What Can a Handyman Do in Conway, South Carolina?

Conway is in Horry County, South Carolina. For many small “handyman” style jobs, South Carolina does not require a state contractor license if the total project value stays under the state contractor licensing threshold, but trade work (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) is separately licensed and is not covered by the handyman exemption. You will typically still need (1) a City of Conway business license and (2) building permits for certain work even when you are exempt from state contractor licensing.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

• Small repair/maintenance jobs under $5,000 total project value (labor + materials) that do not require a licensed trade (researched threshold: $5,000).
• Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement) and patch/paint touch-ups.
• Minor drywall repair (small patches), trim/baseboard replacement, and caulking/grouting.
• Basic carpentry that is non-structural (installing shelving, replacing cabinet hardware, minor door adjustments).
• Fence/gate repairs that do not involve structural changes requiring a building permit (permit rules can still apply).
• Replacing faucets, toilets, or sinks only if local rules allow homeowner/handyman replacement without licensed plumbing (often a permit/inspection or licensed plumber is required—verify locally).
• Replacing light fixtures/switches only where allowed by local code enforcement (many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician—verify locally).
• Pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and minor exterior maintenance.

⚠️ What Requires a License

• Any project where the total cost is $5,000 or more (labor + materials) that falls under South Carolina contractor licensing jurisdiction (verify classification with LLR).
• Electrical contracting (running new circuits, panel work, service upgrades, new receptacles where wiring changes, generators) — requires proper SC electrical contractor licensing and permits/inspection.
• Plumbing contracting (new water lines/drains/vents, water heater installs where regulated, sewer/water service work) — requires SC plumbing contractor licensing and permits/inspection.
• HVAC/mechanical work (install/replace HVAC systems, ductwork modifications, refrigerant line work) — requires SC mechanical/HVAC contractor licensing; EPA refrigerant handling rules also apply.
• Gas piping and gas appliance connections beyond very limited, code-allowed connector swaps — commonly requires properly licensed mechanical/plumbing contractor and inspection.
• Structural work (altering load-bearing walls, significant framing changes, roof structure changes) — typically requires permits and may require licensed contractors depending on project value/scope.
• Roofing and major exterior envelope work can trigger permitting and licensing scrutiny depending on cost and scope.

State Licensing Rules (SC)

Even under $5,000, you cannot perform work that requires a separately licensed trade (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas) unless you hold that trade license or you subcontract it to a properly licensed contractor. Local building permits/inspections can still be required for otherwise-exempt projects. If you advertise as a ‘contractor’ or take on work that crosses into licensed classifications (e.g., building structural work, roofing, etc.), you can still be scrutinized for compliance.

Business License — Conway

Required. City of Conway Business License

Permit vs. Contractor License — What's the Difference?

A license is your legal authorization to offer/perform certain work as a contractor or trade in South Carolina; permits are job-specific approvals issued by the local building department to ensure code compliance for that particular project. Even if you are exempt from state contractor licensing under the $5,000 threshold, you may still need permits and inspections for the work you perform, and trade-licensed work still requires the appropriate trade license.

Important Notes for Conway, South Carolina Handymen

• Insurance: South Carolina does not universally mandate general liability insurance for all handymen, but cities, GCs, and commercial clients frequently require it (common requirement: $1,000,000 per occurrence). If you have employees, workers’ compensation rules apply.
• Multi-jurisdiction licensing: In SC, business licensing is often city-by-city. If you work in Conway and also in Myrtle Beach/North Myrtle Beach/Surfside, you may need a business license in each city where you perform work.
• Advertising risk: Do not advertise or contract for ‘electrical/plumbing/HVAC’ services unless properly licensed; enforcement actions can be based on advertising/holding out even before a job is performed.
• Permitting: Many code officials will require a licensed trade contractor to pull permits for trade work; even when they allow a permit, inspections still apply and failed inspections can create expensive rework.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Conway

1. Step 1: Form your business entity (LLC optional but common) — SC LLC filing fee is $110 with the Secretary of State.
2. Step 2: Register for tax accounts as needed (SC Department of Revenue: withholding, sales/use tax if you sell taxable items).
3. Step 3: Apply for a City of Conway business license under the correct classification (handyman/home repair/contractor) and confirm your fee basis (minimum + gross receipts).
4. Step 4: Decide your scope: if you will take jobs at/above $5,000 or do regulated trades, start the appropriate SC LLR licensing path (classification + exams as required).
5. Step 5: Get insurance (general liability; add workers’ comp if you hire).
6. Step 6: Confirm permitting rules with the City of Conway (or Horry County for unincorporated jobs) before you bid—especially for water heaters, decks, electrical/plumbing/HVAC.

Research generated by AI. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.