Contractor licensing rules in Surfside Beach, SC

A residential builder falls under Chapter 59 when an undertaking costs more than $5,000. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59] (opens in a new tab)

A residential specialty contractor falls under Chapter 59 when covered specialized work exceeds $500 and Chapter 11 does not regulate it. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59] (opens in a new tab)

Residential specialty trades include plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, masonry, drywall, carpentry, painting, and other listed work. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59] (opens in a new tab)

Chapter 11 requires a license when general contracting has a total construction cost greater than $10,000. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11] (opens in a new tab)

The same greater-than-$10,000 threshold applies to mechanical contracting. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11] (opens in a new tab)

Total construction cost includes labor, materials, equipment, profit, and incidental expenses for the entire project. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11] (opens in a new tab)

The Residential Builders Commission licenses or registers qualified residential builders and residential specialty contractors. [S.C. Residential Builders Commission] (opens in a new tab)

Use the state license lookup to check a contractor by name before work starts. [S.C. license lookup] (opens in a new tab)

The commission page links applications for residential builder licenses and specialty contractor registrations. [S.C. Residential Builders Commission] (opens in a new tab)

Chapter 59 exempts an owner who does the work for the owner's occupancy when the property is not intended for sale or rent. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59] (opens in a new tab)

Unregistered or unlicensed residential work is a misdemeanor with a fine from $500 through $10,000 upon conviction. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59] (opens in a new tab)

Unlicensed practice under Chapter 11 is a misdemeanor and can carry up to one year in prison or a fine up to $5,000 upon conviction. [S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11] (opens in a new tab)