What to Know About Making Moves Electrical in South Carolina
Making Moves Electrical serves residential and commercial customers across South Carolina with general electrical work, repairs, and installations
Making Moves Electrical is a South Carolina-based electrical contractor that handles both residential and commercial projects. The company performs standard electrical services including wiring, panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, lighting work, and troubleshooting electrical problems in existing homes and buildings. They work on new construction, renovations, and maintenance calls.
Like any electrical contractor, Making Moves Electrical requires a licensed electrician to perform the work—South Carolina law does not allow unlicensed individuals to do electrical installations or repairs. Before hiring any electrician or electrical company, you should verify that the business is properly licensed and insured, and that the electrician holding the license is actively involved in the work being performed.
Key Takeaways
- Making Moves Electrical handles residential and commercial electrical work including repairs, installations, and upgrades across South Carolina.
- South Carolina requires all electrical work to be performed by a licensed electrician, so verify the company's license status before hiring.
- Getting multiple quotes from different electrical contractors helps you compare pricing and service scope for your specific project.
- Ask about the electrician's experience with your type of project—residential rewiring, commercial panel work, and specialty installations each require different expertise.
How to verify an electrician's license in South Carolina
South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC) maintains records of licensed electricians and electrical contractors. You can search the license database on their website to confirm that Making Moves Electrical and the individual electrician assigned to your job hold current, active licenses. The search is free and takes a few minutes.
When you contact the company for a quote, ask for the name of the electrician who will perform the work and their license number. Write down both pieces of information and verify them before the work begins. An active license means the electrician has passed the required exams and maintains continuing education credits. Insurance is separate from licensing—ask the company directly whether they carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and request proof before signing any contract.
What to expect when getting an electrical quote
A reputable electrical contractor will visit your home or business to assess the work before providing a written quote. During this visit, the electrician should ask detailed questions about what you need done, inspect the existing electrical system, and identify any code violations or safety concerns. This in-person evaluation is how they arrive at an accurate price.
Your quote should itemize the work—not just a single lump sum. It should list materials, labor hours, and any permits required by your local jurisdiction. South Carolina electrical codes require permits for most installations and upgrades, and the contractor should handle obtaining them or clearly state that you are responsible for doing so. Ask whether the quote includes cleanup and disposal of old materials. A written quote protects both you and the contractor by making expectations clear before work starts.
Common residential electrical projects in South Carolina
Residential electricians in South Carolina frequently handle panel upgrades when homeowners add new circuits or appliances, outlet and switch replacements, ceiling fan and light fixture installation, and troubleshooting problems like flickering lights or outlets that stop working. Older homes often need rewiring to meet current code standards, especially if the original wiring is aluminum or cloth-insulated copper.
Surge protection and whole-home grounding systems are increasingly common requests, particularly in areas prone to lightning strikes. If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, the electrician will need to ensure the new layout meets code requirements for outlet spacing and GFCI protection near water sources. Discussing your project scope with the contractor upfront helps them give you an accurate quote and timeline.
Commercial electrical work and scope differences
Commercial electrical projects differ significantly from residential work in complexity, code requirements, and scale. Commercial systems often involve three-phase power, larger panels, extensive conduit runs, and integration with building automation or security systems. The National Electrical Code (NEC) applies to both residential and commercial work, but commercial installations are subject to additional local building codes and inspections.
If Making Moves Electrical handles commercial work, they should have experience with your specific building type—office, retail, warehouse, or industrial. Ask about their experience with projects similar in size and scope to yours. Commercial work typically requires more detailed planning, coordination with other trades, and adherence to strict timelines. Get the quote in writing and clarify whether it includes all inspections and permits required by your city or county.
Questions to ask before hiring
Beyond license verification and insurance, ask the contractor how long they have been in business, whether they offer a warranty on their work, and what their payment terms are. Some contractors require a deposit before starting; others bill upon completion. Clarify this in advance to avoid surprises.
Ask about their availability and timeline. If your project is urgent—a power outage, a failed panel, or a safety hazard—confirm that they can respond quickly. For planned work, ask when they can schedule you and how long the job typically takes. Request references from recent customers if you are hiring for a large project. A contractor willing to provide names of satisfied customers demonstrates confidence in their work.
Understanding electrical codes and permits in South Carolina
South Carolina follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is updated every three years. Your local city or county may have adopted a specific edition of the code, and some jurisdictions have amendments that are stricter than the state standard. The contractor should know which code version applies in your area and design the work to meet it.
Most electrical work requires a permit from your local building department. The permit process involves submitting plans, paying a fee, and scheduling inspections at key stages of the work. The contractor typically handles this, but confirm who is responsible before signing the contract. Unpermitted electrical work can create problems when you sell your home, void your homeowner's insurance, or result in fines from the local authority. A licensed contractor will not skip permits because their license depends on following the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Making Moves Electrical is licensed?
Search the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website using the company name or the electrician's name and license number. The search is free and shows whether the license is current and active. Ask the company for this information when you call for a quote.
What should a written electrical quote include?
A complete quote lists the specific work to be done, materials needed, labor costs, permit fees, and the total price. It should also state the timeline, payment terms, and whether a warranty is included. Ask for clarification on anything unclear before you sign.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in South Carolina?
Most electrical installations and upgrades require a permit from your local building department. The contractor should confirm what permits apply to your project and handle obtaining them. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims and home sales.
What is the difference between a residential and commercial electrician?
Commercial electricians work with larger systems, three-phase power, and more complex code requirements than residential electricians. If you need commercial work, confirm the contractor has experience with your building type and project scope.
Can I negotiate the price of an electrical quote?
You can discuss pricing with the contractor, but remember that the lowest quote is not always the best value. Compare what each quote includes, the contractor's experience, and their timeline. A slightly higher price from a licensed, insured contractor with good references is often worth the difference.