What Can a Handyman Do in Horry in Horry County, South Carolina?

In Horry County, South Carolina, most “handyman” work can be done without a state contractor license ONLY when the total cost of the job is under South Carolina’s contractor licensing threshold and the work does not fall under separately licensed trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas). South Carolina uses a state contractor licensing system (LLR) with a common small-job exemption threshold of $5,000 (labor + materials) for general contracting, but trade licensing and local permits still apply even when you are under the threshold.

In SC, jobs under $5000 typically don't require a contractor license. Always verify with your local licensing authority.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Painting (interior/exterior) on jobs under $5,000 total (labor + materials) where no specialty trade work is performed
Minor drywall patch/repair and interior trim repairs under $5,000
Basic carpentry repairs (doors, baseboards, cabinets) under $5,000 (non-structural)
Replacing faucets/showerheads/toilets like-for-like ONLY where local rules allow (many areas still require a licensed plumber or permit for certain plumbing tasks)
Replacing light fixtures like-for-like ONLY where local rules allow (many areas require a licensed electrician/permit for electrical work)
Pressure washing, gutter cleaning/repair (non-structural) under $5,000
Tile/caulk/grout repair in kitchens/baths under $5,000 (no plumbing reconfiguration)
Minor fence and deck repairs under $5,000 that do not involve structural engineering changes or permit-triggering rebuilds

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any project where the total cost is $5,000 or more (labor + materials) typically requires appropriate SC contractor licensure
Electrical work beyond very minor like-for-like replacements (new circuits, outlets, panel work, rewiring) requires an SC electrical contractor license and permits/inspection
Plumbing work beyond minor fixture swaps (water heaters, moving lines, valves, drains/vents, sewer connections) requires an SC plumbing license and permits/inspection
HVAC/refrigeration installation, replacement, or refrigerant-related work requires SC HVAC licensing (and EPA 608 for refrigerants)
Gas piping/appliance gas connections beyond simple connector swaps commonly require licensed gas fitting/plumbing qualifications and permits
Structural changes (load-bearing walls, major framing, additions) typically require licensed contractor involvement and building permits
Roof replacement or significant roof repairs often require permits and may require a properly licensed contractor depending on scope/cost
Fire sprinkler system work requires specialized licensing (PHFS board)

State Licensing Rules (SC)

This threshold does NOT allow you to perform work that requires a separate trade license (electrical, plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, gas fitting). Also, local building permits can still be required even if you are exempt from state contractor licensure.

Business License — Horry

Not required at the city level.

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

A license is your legal authorization to perform certain types/sizes of work (state contractor license or trade license). A permit is job-specific approval from the local building department (plans, inspections). Even if you are under the $5,000 contractor licensing exemption, you can still be required to pull permits and pass inspections for regulated work (especially electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural).

Important Notes for Horry in Horry County, South Carolina Handymen

If you advertise or contract for electrical/plumbing/HVAC work without the proper SC trade license, you risk enforcement by LLR and failed inspections.
Many SC cities require a local business license for contractors based on gross receipts; you may need multiple business licenses if you work across city lines (e.g., Myrtle Beach vs. Conway vs. North Myrtle Beach).
General liability insurance is not always mandated by the state for every handyman scenario, but it is commonly required by customers, property managers, and for pulling permits. Workers’ compensation rules can apply if you have employees.
Keep jobs clearly scoped and priced: if you split a single project into smaller invoices to stay under the $5,000 threshold, regulators/inspectors may treat it as one project.
Always verify permitting requirements with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) where the property sits—municipal vs. county rules can differ inside Horry County.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Horry

Step 1: Form your business (LLC) with the SC Secretary of State ($110 filing fee).
Step 2: Determine where you will work (unincorporated Horry County vs specific cities) and obtain the correct local business license(s).
Step 3: Obtain general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees).
Step 4: If you will do projects $5,000+ or any regulated trade work, contact SC LLR to confirm the exact license classification, exams, and current fees before bidding.

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