Residential specialty contracting is a booming business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for residential construction services will grow by 6 percent between 2016 and 2026. Nearly 200 registered residential specialty contractors in South Carolina specialize in one or more of these five areas: general contracting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). This article we'lli explore ten things you might not know about the South Carolina Registered Residential Specialty Contractor program. If you are thinking about starting your own residential specialty contracting business, we hope this article answers some of your questions and gives you some helpful advice on getting started.

What does it take to become a residential specialty contractor?

The Residential Specialty Contractor licensing process is rigorous. The contractor licensing exam is offered twice a year. The state requires that you study full-time to prepare and pass the exam on the first try. The state requires that you give each licensing exam a score of at least 80%. The contractor licensing process is open to anyone 18 years or older and generally takes about 4 or 5 months.

How do you become registered in S.C.?

Before you consider becoming a registered contractor in South Carolina, you must first become a licensed contractor. The first step in the licensing process is passing an 8-hour state contractor exam. You will also have to provide documentation that you have acquired the necessary experience hours for your specific license type. Once you have passed the exam and accumulated the required experience hours, you must apply for a contractor license in South Carolina.

Responsibilities of a Residential Specialty Contractor

A residential specialty contractor must know how to manage a construction project from inception through completion properly. The contractor must know how to correctly estimate a project's cost and be able to develop a project timeline and completion date. A contractor must also learn how to hire and manage subcontractors, suppliers, and workers. Residential specialty contractors also have a fiduciary responsibility to maintain accurate and complete accounting records and maintain workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage.

Requirements to be licensed as an HVACR Contractor

To become licensed as an HVACR contractor in South Carolina, you must: - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Be at least 18 years old - Complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years - Have three years of relevant experience in the last five years or 5,000 hours of relevant experience - Have no convictions for theft, fraud or other felonious crimes - Have proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance - Have a clean criminal record - Submit fingerprints.

Requirements to be licensed as a Plumbing Contractor

To become licensed as a plumbing contractor in South Carolina, you must: - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Be at least 18 years old - Complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years - Have three years of relevant experience in the last five years or 5,000 hours of relevant experience - Have no convictions for theft, fraud or other felonious crimes - Have proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance - Have a clean criminal record - Submit fingerprints.

Requirements to be licensed as an Electrical Contractor

To become licensed as an electrical contractor in South Carolina, you must: - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Be at least 18 years old - Complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years - Have three years of relevant experience in the last five years or 5,000 hours of relevant experience - Have no convictions for theft, fraud or other felonious crimes - Have proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance - Have a clean criminal record - Submit fingerprints.

Requirements to be licensed as a Carpentry Contractor

To become licensed as a carpentry contractor in South Carolina, you must: - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Be at least 18 years old - Complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years - Have three years of relevant experience in the last five years or 5,000 hours of relevant experience - Have no convictions for theft, fraud or other felonious crimes - Have proof of workers' compensation and liability insurance - Have a clean criminal record.

Requirements to be licensed as a General Contractor

To become certified as a general contractor in South Carolina, you must: - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Be at least 18 years old

Conclusion

The residential specialty contracting industry is booming in South Carolina and the United States. If you are interested in starting a contracting business, now is a great time to begin becoming a licensed contractor. The state of South Carolina is currently experiencing a shortage of residential contractors, and our state has a high demand for these services. Visit yourS.C.C Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation website to learn more about how to become a contractor in South Carolina.