Skip to main content

What to Know About Barrow's Property Management & Construction in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Barrow's handles both construction work and property management from one company

Barrow's Property Management & Construction operates as a general contractor offering two separate service lines: construction projects and ongoing property management. Rather than referring you elsewhere for maintenance after a build, the company keeps both functions in-house, which means the same organization that built or renovated your property can also handle repairs, upkeep, and tenant coordination if you own rental units.

This dual-service model is common among larger contractors in South Carolina, particularly those working with commercial landlords, apartment complexes, and property investors who need consistent relationships with their builders and maintenance providers. The arrangement can simplify communication and billing when you need work done repeatedly over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Barrow's offers both construction services and property management under one roof, meaning the company that builds your project can also manage its upkeep.
  • The property management side typically handles tenant coordination, maintenance scheduling, and repairs for rental properties and commercial buildings.
  • The construction side handles new builds, renovations, and larger projects as a licensed general contractor.
  • Having both services from one company can reduce the number of contractors you coordinate with, though you should still compare pricing and services against other firms.

What the construction side does

As a general contractor, Barrow's takes on construction projects ranging from renovations to new builds. General contractors typically manage the overall project, hire and coordinate subcontractors for specialized work like electrical or plumbing, obtain necessary permits, and oversee the timeline and budget. They serve as the main point of contact between you and the various trades working on your property.

For residential or commercial projects, you would discuss your scope of work with Barrow's, receive a bid or estimate, and then the company would handle scheduling, material ordering, and day-to-day site management. The contractor's license means they have met South Carolina's requirements for bonding, insurance, and demonstrated construction knowledge.

What the property management side does

The property management division typically handles the ongoing operation of rental properties. This includes finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance requests, coordinating repairs, managing leases, and handling tenant disputes or evictions if necessary. Property managers act as the landlord's representative, especially useful if you own property but do not live nearby or prefer not to handle tenant relations directly.

For commercial properties or multi-unit residential buildings, property managers also track expenses, prepare financial reports, ensure the property meets local codes, and coordinate with vendors for services like landscaping or HVAC maintenance. The scope varies depending on what you negotiate with the company.

How to contact Barrow's and what to bring to a consultation

To discuss a construction project or property management needs, you would typically contact Barrow's directly by phone or through their office. Have ready a description of what you need: for construction, details about the scope of work, the property address, and your timeline; for property management, information about the property type, number of units, and what services you want them to handle.

If you are considering them for property management, bring copies of existing leases, a list of current tenants, details about any ongoing maintenance issues, and your expectations for how often you want communication. For construction, photos of the space and any architectural plans or sketches help the contractor understand your vision and provide an accurate estimate.

Questions to ask before hiring

Before signing a contract with Barrow's, clarify what is and is not included in their fees. For construction, ask whether the estimate covers permits, inspections, and cleanup, or if those are separate. Ask about their timeline, what happens if the project runs over, and how change orders are handled if you want to modify the scope mid-project.

For property management, ask about their fee structure—some charge a percentage of rent collected, others charge a flat monthly fee, and some charge both. Ask how often they report to you, how they handle emergency repairs, what their tenant screening process is, and whether they handle evictions or refer you to an attorney. Ask for references from other property owners they manage for, and verify their license with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation if they hold one.

Comparing Barrow's to other general contractors and property managers

South Carolina has many licensed general contractors and property management firms. The advantage of using Barrow's for both services is convenience and continuity—the company that built your property understands its systems and layout. The potential disadvantage is that you have all your eggs in one basket; if you are unhappy with one service, switching means finding new providers for both.

When comparing contractors, get bids from at least two or three firms for the same project. Ask each about their experience with projects similar to yours, their timeline, and their warranty or may provide on completed work. For property management, compare fee structures and services across multiple companies in your area, and check online reviews and references carefully. Some property owners prefer specialized firms that focus only on management rather than firms that do both construction and management.

Understanding contractor licensing in South Carolina

South Carolina requires general contractors to be licensed through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. A license means the contractor has passed an exam, carries required insurance and bonding, and is subject to complaint procedures if something goes wrong. You can verify a contractor's license status on the SCDHEC or SCLLR website by searching their name or license number.

Property management does not require a state license in South Carolina, though some property managers hold real estate licenses. This means you should rely more heavily on references, reviews, and your own due diligence when choosing a property manager. Ask about their experience, how long they have been in business, and whether they carry errors and omissions insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Barrow's for just construction and hire a different property manager later?

Yes. Hiring a contractor and a property manager are separate decisions. You can work with Barrow's on a construction project and then choose any licensed property manager you want for ongoing maintenance and tenant management. There is no obligation to use both services from the same company.

What if there is a problem with work Barrow's completed and I am also using them for property management?

Document the issue in writing and send it to the company. Most contractors offer a warranty on their work, typically one year for defects in materials or workmanship. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or pursue legal action. Having a separate property manager would not change this process.

How much does property management through Barrow's cost?

Property management fees vary by company and by the services included. Some charge a percentage of monthly rent collected, others charge a flat fee, and some charge both a base fee plus a percentage. Contact Barrow's directly for their current fee structure and what is included in each tier of service.

Do I need a general contractor, or can I hire subcontractors directly?

You can hire subcontractors directly for smaller projects, but a general contractor handles permitting, inspections, coordination, and liability—tasks that become complex on larger jobs. For major renovations or new construction, using a licensed general contractor protects you legally and ensures the work meets code.

How do I know if Barrow's is licensed?

Search the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website for their contractor license number. You can also ask Barrow's directly for their license number and verify it yourself. A licensed contractor should be able to provide this information immediately.