Roofing license requirements in South Carolina

Who needs a license

State registration required. The state keeps a list of registered contractors. The roofer pays a fee and shows proof of insurance, but takes no trade exam.

The LLR Residential Builders Commission registers Residential Specialty Contractors, and 'Roofers' is a listed trade. Registration applies when the job exceeds $500. There is no exam; applicants show one year of experience. Commercial roofing needs a license from the SC Contractor's Licensing Board with a roofing classification. Ask to see the roofer's Residential Specialty Contractor registration and check it in the LLR lookup.

Bond and insurance

A license or registration is not insurance. Ask every roofer for a certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Then call the insurer to confirm the policy is active. If the state asks a roofer for a bond, the rules above say so.

Roof insurance rules in South Carolina

If insurance will pay for your roof, you can cancel the contract before midnight on the fifth business day after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered. The roofer may not ask you for payment until that time ends, except for emergency work. A roofer may not pay or rebate your deductible, and may not negotiate your roof claim for you.

Permits

Confirm roof permit requirements with the building department responsible for your address and scope of work. Agree with your contractor who will obtain any required permit and arrange inspections before work begins.

How to verify a roofer's license

Ask the roofer for the license or registration number. Then look it up yourself on the state's own site, the SC LLR License Lookup (Residential Builders). Check that the name and the status match the company you talk to.

Open the SC LLR License Lookup (Residential Builders)