Licensing Requirements: How To Become A Concrete Contractor In South Carolina
The entire process may seem a little daunting, but we want to help make things easier. Here is a brief yet comprehensive guide to obtaining your contractor’s license:
Licensing
Requirements
Concrete contracting services fall under this category, which means that you will need to apply for your license through the state. You will need to submit all the relevant information and documentation required by South Carolina and undergo two licensing exams.
Licensing
Categories
General and Mechanical Contractor – This applies to
Residential Home Builder and Manufactured Housing Contractor – This particular license allows you to perform the construction, or supervision of construction, repair, improvement of one, two, or multi-family residences.
Residential Specialty Contractor – This one applies to specialty trades, such as plumbing, electrician, and HVAC.
Contractor’s
Exams
Completing and Submitting
Your Application
- The test score on your Business and Law exam (and trade exam if applicable)
- Financial statements or a background check to verify your credit score
- Detailed references and work history showing that you have experience as a concrete contractor
- Proof of that you have a business license
- Proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Surety bonds (which protect you if there is ever a breach of contract)
- Proof that you registered your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office depending on your business structure (examples include corporations, LLCs, and partnerships)
- A clean criminal record (this doesn’t mean that you will be automatically disqualified from receiving your license)
- General information such as your address, phone number, the name of your business, etc.
Business
Registration And Tax Obligations
You will also likely need to obtain a business license through your local town or municipality. This includes Beaufort, Charleston, Dorchester, Horry, Jasper, Marion, Richland, and Sumter. If you are unsure whether you need to register your business locally, then we recommend that you contact the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
The state also requires you to register for tax identification numbers. This way you can uphold state and federal tax obligations, such as withholding, sales and use tax (seller’s permit), and unemployment insurance tax.