Home Services in Charleston

Yes. South Carolina requires contractors to be licensed through the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) for most residential work. General contractors, mechanical contractors, and specialty trades all need active licenses. You can verify a contractor's license at llr.sc.gov. Hiring unlicensed contractors can void insurance claims and violate local building codes.

Costs vary widely depending on the scope. Minor piazza or porch repairs run $300–$3,000. Window restoration averages $300–$800 per window. Full historic renovation projects can range from $50,000 to $200,000+. Work in the Historic District often requires BAR approval, which can add time and cost but protects property values.

Start hurricane prep in early spring (March–April) before hurricane season begins June 1. This gives you time to install storm shutters, inspect your roof, trim trees, and have a generator serviced. Contractors are extremely busy once storm watches are issued — plan ahead for the best availability and pricing.

Both are solid. Angi (formerly Angie's List) tends to have more established companies with verified reviews, especially for specialty work like historic restoration. Angi is great for getting fast quotes from independent pros and smaller businesses. We recommend checking both to compare prices and availability.

The Lowcountry's warm, humid climate makes termite prevention essential. Annual inspections cost $75–$150. Treatment for active infestations ranges from $500–$1,500 depending on severity. Many Charleston homes use bait stations or liquid barrier treatments. If you're buying a home, a CL-100 termite letter (wood-destroying organism report) is required for most real estate transactions in South Carolina.