All went beautifully. Larry Benner, one of Al Benner's agents, was our agent, (this company has several) and was superb. Never felt pressured, and he was ALWAYS personable, always available, and responded immediately to every question or visit we made. His patience was remarkable. In building a house (which is basically what we were submitting to Excel to follow as our specs), patience and a light touch is invaluable, since this is a nerve-racking process. The price was very fair - we have a two story colonial, with three baths, three bedrooms for this price. The quality is excellent. We did not purchase the most expensive options, but instead chose almost all the standard options they offer at the basic cost, all of which are good quality, but maybe not high end designer bells and whistles, and are certainly high enough quality for most folks. (Everything can be upgraded if one wishes, to "top of the line", but it will cost additional.) Keep in mind as well that the price of the house itself does NOT include the basement (which is required with Excel modular homes - no slabs), furnace, plumbing in basement hookup, and electrical hookup, nor land, nor preparation of the land. (Total of that is anywhere starting at minimum $50,000 - land and land prep will be an additional cost as well.).
Construction of this home is better than average - with 16" centers, 2x6's, plywood, Andersen windows, well insulated, fully conformed to Maine code, and so forth. (Conformed to Maine code got us through building permit without any hassle, since CEO did not have to inspect everything - that had already been done in the factory - this was a HUGE plus, in time and energy. ) Excel, we feel, was really a good choice of company, at Larry Benner's suggestion. (They are agents for various companies.) Excel was very adaptable to our needs as well - we insisted on easy stairs throughout, with rise far lower than normal - they did it without charging extra, for example. One suggestion: that as you make changes, make certain those changes are reflected in the updated specifications - we had to catch that a number of times.
The only frustration was waiting for the delivery of the units. Once there, it went up within a day. Then took about two weeks to fully finish the inside and outside. (The finisher was a terrific team, provided by Benner. This is all done as part of the base price.) Due to weather, there were delays in the delivery beyond what we had hoped. Moving the modules cannot be done in inclement weather, and as this is an act of God, there was little Benner could do about that.
A couple of missing items, but those were ordered subsequently and sent to Benner from Excel and then installed by Benner. We had a missing stair rail, for instance, that they have since installed, and which is beautiful. Not a whole lot of missing items, however.
Building itself is almost soundproof, so tightly built. Standard windows are huge! Doors are tight, building is firm. However, building is still "drying out" so occasionally at night one hears a crack as it either settles or dries out. A little unnerving. Benner had to add additional insulation in attic, because Excel failed to fill it to the 38 RU specification - this was done at Benner's expense. But be sure to check the level, since we had a friend who suggested it was not high enough.
The personal choices in this kind of house are almost infinite - you can upgrade everything, change configuration of rooms, or remove, walls, ceilings, etc., leave floors bare, for instance, for later self-finishing. We did that just in the hall, and installed flooring ourselves later on - but Excel will do that as well. (We found their wood flooring costs a bit higher than doing it later on our own.) The rest was carpeted with standard carpet, which is holding up well. Kitchen was faux stone, and people think it is real! Bathroom faux marble. All standard appliances are great, Whirlpool manufacturer - but you can change/upgrade/ etc., all of that if you wish as well. Our kitchen has more than enough cabinets - not at extra charge either! We designed the kitchen, they filled in with appropriate cabinets. You can change anything prior to finalizing the specs. Just remember that almost all upgrades will increase the cost of the final building from its base price, and quite frankly, most of the standard options are really quite nice.
My only "complaint", and it is not really that, is that the gypsum walls and ceilings are double primed and in a matte finish, which requires additional painting. Why couldn't Excel make the second prime coat a finish coat, in whatever color was chosen,as long as it was close to the prime color, if it was done throughout the house in the same color, and thus avoid the need to hire a painter who put the final coat on after closing the sale, and thus delaying moving in, and costing a bit. We put on an eggshell off white which was almost identical to the prime, and thus could easily have sufficed as the second coat prime instead. Just a thought. Had I known, I would have made that request. Presumably one could leave the prime as the final coat, but the matte makes it hard to keep clean.
FOLLOW UP VISITS:
After we moved in, there were several followups, all included in the purchase of this house. Barry,an employee of Benner, a fine, friendly and very professional contractor came to the house recently, for the final check up, looked throughout for settling cracks, etc., which were not many, and fixed them all up, spackling, mudding, priming and painting so that when he left, the repairs were fixed, and none visible. We did not have much settling, thanks to the quality of the house itself as well as the excellent foundation on which it sat. Needed some caulking where the finishing frames for the windows had pulled away, or shrunk over the past period. A couple of missed ceiling paint spots, and one joint crack, and a few edges that he caught and fixed. All of this done in a day and a half time. Understand, this was all done at no cost to us.
Also, about 6 months after we moved in, we had a leak in a bath ceiling, which they fixed, at their cost, which may have been due to the plumber we hired who failed to connect a vent in the attic, though this might have been a job that the original installation crew should have checked when finishing up the attic, but they did the repairs pleasantly and in a timely manner. And in the interim, there were some bad shingles on the vent cap which needed replacing, and they again, fixed it in a timely and pleasant manner. I don't know many contractors who would be so forthcoming and accommodating.
In sum, this company is everything we had hoped it would be, and then some. It is an old Maine company, founded by Al Benner, who has since passed away, but his reputation has remained intact, and in my view, probably even improved, thanks to the quality customer service and their going the extra mile with their service, quality, honesty and responsiveness. I would not hesitate to use them again if I were to build another modular home. In other words, we are very pleased with our choice of home, and with the service provided by Benner Homes. I must add that Larry Benner himself, Al Benner;s son, instilled trust, affection and loyalty, which served each of us very well throughout the process. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/me/holden/al-benner-homes-reviews-4864016.htm"},"position":6},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"JW Home Improvement","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"ME","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Susan S."},"reviewBody":"The gentleman who came to the house had to design something by sight and build it on the spot; I was amazed. He was able to build stairs that fit on top of the current stairs but were half the heigh and gradually sloped into my yard. The stairs have done wonders for my dog, allowing her to go into the yard and climb back up the stairs into the house by herself. Great! "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/md/gaithersburg/jw-home-improvement-reviews-466179.htm"},"position":7}]}
Barndominium Building reviews from real Angi homeowners in Swanville, ME
Last update on October 14, 2025
Clint C.
5.0
10/2024
I was in a crunch for time. Needed a stupmp out of my way to be able to pour gravel to set a building the next day. I spoke to Tyler and he was at my house less than an hour later. 20 minutes after that he had completed the job and even ground a second stump for me. Price was more than fair...
I hadn't thought of this building permit in years until I started thinking about selling my place and realized uh oh I had better do something about it. I made a couple of calls to my local building department who told me the bad news that it had to be closed. Most of the folks I spoke to...
All went beautifully. Larry Benner, one of Al Benner's agents, was our agent, (this company has several) and was superb. Never felt pressured, and he was ALWAYS personable, always available, and responded immediately to every question or visit we made. His patience was remarkable. In building...
General contracting - including but not limited to; renovations, siding, decking, roofing, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring installation, window installation, insulation, demo & demo removal, etc. Ground work & excavation work also available.
"We had a great experience working with Wes from Boynton Builders LLC! We had a pretty extensive basement remodel / conversion to living space project that we needed help on, and we are extremely happy all aspects of this project using Boynton Builders LLC. Wes responded quickly to a voice message I left, was able to quickly schedule a time to visit to discuss our intended Scope of Work (which also involved another project re-enforcing a carrying beam and support post in our detached garage) after which he quickly provided detailed quote that fortunately fell with our budget. We agreed to move forward, and Wes went to the Town Office for us and took care of the Building Permit and were able to start our project within a couple of weeks and the work proceeded at a good clip with every stage discussed being performed in the order identified from the onset. As the project progressed, we added an additional phase to the scope of work (Install Flooring and a new double door) and he quickly estimated the additional cost got the next phase into his schedule about a week after the completion of the first / original project. Throughout the whole project Wes was pleasant, professional, motivated and productive and open to any requests for change as the space began to be completed and new ideas came into play as we were better able to visualize the final result. Wes completed all of the work on time and within the budget/ and additional scope estimates. We already have the next project planned and will be using Boynton Builders LLC again. Any friends that have seen the completed project state that it is "an incredible transformation" and we are proud to welcome friends into a space that was once an embarrassment. I would also like to mention that I originally reached out and left the same voicemail (one right after the other) for three different contractors and Wes was the only callback received, and that was within a couple hours."
David M on April 2025
General contracting - including but not limited to; renovations, siding, decking, roofing, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring installation, window installation, insulation, demo & demo removal, etc. Ground work & excavation work also available.
"We had a great experience working with Wes from Boynton Builders LLC! We had a pretty extensive basement remodel / conversion to living space project that we needed help on, and we are extremely happy all aspects of this project using Boynton Builders LLC. Wes responded quickly to a voice message I left, was able to quickly schedule a time to visit to discuss our intended Scope of Work (which also involved another project re-enforcing a carrying beam and support post in our detached garage) after which he quickly provided detailed quote that fortunately fell with our budget. We agreed to move forward, and Wes went to the Town Office for us and took care of the Building Permit and were able to start our project within a couple of weeks and the work proceeded at a good clip with every stage discussed being performed in the order identified from the onset. As the project progressed, we added an additional phase to the scope of work (Install Flooring and a new double door) and he quickly estimated the additional cost got the next phase into his schedule about a week after the completion of the first / original project. Throughout the whole project Wes was pleasant, professional, motivated and productive and open to any requests for change as the space began to be completed and new ideas came into play as we were better able to visualize the final result. Wes completed all of the work on time and within the budget/ and additional scope estimates. We already have the next project planned and will be using Boynton Builders LLC again. Any friends that have seen the completed project state that it is "an incredible transformation" and we are proud to welcome friends into a space that was once an embarrassment. I would also like to mention that I originally reached out and left the same voicemail (one right after the other) for three different contractors and Wes was the only callback received, and that was within a couple hours."
Conley Inc. is your trusted partner for all your remodeling needs in Maine. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, we stand out from the competition. Contact us today to transform your home into the space of your dreams.
"Ok. Went past deadline but not their fault… power outages and severe weather."
Martha P on February 2024
Conley Inc. is your trusted partner for all your remodeling needs in Maine. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality, we stand out from the competition. Contact us today to transform your home into the space of your dreams.
"Ok. Went past deadline but not their fault… power outages and severe weather."
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"slow response times. no onsite visit, so had to confirm all measures myself. good product in the end."
Jim E on September 2025
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"slow response times. no onsite visit, so had to confirm all measures myself. good product in the end."
We offer over 20 years of industry experience and will provide you with an unmatched level of experience and commitment to your home improvement project. We've earned a solid reputation for a variety of residential home improvement projects, including kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, siding, doors, and windows. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction! References are available upon request. Give us a call today, and let's get started.
"Really nice patient guy. Explained everything, and get this- he actually returns phone calls and shows up on time. He follows through. How golden is that? I will be hiring him again for sure. FOR SURE."
Laura G on June 2024
We offer over 20 years of industry experience and will provide you with an unmatched level of experience and commitment to your home improvement project. We've earned a solid reputation for a variety of residential home improvement projects, including kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, siding, doors, and windows. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction! References are available upon request. Give us a call today, and let's get started.
"Really nice patient guy. Explained everything, and get this- he actually returns phone calls and shows up on time. He follows through. How golden is that? I will be hiring him again for sure. FOR SURE."
JD Howell and Co is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business
JD Howell and Co is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business
Coastline Construction is a locally owned and operated company that emphasizes honesty and integrity, ensuring your home receives the same level of care as our own. Our services are customized to address the unique requirements of each project, with a keen emphasis on detail and quality. We specialize in the installation and repair of fencing. Coastline Construction is committed to achieving outstanding results and building enduring relationships through our dedication to quality service. For inquiries, please contact us at 207-322-9849 or [email protected]
"Let me first start off by saying Jon and his team at Coastline Construction are top tier. I put an inquiry into Angi's list and Jon showed up the next day, talked to me about specifics and gave me a timeline I could expect, his quote was very reasonable (lower than others as well) and he stayed within budget. My roofing work came out fantastic and I would recommend this crew to anyone looking to have work done on their homes or businesses. Thanks Jon!"
Ben Y on February 2025
Coastline Construction is a locally owned and operated company that emphasizes honesty and integrity, ensuring your home receives the same level of care as our own. Our services are customized to address the unique requirements of each project, with a keen emphasis on detail and quality. We specialize in the installation and repair of fencing. Coastline Construction is committed to achieving outstanding results and building enduring relationships through our dedication to quality service. For inquiries, please contact us at 207-322-9849 or [email protected]
"Let me first start off by saying Jon and his team at Coastline Construction are top tier. I put an inquiry into Angi's list and Jon showed up the next day, talked to me about specifics and gave me a timeline I could expect, his quote was very reasonable (lower than others as well) and he stayed within budget. My roofing work came out fantastic and I would recommend this crew to anyone looking to have work done on their homes or businesses. Thanks Jon!"
G.A. Doughty Construction, we are without a doubt the best at what we do, and it always shows in our work. We take pride in our professionalism; our employees are always timely and dressed professionally. With over 19 years of experience in our trades, you can be confident that you are hiring the best company to provide all of your construction needs. We look forward to earning your business! Call us today for a quote! References available per request.
"We had a great experience working with G.A. Doughty Construction. From the start, their team was communicative, responsive, and collaborative—making sure we were involved and informed at every step. They helped us navigate and recover from a difficult prior experience, stepping in with professionalism and integrity to get the work done right. Their commitment to quality and transparency gave us real peace of mind, and we’re grateful for their expertise and support throughout the project."
Jared A on June 2025
G.A. Doughty Construction, we are without a doubt the best at what we do, and it always shows in our work. We take pride in our professionalism; our employees are always timely and dressed professionally. With over 19 years of experience in our trades, you can be confident that you are hiring the best company to provide all of your construction needs. We look forward to earning your business! Call us today for a quote! References available per request.
"We had a great experience working with G.A. Doughty Construction. From the start, their team was communicative, responsive, and collaborative—making sure we were involved and informed at every step. They helped us navigate and recover from a difficult prior experience, stepping in with professionalism and integrity to get the work done right. Their commitment to quality and transparency gave us real peace of mind, and we’re grateful for their expertise and support throughout the project."
We do it all no job to small from decks to home repair, roofs,sheds,doors,windows, handicap accessible ramps...we do it all!! Give us a call...(207)414-2790
We do it all no job to small from decks to home repair, roofs,sheds,doors,windows, handicap accessible ramps...we do it all!! Give us a call...(207)414-2790
Welcome to River View Construction Co. Established in 2014 - We offer General Contracting, Excavation, Forestry Services, Plowing & Sanding. We are fully insured & reputable. We strive to provide an elite experience, seamless, professional & with sense of urgency.
Welcome to River View Construction Co. Established in 2014 - We offer General Contracting, Excavation, Forestry Services, Plowing & Sanding. We are fully insured & reputable. We strive to provide an elite experience, seamless, professional & with sense of urgency.
Bradford Home Services is your personal maintenance company for your home, condo, rental property, or seasonal property! Born from our sister company Bradford Construction Management, you can trust your home is being reviewed by seasoned home builders! We have over 70 years of experience in the residential construction market, building high end homes, from design to finish. Take advantage of our bi-annual assessments for only $25/Month! We will review your whole home Exterior, Interior, plumbing, electrical, heating etc! we will then send you a detailed report with pictures, videos, and recommendation on fixes! But it doesn't stop there, we can price and repair any aspect of your home!
Bradford Home Services is your personal maintenance company for your home, condo, rental property, or seasonal property! Born from our sister company Bradford Construction Management, you can trust your home is being reviewed by seasoned home builders! We have over 70 years of experience in the residential construction market, building high end homes, from design to finish. Take advantage of our bi-annual assessments for only $25/Month! We will review your whole home Exterior, Interior, plumbing, electrical, heating etc! we will then send you a detailed report with pictures, videos, and recommendation on fixes! But it doesn't stop there, we can price and repair any aspect of your home!
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FAQs for barndominium building projects in Swanville, ME
One starting point to find a local home builder is to collect suggestions from friends and neighbors. However, it’s still wise to do some more research before you hire a builder. Read reviews to supplement any word-of-mouth recommendations. Check sources like Angi that have standards and criteria in place to screen the pros it lists can also help you find more reputable local home builders.
Typically, it’s more affordable to buy an existing home than it is to build a new one. New construction loan interest rates tend to be higher than interest rates for traditional mortgages. Additionally, the cost of materials is likely higher when building a new home than it was when an existing home was built (unless it’s a very new one). You’re also paying for all new appliances, finishes, permits, inspections, and connections for water, gas, and electricity.
The average price per square foot to build a house is about $150 per square foot. Overall, the cost to build a house ranges anywhere from $100 to $500 per square foot, depending on where you build. The primary cost factors include location, size, and style of house you build.
The cost to build a detached garage for two cars costs about $26,400 on average. Prices range from $19,200 to $33,600, depending on your location, the garage size, height, materials, and site prep required. Additional cost factors include any plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. If you need to build a concrete foundation for a new detached garage, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $8,600 for this essential addition.
The average cost to remodel a garage is around $18,000, ranging from $1,500 to $50,000, depending on size, materials, location, and other factors like plumbing and electrical. Garage remodels that include changing the roof and walls add significant expenses to the project. Plus, you can expect to pay about $1,400 for the building conversion permits. For a simple remodel, like painting interior walls and recoating the garage floor, it will cost about $2 to $5 per square foot.
The Swanville, ME homeowners’ guide to barndominium building
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