1978, the firm later evolved into the Knickerbocker Group, a testament to its expanding range of services and expertise. Stephen, a committed advocate for economic and community development, spearheads a company culture of work-life balance and client-centric service.
Danielle Betts, a licensed professional engineer with 25 years of experience, manages the operational and strategic aspects of the firm, emphasizing mentorship and professional growth for the team. Knickerbocker’s diverse talent pool operates with a focus on quality, maintaining open and effective communication from project inception to completion. The firm’s accolades include the 2021 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Maine People’s Choice Award and the 2019 AIA Maine Design Award for Adaptive Reuse. Knickerbocker’s quality assurance is indisputable, certified by AIA Maine, the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
O’Shea Builders
65 Sweden Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
Founded in 2002, O’Shea Builders has earned an exceptional reputation for delivering high-quality remodeling services in Southern Maine. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, the company offers customized solutions tailored to individual client needs. The firm’s commitment to personal service has positioned it as one of the top 50 remodeling companies in the nation, as recognized by Remodeling Magazine.
Warren O’Shea, the driving force behind the company, has served the Portland, Maine area since 2004 as well as being a board member of the Home builders and Remodelers of Maine (HBRM), a branch of the National Association of Home Builders. Holding an associate’s degree in business administration from Middlesex Community College, Warren has honed his customer service skills through previous roles in the antique reproduction furniture and hospitality industries. His broad experience has made him a versatile professional committed to exceeding client expectations.
O’Shea Builders has been spotlighted in various media outlets for its outstanding work. It has been featured on popular television programs like Maine Cabin Masters, HGTV’s Vacation House for Free, and Restaurant Impossible, as well as in the HomeWork series for WGME.
Centerline Design & Build
343 Main St, Box 4B, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Founded in 2014, Centerline Design & Build has evolved into a trusted name in home remodeling, with a special focus on kitchen and bathroom design. Over the past nine years, the company has expanded its expertise to include comprehensive first-floor remodeling, aligning homes with modern living standards. Whether transforming a formal dining room into an expansive urban kitchen or integrating a home office into a great room, Centerline delivers timeless, future-proof designs that are both mindful and respectful of each client’s vision.
The driving force behind the firm’s success is Jeanne Rapone, a seasoned designer with 30 years of experience. Her career has spanned projects from Washington, DC to Bar Harbor, Maine. In 2015, her vision for a collaborative design and build environment came to fruition with the establishment of Centerline Design & Build, offering a one-stop solution for clients looking to renovate and furnish their homes. Centerline’s projects have been featured in prestigious publications such as Maine Home+Design Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, New England Home, This Old House, Maine Home & Design, Coastal Living, and Signature Kitchens.
M.R. Brewer
91 Bell St, Portland, ME 04103
Established in 1987, M.R. Brewer has been at the forefront of residential and commercial construction and millwork for three decades. The company, founded by Malcolm and Patricia Brewer, seamlessly blends traditional woodworking techniques with modern technology to deliver unmatched craftsmanship. From custom cabinetry to intricate millwork, M.R. Brewer has an enduring commitment to creating spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and built to last for generations.
Today, the company is guided by principals Rusty Brewer and Matthew Brewer, whose leadership continues to steer the firm in its dedication to quality and innovation. M.R. Brewer is accredited by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, lending credibility and integrity to its operations. The firm has been featured in esteemed publications like Portland Magazine and Maine Home + Design Architecture, a further testament to its reputable position in the field. With 36 years of experience, M.R. Brewer continues to be a reliable name in the world of construction and millwork. As a full-service provider, it has the expertise and resources to bring your vision to life, ensuring quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
MGM Builders
8 Turning Leaf Dr, Windham, ME 04062
MGM Builders has turned dreams into homes since 1987. With a foundation built on hope, hard work, and a set of plans from a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, founders Mike and Anne Manning have grown the company into a reliable source for quality home construction in Maine. The company’s inception story of Mike and Anne building their first home in Raymond, Maine reflects a family-centered approach that resonates with many of their clients. Over the years, MGM Builders has become an integral part of its community, crafting homes seamlessly fitting into local neighborhoods.
Mike Manning, who has been at the helm since the beginning, leads a team that brings technical expertise and a genuine love for homebuilding. With 36 years in the industry, MGM Builders’ legacy stands as a testament to the power of dreams, the importance of family, and the value of hard work. With a focus on understanding not just the technicalities but also the emotional aspects of home construction, MGM Builders has earned a name synonymous with trust in its community.
Fine Lines Construction
194 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Established in 1984, Fine Lines Construction has perfected its design/build methodology for home remodeling and renovation. With 39 years of experience, the firm excels in a system that incorporates homeowners, designers, and builders in a collaborative manner, from the start to the finish of each project. This collaborative method ensures budget-friendly planning without sacrificing design quality.
Under the leadership of Edward Andrews III, Fine Lines Construction consistently delivers craftsmanship that meets high levels of customer satisfaction. The company’s expertise is versatile, accommodating a range of project sizes and offering solutions tailored to individual homeowner needs.
Over the years, Fine Lines Construction has built more than just structures; it has also developed strong community relationships. The firm’s portfolio reveals a diversity of styles and functions, each crafted to blend with its neighborhood settings harmoniously. Known for its transparent, budget-conscious, and collaborative approach, Fine Lines Construction has the methodology and experience to transform visions into realities.
