Thinking about building a second home in South Carolina. Beaufort County and I currently a licensed builder in over regulated Eastern Mass.
Does anyone know the builders license requirements for SC.
As a home owner can I do the general work, electrical, plumbing???
Thanks,
If it works out I’ll be spending a bunch of time here figuring out the differences in building practices NE to SE.
Replies
is Beaufort in Beaufort County ?.......... nice place .. why did you pick Beaufort ?...
and how come SC instead of NC ?
Beaufort is the county seat. Beautiful area. Have visited it several times and like the small city feel and prices.
Comparing lot prices to those around Hilton head, and Charleston about half.
SC versus NC mostly winter temps and that low country feel.
SC versus FLA, neither the wife or I can stand the Florida look, so sterile.
Interesting on the reciprocal. looked on the list and it was mostly south eastern states, only PA up north, might be worth a phone call.
At this point mostly interested in doing my own house, What we call the Home Owner exemption here in MA. Not sure I want to move my business down South.
Just gathering data, thanks,
You may want to search for 'build your own house in SC.' What I've seen is that most places here in the SE will allow you to build your own without the GC requirements if you are the sole occupant of the house and own it for at least a year. Might be something tricky with it being a 2nd home & not occupied 100% of that year but I bet not.
I've been a resident of South Carolina for 45 years. I teach diesel mechanics at a technical college and have no formal credentials in any other trade. I moved my current home (built in 1945) from a location seven miles away. After it was placed, I gutted the interior and completely rebuilt it including all wiring, plumbing, etc.. I'm now doing virtually the same thing to my in-laws former home. Only difference is their home was built in 1969 on the same property where I now reside, so I don't have the hassle of moving it. I'm working under permit and subject to same codes and liabilites as any GC according to local authorities. However, I could only do this because I was the HO in both cases. I would not be legally allowed to perform any work that requires licensure if said work was being peformed on any structure other than my own property...as I understand it. Note: I have never built a house from scratch. Both of my projects involved "existing structures". So I may not have been allowed to do ANY of the work that I've done if it had involved new construction as defined by the IRC.
MichaelNew knowledge is priceless.
Used knowledge is even more valuable.
Thanks to the last two people who posted. Exactly what I was looking for. I suspected that SC would allow a homeonwer some lattitude.Now just have to make the decision on the big commitment to buy the lot!!!
My first post/reply to BT; great stuff; read it daily.
Moved to upstate SC from central Mass 15 yrs. ago with major corporation (not in building trade). Looking to owner - build and found the attached statute which basically says:
1. You must occupy residence, not for public use.
2. All work other than by yourself must be done by licensed trades.
3. Agree not to sell residence for two years.
4. File a disclosure notice with the register of deeds identifying the builder (yourself)as non-licensed.
Thanks very helpful!
toolin.. check out their site
http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/ResidentialBuilders/index.asp?file=HB.HTM
and i notice that they have reciprocity with states they figure have comparable licesne exams
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
How Can I Become a Licensed Home Builder?
To become licensed as a home builder in South Carolina, you are required to:
A license may be granted without examination to those builders in good standing in other states deemed by the Commission to have comparable exams.
The license must be renewed each June at a cost of $110.
i wonder if Mass qualifies ?
Edited 2/17/2007 6:14 pm ET by MikeSmith