Contractor licensing rules in Surfside Beach, SC
South Carolina defines a residential specialty contractor by covered specialized work when an undertaking exceeds $500. [State law]
The residential builder threshold applies when an undertaking costs more than $5,000. [State law]
General and mechanical contracting require a license when the total construction cost exceeds $10,000. [State law]
Last verified August 14, 2026
Residential builder and specialty contractor thresholds
A residential builder falls under Chapter 59 when an undertaking costs more than $5,000. [State law]
A residential specialty contractor falls under Chapter 59 when covered specialized work exceeds $500 and Chapter 11 does not regulate it. [State law]
Residential specialty trades include plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, masonry, drywall, carpentry, painting, and other listed work. [State law]
General and mechanical contractor thresholds
Chapter 11 requires a license when general contracting has a total construction cost greater than $10,000. [State law]
The same greater-than-$10,000 threshold applies to mechanical contracting. [State law]
Total construction cost includes labor, materials, equipment, profit, and incidental expenses for the entire project. [State law]
How to verify a South Carolina contractor license
The Residential Builders Commission licenses or registers qualified residential builders and residential specialty contractors. [State commission]
Use the state license lookup to check a contractor by name before work starts. [State lookup]
The commission page links applications for residential builder licenses and specialty contractor registrations. [State commission]
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission · South Carolina license lookup
Owner-builder exemption and unlicensed work penalties
Chapter 59 exempts an owner who does the work for the owner's occupancy when the property is not intended for sale or rent. [State law]
Unregistered or unlicensed residential work is a misdemeanor with a fine from $500 through $10,000 upon conviction. [State law]
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. [State law]
South Carolina Code, Title 40, Chapter 59 · South Carolina Code, Title 40, Chapter 11
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