AUGUSTA – Maine will have a statewide building code for homes if a bill that received a preliminary vote of approval Tuesday in the state Senate is enacted into law.

The bill, which was approved without debate, establishes a residential building code that towns could adopt voluntarily. About 80 Maine towns and cities already have codes, said Sen. Lynn Bromley, D-South Portland.

“It is not a mandate to towns,” added Bromley, Senate chair of the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee, which endorsed the measure by a 12-1 vote. Bromley said the bill is supported by architects, designers and others in the industry.

The legislation was prompted by complaints about some contractors who have done shoddy work on residential structures, leading to expensive repairs.

Under the bill endorsed Tuesday, towns that choose to adopt a residential building code would have to use the one authorized by the Legislature, Bromley said.

The bill faces further Senate and House votes.

A separate bill would require home contractors to get special state licenses.

“We still have that bill in committee and we’re trying to do something with it,” said Bromley. “There are some who say a $100 license is a deal breaker.”