Our Story
Story 1
Over 35 years ago Chase Custom Homes & Finance was established by John F. Chase. After a 14-year career in law enforcement with the Westbrook Police Department, John was searching for his second calling. He always had an interest in construction and real estate and in 1986 he set out to turn that interest into a business. Growing up in Portland, John watched his grandfather who was a local painter and carpenter. His grandfather would tell him, "Johnny, if you're going to do something, you better do it right." Those words stuck with him and John knew he wanted to get into a line of work where he could do just that.
Story 2
He started John Chase Builders, the first iteration of Chase Custom Homes & Finance (CCHFI). His first project-while still juggling his police work-was remodeling a friend's house. Later on, he built a house for the same buddy's mom and discovered he not only had a passion for building but was good at it, too! That convinced him to leave the police force and dedicate all of his attention to doing what he loved. His second major project was a large colonial-style home in Gorham, Maine. In the midst of southern Maine's building boom this new home sold - in just two days. By 1997, Chase Custom Homes was the third largest home builder in the state, building 57 homes that year.
Humble Beginnings
Story 3
Word of Mouth
In the early years, John built the business through referrals, connections with subcontractors and real estate agents - very little advertising. In 1997, John built an office on Route 302 at 1 Percy Hawkes Road. 10 years later the company moved just a few miles down the road to the current location, 290 Bridgton Road in Westbrook.
Story 4
Referrals have helped Chase Custom Homes weather the recession and several slowdowns in the housing market. John has always believed in building strong relationships with customers. He recalls moments when customers have invited him and the crew over for dinner after the completion of a new home. "This is the type of relationship we are building here," he says.
Building Relationships
Story 5
Delivering Dream Homes
Chase Custom Homes has proudly built the first home for many customers and sometimes their second or third home. The crew is often called back to add a garage, or do an addition or improvement project. Today, CCHFI is still a family owned business. John and company president Bill Noone are hyper-focused on giving back to their community. John works with some of the same local vendors he grew up with and has built houses for the children of his old classmates. Chase Custom Homes & Finance continues to build on 35 years, strong and steady, one new home dream at a time.