Pro Business

Downeast Homes

Portland Home Builders
Ranked #4 in Portland | Grade B+
5.00 (6 reviews)

Downeast Homes

Downeast Homes builds custom residences with steady communication, clear budgets, and careful coordination of trades. The approach emphasizes practical design, durable assemblies, and details that perform in Maine’s climate.

Why Homeowners Choose This Business

Local knowledge of Maine building conditions, practical guidance on budgets and schedules, and craftsmanship that holds up to coastal weather. Clients work with a responsive team that communicates clearly and coordinates trades efficiently.

Service Area

Projects in Portland and surrounding coastal and midcoast Maine communities.


How This Business Compares

A quick local comparison based on ranking, review strength, and market visibility.
  • Maintains a competitive standing in this market.
  • Performs at or above the local average for Google rating.

Services Covered

  Renovation Services
  Service
  Commercial Service
  custom home construction
  design-build coordination
  energy-efficient homes
  coastal home builder
  new home construction
  site evaluation
  Permitting Assistance
  project management
  home additions
  Shoreland Construction
  Budget Planning
  Schedule Planning

Custom home construction, design–build coordination, site evaluation, permitting guidance, budget and schedule planning, energy-efficient detailing, coastal and lakefront builds, additions aligned with existing architecture, and project management from pre-construction through finish.


Recent Reviews

5.00

(Based on 6 reviews)

Customers highlight professional communication, dependable timelines, and well-finished details. Google reviews show strong satisfaction across a small but consistent set of ratings.

Google Review
Sara Cole on Downeast Homes

We love our dream home! Jay is communicative, fun to work with, and extremely knowledgeable. His whole team is incredibly talented- their professionalism and attention to detail are incredible. We couldn’t be more thrilled with our home and are so grateful to everyone who worked on our project.

Google Review
Sherry Emery on Downeast Homes

We had a home built for us by Downeast Homes. The knowledge of the staff and the working relations was one of the best companies we have ever dealt with. They are very open to any ideas that you want to input with also any consideration of cost .
A business that is 100% for the customer.

Google Review
Joe Richardson on Downeast Homes

Jay Carlson built my summer home from September 2022 till April 2023. To get a house built on Vinalhaven in that timeframe is unheard of. Juggling ferry schedules, getting materials on the island and short work days and doing it during the winter was remarkable. The house is tight well built the finishing work is great. He even built custom windows for my stained glass. It is common to dislike custom home builders once the project is done. I feel blessed to have gotten him to build my house.

Google Review
Lana Arau on Downeast Homes

We love the home Jay and his fabulous crew at Downeast Homes constructed for us. The crew is reliable, talented, fun and eager to create the home you envision. Jay’s a great communicator and knows how to stay within budget and timelines. When we decided to do another building endeavor there was no question that we would have Downeast Homes complete the build. The second project is in the middle of construction and is going as smoothly as the first. We highly recommend Jay and his crew at Downeast Homes.

Google Review
Lucy-Ann Spaulding on Downeast Homes

From start to finish and beyond, Downeast Homes were and still are a pleasure to work with. Jay and his crew built our wonderful new home, offered excellent suggestions along the way, tolerated our endless questions with humor and became our friends. People visiting our home frequently comment on the attention to detail not often seen on other building projects. They are perfectionists! We brought them back to our site to expand a deck, erect a studio, and now have still one final project in mind. Nobody can compete with their clever know how and skills!



Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, projects can be coordinated in a design–build format or with your architect. The team helps align drawings with budgets, schedule, and permitting needs, then manages construction through completion.

Energy performance is a standard part of planning, including insulation, air sealing, and window specifications suited to coastal conditions. Options can be discussed early so they fit your goals and budget.

You’ll receive a clear scope with allowances and line items so costs are transparent. Updates are shared during the build to track selections, changes, and any impacts on schedule.

Timelines vary by size, design complexity, and seasonal constraints. During pre-construction you’ll receive a realistic schedule and milestone dates, with regular updates as work progresses.

Yes, the team is familiar with shoreland considerations and exposure to wind and weather. They coordinate permitting steps and specify materials that perform well in marine environments.
 Verified Listing

Opening Hours


  • Monday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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Business Details


Business Rating
5.00 (6 reviews) Pro Business
Address
439 Commercial St, Rockport, ME 04856, USA, Rockport, ME 04856, US
Business Type
general_contractor

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