What to Know About Total Quality Home Builders in South Carolina

Total Quality Home Builders is a South Carolina contractor focused on residential construction and renovation

Total Quality Home Builders operates as a general contractor serving South Carolina homeowners who need new construction, remodeling, or renovation work. Like other contractors in this category, they handle the coordination of subcontractors, materials, and project timelines on behalf of the homeowner. Before hiring any contractor, you should understand what services they offer, how they price work, and what protections exist if something goes wrong.

This guide covers what to look for when evaluating Total Quality Home Builders alongside other contractors, how to verify their licensing and insurance, and what questions to ask before signing a contract. The goal is to help you make an informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your project.

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina requires all general contractors to hold a current license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), which you can verify online before hiring.
• Request proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage from any contractor you are considering, and contact their insurer to confirm the policy is active.
• Get written estimates from at least two or three contractors for the same scope of work so you can compare pricing and what each one includes.
• A signed contract should specify the total cost, payment schedule, project timeline, materials to be used, and what happens if the project runs over budget or schedule.
• South Carolina's Residential Recovery Fund can reimburse you for losses if a licensed contractor fails to complete work or abandons the job, but only up to set limits.

How to verify a contractor's license and insurance

South Carolina law requires all general contractors to hold a license issued by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can search the DLLR database on their website by contractor name or license number to confirm the license is current and in good standing. A valid license means the contractor has met basic training and experience requirements, but it does not may provide the quality of their work.

Insurance is equally important. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance showing both general liability coverage and workers' compensation. Liability insurance protects you if someone is injured on your property or if the contractor damages your home or a neighbor's property. Workers' compensation covers medical costs if a worker is injured on the job—without it, you could be held liable. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active and has not lapsed.

What to ask before signing a contract

A written contract protects both you and the contractor by spelling out exactly what work will be done, what it will cost, and when it will be finished. Before you sign, make sure the contract includes the total project cost, a detailed breakdown of labor and materials, the start and end dates, and a payment schedule. Many contractors ask for a deposit upfront—typically 10 to 25 percent—with the remainder due as work progresses and the final payment upon completion.

Ask the contractor what happens if the project runs over budget or takes longer than planned. A good contract will specify whether change orders (written requests to add or remove work) require your approval before the cost changes. Also ask about warranties: does the contractor may provide their workmanship for a set period, and do materials come with manufacturer warranties? Get answers in writing, not verbally.

Comparing estimates from multiple contractors

Never hire the first contractor you call. Get written estimates from at least two or three contractors for the same project so you can compare pricing and scope. When you request an estimate, provide the same detailed description of the work to each contractor so the estimates are truly comparable. A bid that is significantly lower than others may mean the contractor is cutting corners, using cheaper materials, or underestimating the work involved.

When you review estimates, look at what is included and what is not. One contractor might include demolition and disposal in their price while another lists it separately. One might specify the brand and grade of materials while another uses vague language like "standard grade." The cheapest estimate is not always the best value if it means lower-quality work or materials that will not last as long.

Understanding payment schedules and holdbacks

Most contractors ask for payment in stages as work progresses rather than all upfront or all at the end. A typical schedule might be: deposit upon signing, payment at 25 percent completion, payment at 50 percent, payment at 75 percent, and final payment upon completion. This protects you by ensuring the contractor stays motivated to finish, and it protects the contractor by ensuring they are paid for work already done.

Many homeowners hold back a small percentage of the final payment—often 5 to 10 percent—until all work is finished and inspected. This gives you leverage if something is not right. Make sure your contract specifies when the final payment is due and what conditions must be met before you release it. Also ask whether the contractor will provide lien waivers from all subcontractors and suppliers before you pay the final invoice; a lien waiver is a signed statement that they have been paid and will not file a claim against your home.

What the Residential Recovery Fund covers

South Carolina maintains a Residential Recovery Fund that can reimburse homeowners for losses when a licensed contractor fails to complete work, abandons a project, or does not pay subcontractors or suppliers. To file a claim, you must have a written contract with the contractor, the contractor must be licensed at the time of the contract, and you must have already tried to resolve the dispute with the contractor directly.

The fund has limits on how much it will pay per claim and per contractor, and these limits change periodically. Claims are paid in the order they are received, and if the fund runs out of money, you may have to wait. Contact the DLLR or a South Carolina attorney for current limits and the process for filing a claim. This fund is a safety net, not a may provide—it is far better to hire a reputable contractor and have a solid contract than to rely on this protection after a problem occurs.

Red flags to watch for when hiring a contractor

Avoid contractors who ask for the full payment upfront, refuse to provide a written contract, cannot provide references from recent projects, or will not give you proof of insurance. Also be wary of contractors who pressure you to decide quickly, offer a price that seems too good to be true, or ask you to pay cash to avoid taxes. These are common warning signs of contractors who may not complete the work or who may cut corners.

If a contractor cannot clearly explain what they will do, how long it will take, or what it will cost, that is a reason to keep looking. A professional contractor should be able to walk you through the project step by step, answer your questions directly, and provide references you can contact. Take time to check those references—call at least two or three past clients and ask whether the work was completed on time and on budget, and whether they would hire the contractor again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a contractor without a license in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina law requires all general contractors to be licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor leaves you with no legal recourse if something goes wrong, and you may be liable if someone is injured on your property. Always verify the license before you hire.

What should I do if a contractor stops showing up to work?

Document the absence in writing and send the contractor a certified letter asking them to resume work within a set number of days. Keep copies of all communications. If they do not respond or return, you may be able to file a claim with the Residential Recovery Fund, but you must have a written contract and proof you tried to resolve the issue first.

Is a verbal agreement with a contractor legally binding?

Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and leave you vulnerable if there is a dispute. Always get the contract in writing, signed by both you and the contractor. A written contract protects both parties by making the terms clear and giving you proof of what was agreed to.

What is a change order and why do I need one?

A change order is a written request to add, remove, or modify work after the original contract is signed. It should specify what is changing, how much it will cost, and how it affects the timeline. Change orders prevent disputes by documenting that both you and the contractor agreed to the change and its cost before the work begins.

How long should a contractor's warranty last?

Warranties vary by contractor and by type of work. Workmanship warranties typically last one to two years, while material warranties depend on the manufacturer. Ask the contractor what they may provide and for how long, and get it in writing as part of your contract. Also ask what you need to do to maintain the warranty—some require regular maintenance.