Anyone working on a residential building with over $200 renovations and commercial building with over $5,000 renovations in South Carolina must have a contractor license from the Residential Builders Commission under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. As well he or she must submit a surety bond for $15,000.

Residential Building Contractor License

The applicant needs to:

• Have one (1) year of work experience under the supervision of a licensed residential builder
• Pass an exam on plans, regulations, contracts, and standards.

Residential Specialty Contractor

A residential specialty contractor is an independent contractor and not a licensed residential builder. However, the specialty contractor can contract with a licensed residential builder, general contractor, or individual property owner for construction work, improvements, repairs or renovations and involving the use of specialized construction trades or craft for projects over $200. A specialty contractor performs work exceeding $5,000 and so must obtain a surety bond in the amount of $5,000.

The Residential Builders Commission also registers contractors in the following 12 classifications upon credit approval:

• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Vinyl and aluminum siding installers
• Insulation installers
• Roofers
• Floor covering installers
• Masons
• Dry wall installers
• Carpenters
• Stucco installers
• Wall paper hangers/painters

HVAC Contractor License

The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission issues a Residential Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor License. The applicant must pass an exam and show proof of a surety bond of $10,000.

General or Mechanical Contractor License

For contracting in the area of commercial, general or mechanical work in South Carolina over $5,000 the applicant must get a contractor license from the South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board. In addition, you must be able to show documentation of two (2) years of "commercial" experience within the last five (5) years.

General Classifications

• Building
• Building Contractor (Limited)
• General Contractor (Unlimited)

Highway

• Asphalt Paving
• Concrete Paving
• Bridges
• Incidental
• Grading

Public Utilities

• Pipelines
• Water & Sewer Lines
• Water & Sewer Plants

Specialties

• Boring & Tunneling
• Interior Renovation
• Concrete
• Railroad
• Structural Framing
• Structural Shapes
• Marine
• Roofing, General
• Roofing, Specialty
• Masonry
• Wood Frame Structures
• Metal Buildings
• Swimming Pools
• Public Utility, Electrical
• Boiler Installation
• Glass & Glazing
• Mechanical Classifications:
• Plumbing
• Heating
• Electrical
• Lighting Protection Systems
• Air Conditioning
• Pressure And Process Piping
• Refrigeration
• Packaged Equipment

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

For a contractor to work on any asbestos or asbestos abatement project in South Carolina He or she must be licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

• Contractor
• Supervisor Worker
• Consultant
• Consultant/Project Designer
• Consultant/Building Inspector
• Consultant Management Planner

With the exception of the asbestos contractor license an applicant is required to successfully complete a Department-approved asbestos training course. A contractor license requires a licensed supervisor over the project.

Consumers are advised to check for additional local municipal contractor license requirements as contractor laws can differ from county to county. It is also advised to double check with the state’s requirements before hiring a contractor.