Replies

1. 
   MikeSmith | Feb 18, 2007 02:08am | #1

   is Beaufort in Beaufort County ?.......... nice place .. why did you pick Beaufort ?...

   and how come SC instead of NC ?

   Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
1. 
   toolin | Feb 18, 2007 03:25pm | #3

   Beaufort is the county seat. Beautiful area.  Have visited it several times and like the small city feel and prices.

   Comparing lot prices to those around Hilton head, and Charleston about half.

   SC versus NC mostly winter temps and that low country feel.

   SC versus FLA, neither the wife or I can stand the Florida look, so sterile.

   Interesting on the reciprocal.  looked on the list and it was mostly south eastern states, only PA up north,  might be worth a phone call.

   At this point mostly interested in doing my own house,  What we call the Home Owner exemption here in MA.  Not sure I want to move my business down South.

   Just gathering data, thanks,

1. 
   john7g | Feb 18, 2007 03:34pm | #4

   You may want to search for 'build your own house in SC.'  What I've seen is that most places here in the SE will allow you to build your own without the GC requirements if you are the sole occupant of the house and own it for at least a year.  Might be something tricky with it being a 2nd home & not occupied 100% of that year but I bet not. 

1. 
   mwgaines | Feb 18, 2007 04:00pm | #5

   I've been a resident of South Carolina for 45 years. I teach diesel mechanics at a technical college and have no formal credentials in any other trade. I moved my current home (built in 1945) from a location seven miles away. After it was placed, I gutted the interior and completely rebuilt it including all wiring, plumbing, etc.. I'm now doing virtually the same thing to my in-laws former home. Only difference is their home was built in 1969 on the same property where I now reside, so I don't have the hassle of moving it. I'm working under permit and subject to same codes and liabilites as any GC according to local authorities. However, I could only do this because I was the HO in both cases. I would not be legally allowed to perform any work that requires licensure if said work was being peformed on any structure other than my own property...as I understand it. Note: I have never built a house from scratch. Both of my projects involved "existing structures". So I may not have been allowed to do ANY of the work that I've done if it had involved new construction as defined by the IRC.

   MichaelNew knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

1. 
   toolin | Feb 19, 2007 07:30pm | #6

   Thanks to the last two people who posted. Exactly what I was looking for. I suspected that SC would allow a homeonwer some lattitude.Now just have to make the decision on the big commitment to buy the lot!!!

2. 
   pjlacas | Feb 20, 2007 03:56am | #7

   My first post/reply to BT; great stuff; read it daily.

   Moved to upstate SC from central Mass 15 yrs. ago with major corporation (not in building trade). Looking to owner - build and found the attached statute which basically says:

   1. You must occupy residence, not for public use.

   2. All work other than by yourself must be done by licensed trades.

   3. Agree not to sell residence for two years.

   4. File a disclosure notice with the register of deeds identifying the builder (yourself)as non-licensed. 

    

3. 
   toolin | Feb 20, 2007 04:50pm | #8

   Thanks very helpful!

2. 
   MikeSmith | Feb 18, 2007 02:12am | #2

   toolin.. check out their  site

   http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/ResidentialBuilders/index.asp?file=HB.HTM

   and i notice that they have reciprocity with states they figure have comparable licesne exams

   South Carolina Residential Builders Commission

   How Can I Become a Licensed Home Builder?

   To become licensed as a home builder in South Carolina, you are required to:

   • File a written application as required by the Commission.
   • Submit a certified check, cashiers check or money order for $100 for the application fee.
   • Submit an affidavit showing proof of at least one year actual experience under the supervision of a licensed builder.
   • Pass an examination given by PSI
   • Pay a $160 license fee and provide proper financial responsibility.

   A license may be granted without examination to those builders in good standing in other states deemed by the Commission to have comparable exams.

   The license must be renewed each June at a cost of $110.

   i wonder if  Mass qualifies ?

   Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   
   

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   Edited 2/17/2007 6:14 pm ET by MikeSmith