What to Know About Horton's Contracting Group for Home Repairs in South Carolina

Horton's Contracting Group handles residential repairs across South Carolina

Horton's Contracting Group is a South Carolina-based contractor that takes on home repair and renovation work for residential customers. The company operates as a general contracting business, meaning they manage projects that may involve multiple trades—carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and structural work—rather than specializing in a single skill. If you're looking for someone to coordinate a repair project or handle work that spans more than one trade, this is the type of business to contact for an estimate.

Like any contractor you hire, the key is understanding what they do, how to reach them, and what questions to ask before signing a contract. South Carolina doesn't require contractors to be licensed for all types of work, so your responsibility as a homeowner is to verify their experience, check references, and confirm they carry insurance.

Key Takeaways

• Horton's Contracting Group is a general contractor based in South Carolina that handles residential repair and renovation projects.
• Before hiring any contractor, confirm they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage if they employ workers.
• Get a written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline before work begins.
• South Carolina allows you to place a lien on your home if a contractor doesn't pay their suppliers or workers—ask the contractor for proof they've paid all bills before final payment.

How to contact Horton's Contracting Group

To reach Horton's Contracting Group, search for their business name online or check local South Carolina business directories. Most contractors list a phone number, email, or website where you can request an estimate. When you call, be ready to describe the work you need done—whether it's a single repair or a larger renovation—and ask about their availability and timeline.

Many contractors schedule a site visit before providing a quote, so they can see the work firsthand and give you an accurate price. This is normal and usually free. During that visit, ask how long they've been in business, whether they have references from recent jobs, and when they could start your project.

What to ask before hiring

Before you sign a contract or hand over any money, confirm that the contractor carries liability insurance (which covers damage to your home or property during the work) and workers' compensation insurance (which covers injuries to their employees). Ask them to show you proof—a certificate of insurance is standard. If they can't provide it, that's a red flag.

Request a written estimate that lists what work will be done, the cost of labor and materials separately, and the expected start and end dates. A vague estimate ("fix the deck—$5,000") is harder to enforce than a detailed one. Ask whether the price is fixed or could change if unexpected problems come up during the work. In South Carolina, contractors are required to provide certain disclosures before you sign; ask what those are and make sure you understand them.

Check references by calling at least two previous customers and asking whether the work was completed on time, on budget, and to their satisfaction. Ask whether the contractor cleaned up after the job and whether any issues came up after completion.

Understanding payment and contracts

Never pay the full cost upfront. South Carolina law allows contractors to collect a deposit—typically 10 to 30 percent—before starting work, but the bulk of payment should come after the work is finished and inspected. A common arrangement is deposit, a progress payment halfway through, and final payment upon completion.

Get everything in writing: the scope of work, the total price, the payment schedule, the timeline, and what happens if either party needs to cancel. A written contract protects both you and the contractor. If a dispute arises later, you'll have documentation to refer to.

Before you make the final payment, confirm that the contractor has paid all their suppliers and subcontractors. In South Carolina, if they haven't, those suppliers can file a lien against your home—meaning you could end up paying twice. Ask the contractor for lien waivers from anyone they hired to work on your project.

Permits and inspections

Some home repairs require a permit from your local building department, depending on the type and scope of work. Electrical work, plumbing, structural changes, and additions almost always need one. The contractor should know whether your project requires a permit and should handle getting it—that's typically their responsibility, though the cost may be passed to you.

Permits exist to make sure work meets building codes and is safe. Skipping a permit to save money can create problems when you sell your home, and it may void your homeowner's insurance if something goes wrong. Ask the contractor upfront whether permits are needed and confirm they'll obtain them.

What to do if there's a problem

If work isn't completed as promised or doesn't meet the standards you agreed to, document the issue with photos and written notes. Contact the contractor in writing (email is fine) and describe the problem. Give them a reasonable deadline to fix it—usually 10 to 14 days.

If they don't respond or refuse to fix the work, you have options. You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation if the contractor holds a license in a regulated trade. You can also pursue small claims court if the amount in dispute is under the court's limit (currently $7,500 in South Carolina). Consult a local attorney if the dispute is larger or more complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a small repair?

It depends on the type of work. Painting, replacing fixtures, or minor carpentry usually don't need permits. Electrical, plumbing, structural work, or anything that changes the home's footprint typically does. Ask your contractor or call your local building department to confirm before work starts.

What if the contractor damages my home during the job?

That's what liability insurance is for. The contractor's insurance should cover accidental damage. If they don't have insurance and damage occurs, you may have to pursue them in small claims court or hire an attorney. This is why confirming insurance upfront is critical.

Can I withhold final payment if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, but only if the work genuinely doesn't match what was agreed to in writing. If you withhold payment, the contractor may file a lien or take you to court. Document the problem clearly and give them a chance to fix it first. If they refuse, consult an attorney before withholding payment.

What should I do if the contractor asks for cash only?

Be cautious. Cash-only contractors are harder to track down if something goes wrong, and there's no paper trail. Insist on a check or credit card payment so you have a record. This also protects you if a dispute ends up in court.

How long should a contractor's warranty last?

That varies by the type of work and should be spelled out in your contract. Some contractors offer a one-year warranty on labor; others offer longer. Ask what they may provide and get it in writing before work begins.