South Carolina has very strict licensing requirements for contractors, the below information seeks to provide accurate information on the topic for homeowners. Operating without a valid contractor’s license is a misdemeanor in South Carolina.
Most construction and building projects cost a lot of time and money, which means you’ll want to hire someone who will do the work correctly and according to code.
While bids from unlicensed and under-licensed contractors will probably look like great deals at first, you have no assurance that you’ll get the job done correctly or according to code. When you hire licensed residential builder, you’re dealing with someone who knows what they’re doing and are fully bonded and insured in case something goes wrong.
An unlicensed contractor can easily be just another fly by night operation that will just take your money and run without ever completing the project.
Before signing any contracts, you can check if a building company or contractor has a valid and current license by going to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website and clicking Lookup A Licensee.
These are just a few tips for what to ask a contractor before hiring one. For a complete list of questions, visit www.CarolinaHomeExteriors.com and download a free checklist. Or call 843-651-6514 for a free consultation.
Remember, this is your home, your money and your future.
Invest wisely and choose sensibly.
WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL BUILDER?
A Residential Builder is a licensed residential contractor who performs project management roles in the building of homes additions. A Residential Builder has the skills & knowledge to read & design structural engineering plans. A Residential Builder hires specialty contractors to do specific trade work. They are licensed to build structures out of the ground, additions & under existing improvements.
IS THERE AN EXAM OR ANY TYPE OF TESTING REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED AS A RESIDENTIAL BUILDER?
YES, they must pass a state Residential Builders exam and business law exam, to demonstrate their professional proficiency.
ARE RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS AUTHORIZED TO SUB WORK OUT TO OTHER TRADES, BUILD ADDITIONS, OR DO STRUCTURAL WORK?
YES, they have been tested, confirmed knowledge and verified experience to install safely designed engineered structures and additions. .
CAN A RESIDENTIAL BUILDER SUBCONTRACT TO OTHER CONTRACTORS?
YES, they are licensed to contract with mechanical specialty trades like electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors. As will as specialty trades.
WHAT IS A SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR?
A Specialty Contractor is an independent contractor, who is NOT a licensed Residential Builder. The Specialty Contractor contracts under licensed Residential Builders, general contractors, or individual property owners to do repairs, improvements or remodeling which require special skills, specialized trades or crafts when the total cost of the project exceeds $200.
IS THERE AN EXAM OR ANY TYPE OF TESTING REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED AS A SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR?
NO, no exam, no testing, no experience, no knowledge, no skill, nor qualifications are required. Anyone may complete a form and register as a Specialty Contractor.
ARE SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS AUTHORIZED TO SUB WORK OUT TO OTHER TRADES, BUILD ADDITIONS, OR DO STRUCTURAL WORK?
NO, they are not qualified and licensed to perform such work.
CAN A SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR SUBCONTRACT TO OTHER CONTRACTORS?
NO, they may not contract only under a licensed Residential Builder, general contractor or property owner with their designated specialty trades (I.E. roffing, siding, carpentry)
