General Contracting Contractors in Greenville, South Carolina
Licensed Establishments
886
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
March through October, with highest demand April-June for exterior projects and year-round steady demand for interior renovations
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
2-5 business days for initial quotes, 1-2 weeks for detailed estimates during peak season
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Bathroom remodel | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Room addition | $35,000 – $85,000 |
| Deck construction | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Basement finishing | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Roof replacement | $12,000 – $35,000 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
South Carolina requires Residential Builders License for projects over $5,000 or Commercial General Contractor License. Must pass PSI examination, provide financial statements, carry required insurance, and maintain continuing education. License renewal required every 2 years with 8 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Greenville County requires building permits for most structural work, additions, and major renovations. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires separate trade permits. Permit fees range from $50-500+ based on project scope and valuation.
Inspection Schedule
Typical schedule includes footing/foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, HVAC rough-in, insulation, and final inspection. Inspections must be scheduled 24-48 hours in advance through Greenville County.
Insurance Minimums
South Carolina requires minimum $100,000 general liability insurance for residential builders license. Workers compensation required if employing others. Many projects require $1 million liability coverage.
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Must be 18+ years old, provide social security number, and demonstrate financial responsibility through credit report and financial statements showing minimum net worth requirements.
- 2
Complete pre-licensing education
Take approved 40-hour pre-licensing course covering construction law, business practices, and building codes. Course must be completed within 2 years of application.
- 3
Pass PSI examination
Schedule and pass the residential builders examination through PSI. Exam covers business law, building codes, safety regulations, and construction practices. Passing score is 70%.
- 4
Obtain required insurance
Secure minimum $100,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation if employing others. Insurance must be active before license issuance.
- 5
Submit application and fees
Complete application with all supporting documents, financial statements, insurance certificates, and examination results. Pay $300 application fee and $110 license fee.
- 6
Maintain license compliance
Renew license every 2 years with 8 hours continuing education, maintain insurance coverage, and comply with all state regulations and local building codes.
About This Market
Greenville's general contracting market is booming with the city's population growth and economic expansion. High demand for renovations in established neighborhoods like Augusta Road and North Main, plus new construction in suburbs. Competition is fierce among the 886 licensed establishments statewide, with material costs and labor shortages driving prices up 15-20% over pre-pandemic levels. Kitchen and bathroom remodels dominate residential work, while commercial projects center on downtown revitalization and industrial expansion. The licensing process in South Carolina is straightforward but thorough - expect 4-6 weeks to get your license if you have your paperwork straight. Greenville County building department runs tight inspections, so know the code and schedule early. Spring through fall is your money season for exterior work, but smart contractors book interior jobs to stay busy year-round. Labor market is tight, so having reliable subs locked up makes or breaks your schedule. Material delivery delays are still common, so order early and have backup suppliers.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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