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What to Know Before Hiring Guard of Honor Roofing or Any South Carolina Contractor

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Guard of Honor Roofing is a South Carolina-based contractor serving residential and commercial properties

Guard of Honor Roofing operates as a roofing contractor in South Carolina, handling roof installation, repair, and replacement work. The company works with homeowners and businesses across the state. Before hiring any roofing contractor—including Guard of Honor—you should understand what questions to ask, what to expect during the process, and how to protect yourself as a customer.

This guide walks you through what you need to know about working with a roofing contractor in South Carolina, how to evaluate any company you're considering, and what happens at each stage of a roofing project.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina requires roofing contractors to hold a license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), and you can verify any contractor's license status on the DLLR website.
  • Get written estimates from at least two or three roofing contractors before deciding, and compare what materials, labor, and warranties each one includes.
  • A roofing contract should specify the start date, completion date, total cost, materials to be used, and what happens if weather delays the work.
  • South Carolina homeowners have rights under state law regarding contractor deposits, work timelines, and dispute resolution if something goes wrong.
  • Insurance and bonding protect you if the contractor is injured on your property or fails to complete the work; ask for proof of both before signing.

How to verify a South Carolina roofing contractor's license

South Carolina law requires roofing contractors to hold a license issued by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR). You can check whether a contractor—including Guard of Honor—is licensed by visiting the DLLR's online license lookup tool at llr.sc.gov. Search by the company name or the contractor's individual license number if you have it.

A valid license means the contractor has met training requirements and passed an examination. It does not may provide the quality of their work, but it does mean they are operating legally in the state. If a contractor cannot provide a license number or the DLLR website shows no record of them, do not hire them. Ask the contractor for their license number upfront and verify it yourself rather than relying on what they tell you. Keep a copy of the license verification for your records.

What to ask before you sign a contract

Before hiring any roofing contractor, ask these specific questions and get the answers in writing:

  • Insurance and bonding: Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Request the policy numbers and the name of the insurance company. A contractor should carry at least $1 million in liability coverage. Also ask whether they carry a performance bond, which protects you if they abandon the job.
  • References: Ask for the names and phone numbers of at least three recent customers in your area. Call them and ask whether the work was completed on time, whether the contractor cleaned up afterward, and whether they would hire the company again.
  • Materials and warranty: Ask what roofing materials they will use, the brand and grade, and how long the manufacturer's warranty lasts. Also ask what warranty the contractor offers on their labor—typically five to ten years.
  • Timeline and weather delays: Ask for a specific start date and expected completion date. Ask what happens if rain or other weather stops work—will they resume at no extra cost, or will you be charged for delays?
  • Permits and inspections: Ask whether the job requires a building permit from your city or county. In South Carolina, most roof replacements do require a permit. Ask who will pull the permit and who pays for it.

Getting these answers in writing protects you later if there is a disagreement about what was promised. Do not rely on verbal promises or assume the contractor will handle something—make it part of the written contract.

Understanding the roofing contract

A roofing contract is a legal document that protects both you and the contractor. Before you sign, make sure it includes all of the following: the contractor's full legal name, license number, address, and phone number; a detailed description of the work to be done, including the square footage of the roof and the materials to be used; the total cost, broken down by labor and materials; the start date and expected completion date; the payment schedule—how much is due upfront, how much at completion, and whether there are milestone payments in between; a statement of what the contractor will do if the work is not completed on time or if the work does not meet South Carolina building codes; the contractor's warranty on labor and the manufacturer's warranty on materials; a statement that the contractor will obtain all required permits and that the cost of permits is included in the total price; and a clause stating that the contractor will remove all debris and clean up the site when the work is finished.

South Carolina law limits the amount a contractor can ask for as a deposit. Generally, a contractor cannot ask for more than one-third of the total contract price upfront. Do not pay the full amount before the work begins. A common payment structure is one-third upfront, one-third when the work is halfway done, and one-third upon completion. Read the entire contract before signing. If something is unclear or missing, ask the contractor to explain it or add it to the contract in writing. Do not sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces to be filled in later.

What happens during and after the roofing work

Once work begins, the contractor should follow the timeline in your contract. They should protect your property—covering windows, landscaping, and other areas that could be damaged. They should also clean up debris daily and remove all materials from your property when the job is finished. A professional contractor will also use tarps or plywood to protect your driveway and yard from dropped nails or shingle debris.

When the work is complete, do a walkthrough with the contractor before making the final payment. Check that all the work described in the contract has been done, that the roof looks even and properly installed, and that the site has been cleaned. If you notice problems, document them with photos and do not pay until they are fixed. After the work is done, ask the contractor for a copy of the building permit and the final inspection approval from your city or county. This paperwork proves the work was done to code and is important if you ever sell your home or file an insurance claim.

What to do if there is a problem with the work

If the contractor does not complete the work on time, does poor-quality work, or does not show up, South Carolina law gives you options. First, contact the contractor in writing and describe the problem. Give them a reasonable amount of time to fix it—typically 10 to 14 days. Keep copies of all written communication, including emails and text messages.

If the contractor does not respond or refuses to fix the problem, you can file a complaint with the DLLR. You can also contact the South Carolina Home Builders Commission if the contractor is licensed through that board. Keep all written communication, photos of the problem, and copies of your contract and payment receipts. If the dispute involves a significant amount of money, you may want to consult a lawyer or explore mediation before filing a lawsuit. Many contractors carry liability insurance that covers defective work, so your complaint to the DLLR or the insurance company may result in the work being redone or your money being refunded.

Roofing materials and costs in South Carolina

The cost of a roof replacement depends on the size of your roof, the materials you choose, and the complexity of the installation. Asphalt shingles are the most common and least expensive option. Metal roofing costs more upfront but lasts longer. Tile and slate are premium options that cost significantly more. South Carolina's climate—with heat, humidity, and occasional severe weather—affects how long roofing materials last and which materials work best. Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 20 years in South Carolina. Metal roofing can last 40 to 70 years.

Ask the contractor which materials they recommend for your area and why. Get written estimates from at least two or three contractors. Compare not just the total price but what is included: the materials, the labor, the warranty, and whether permits and cleanup are included. The lowest price is not always the best deal if the contractor is using lower-quality materials or offering a shorter warranty. A mid-range estimate from a licensed, insured contractor with good references is often a safer choice than the cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in South Carolina?

Most roof replacements in South Carolina require a building permit from your city or county. The contractor should handle getting the permit, and the cost should be included in their estimate. Ask before you sign the contract who is responsible for the permit and whether it is included in the price.

What should I do if a contractor asks for full payment upfront?

Do not pay the full amount before work begins. South Carolina law limits upfront deposits to one-third of the contract price. If a contractor insists on full payment upfront, that is a red flag—find a different contractor.

How long does a roof replacement typically take?

A typical residential roof replacement takes three to five days, depending on the size of the roof, the weather, and the complexity of the job. The contractor should give you a specific timeline in the contract. Weather delays are common in South Carolina; ask the contractor upfront how they handle delays.

What should I check after the roofing work is finished?

Walk the roof with the contractor and check that all work described in the contract is complete. Look for uneven shingles, gaps, or debris. Ask for the building permit approval and the manufacturer's warranty documentation. Do not pay the final amount until you are satisfied with the work.

Can I file a complaint if the contractor does poor work?

Yes. You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or the Home Builders Commission. Keep all documentation—your contract, photos of the problem, and written communication with the contractor. The DLLR can investigate and may require the contractor to fix the work or refund your money.