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Understanding the specific licenses and insurance concrete contractors need in South Carolina—and why these credentials protect you as a homeowner.
Every contractor claims to be "licensed and insured." It's on every truck, every business card, every website. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, what happens if the contractor working on your property isn't properly licensed or adequately insured?
Understanding these credentials isn't just about checking boxes—it's about protecting yourself from liability, ensuring recourse if something goes wrong, and knowing you're working with a professional who has met minimum standards of competency and financial responsibility.
The biggest misconception is that all contractors claiming to be licensed actually hold the licenses required for their work. In South Carolina, licensing requirements vary by the type and value of work performed. A contractor might hold a valid business license but lack the contractor's license required for projects over certain thresholds.
Another common error is assuming "insured" means adequately insured for your project. A contractor might carry insurance but with limits too low to cover significant damage, or with exclusions that wouldn't cover the specific work being performed on your property.
Many homeowners also don't realize that workers' compensation insurance is separate from general liability insurance. If a contractor doesn't carry workers' comp and a worker is injured on your property, you could potentially face liability claims.
South Carolina regulates contractors through the SC Contractor's Licensing Board. Here's what applies to concrete work:
Required for construction projects valued at $30,000 or more (including labor and materials combined). Different tiers exist based on project value limits. A contractor must pass examinations, demonstrate experience, and provide proof of financial responsibility to obtain this license.
Concrete work falls under specialty contractor classifications. Specialty contractors can work on projects within their trade without a general contractor license, but project value limits still apply. The specific classification matters for ensuring the contractor is authorized for your type of project.
Beyond state licensing, contractors typically need business licenses from the counties and municipalities where they work. Charleston, North Charleston, and Summerville each have their own business license requirements. A contractor working across multiple jurisdictions needs multiple local licenses.
Ask for the contractor's SC Contractor's License number and verify it on the SC LLR (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) website. Check that the license is active, the classification covers your work type, and the project value limit accommodates your project.
Covers damage the contractor causes to your property during the project. If a concrete truck damages your lawn, if equipment scratches your siding, or if work causes water damage, general liability insurance pays for repairs.
What to verify: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing current coverage, adequate limits (at least $1 million per occurrence is standard), and your address listed as the project location.
Covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property. In South Carolina, contractors with four or more employees must carry workers' comp. Smaller contractors may be exempt but should still carry coverage.
Why it matters to you: If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, your homeowner's insurance could potentially be implicated, or you could face direct liability claims. Verifying workers' comp protects you from this risk.
Contractors bringing vehicles and equipment to your property should carry commercial auto insurance. This covers damage caused by their vehicles while on your property or traveling to/from the job site.
Next Level Concrete is a licensed and insured concrete contractor serving Charleston and the Lowcountry. We maintain all required state and local licenses, carry comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and provide certificates of insurance upon request.
We're transparent about our credentials because we understand they matter. When you work with us, you're protected by a contractor who has met professional standards and carries insurance that protects your property and your interests.