Business spotlight on A & E Contractors by Michelle Libby

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After Eric Klein’s first trip to Maine, it was love at first sight and he decided to make this his home. As a solopreneur moving his contracting business from New York to Maine was risky, but he did it for love and to find new opportunities. He was ready for a new challenge.
 

When he first moved to Maine, he took on a job working with another construction company. He did

that for a year and a half to learn more about the area and the needs of homeowners. What he discovered was that there was a large need for quality finish carpenters.

The need is great, and Klein is ready to do the work to help year-round homeowners or summer residents spruce up their homes. He does practically everything on your honey-do list and at a fair, reasonable price.

A & E Contractors’ philosophy is “Do it right the first time,” he said. “If you’re going to do a job, do it the right way.” Klein prides himself on quality work and never cuts corners. He completes every project thoroughly and with great attention to detail. 

A & E Contractors started after Klein returned from his time in the Navy. He was a boatswain’s mate in the 1980s. Once he returned and went to school for a while, he decided to start A & E Contractors, which was named after Klein and his brother, Andy. Andy worked with him for a few years until Klein moved. 

Klein has been involved in projects all over the area. He has done work at Maggie’s Hair Salon, replaced rotted cedar shakes and has updated decks to make them safe. A & E Contractors also does replacement doors, trim work and anything that needs finish carpentry. 

“Finish carpentry is my specialty. I can tackle anything,” Klein said. He also does light landscaping including design, planting and mulching but does not mow lawns. Other projects include building decks, along with constructing, repairing and installing custom docks. He doesn’t do a lot of new construction but remodeling or fixing problem areas on a home are right up his alley. He can complete most any task regarding remodels such as tile work, floor installations, painting, etc. He can also do basement finishing to create a whole new living space in your home.

“Docks are my forte. I love being outside, enjoying the weather,” he said. For eight years he taught computer aided drafting and worked for five years doing AutoCAD design. Doing architectural design was fun, but he decided he didn’t want to sit behind a desk and would rather be building the projects he designed. He still enjoys creating plans but likes that now he is able to be more hands on.

“I’ve been working in the field a long time,” he said. “I like seeing a project start from nothing then stand back and say, ‘I did that’.”

Designing decks with stairs and landings makes him happy and he is content to know that his projects provide safety to families. No one will put their foot through the floors or fall on rickety stairs.

He will travel to meet the demands of his clients. From Raymond to South Portland, Klein is willing to travel anywhere in Cumberland County. He lives locally, despite the area code on his phone, he said with a chuckle. 

He is looking forward to meeting new people in the area and filling his spring and summer schedule. He suggests calling now to secure a spot in what is becoming a busy season and ensures his customers that projects will be completed quickly and efficiently. When he begins a job, he works on it until it is completed. He does everything start to finish and doesn’t bounce between clients.

“I take pride in all my work,” he said. “I just really like finish carpentry. It dresses things up.” Precision with things like crown molding and custom built-ins are crucial in achieving a finished look and his 25 years of experience makes it look easy.  

Klein says he is willing to work on weekends and is more than happy to set up free estimates to discuss your vision, goals and budget. A & E Contractors is fully insured. To see a portfolio of jobs Klein has completed or to schedule a project, email EricKlein0616@gmail.com or call or text 315-530-0616.