Why Hiring a Licensed Contractor in South Carolina Is Non-Negotiable
Make sure your contractor is licensed.
Thinking About Building or Renovating?
Why Hiring a Licensed Contractor in South Carolina Is Non-Negotiable
By Home Builders Association of the Greater Pee Dee
In a time when housing demand is high and home improvement projects are booming, many South Carolina homeowners are looking to build, renovate, or expand. But before you sign any contract or shake hands on a deal, there’ s one crucial step that can protect your family, your finances, and your home:
Make sure your contractor is licensed.
Your Home Is Too Important to Risk
In South Carolina, anyone performing residential construction work over $ 5,000— whether it’ s building a house, finishing a garage, replacing a roof, or installing a new HVAC system— is required by law to hold a license from the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission or the Contractors’ Licensing Board. A license means the contractor has met the minimum qualifications, carries proper insurance, and is accountable to state regulators. Unlicensed individuals, by contrast, offer no guarantees, no oversight, and little recourse if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, in today’ s fast-moving market, some consumers are tempted by lower bids or verbal promises from unlicensed workers posing as professionals. But the cost of hiring an unlicensed contractor often shows up long after the job is done— and it’ s rarely cheaper.
The Risks Are Real Hiring an unlicensed contractor exposes you to serious risks, including:
• Faulty or unsafe construction that may violate building codes;
• Denied insurance claims if something goes wrong;
• Inability to obtain a certificate of occupancy or pass inspections;
• No recourse for shoddy work, since unlicensed contractors can disappear with your money;
• Legal liability if someone is injured on your property and the contractor doesn’ t have proper insurance.
If you ever need to sell or refinance your home, unpermitted or improperly completed work can delay or derail the process entirely.
22- REAL ESTATE WEEKLY www. peedeerealestateweekly. com Equal Housing Opportunity