What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

In Myrtle Beach (Horry County), most “handyman”/home-improvement work can be done without a South Carolina contractor license only if each job stays under the state’s contractor licensing threshold (commonly applied as $5,000 total contract value including labor and materials) and you do not perform work in licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas). Even when you’re exempt from a state contractor license, you typically still need (1) a City of Myrtle Beach business license (and possibly a county business license if working outside city limits) and (2) building permits for many repair/alteration tasks.

The magic number in SC: $5000. Jobs under $5000 (labor + materials combined) don't require a contractor license — you can take those as a handyman. Jobs at or above $5000 require a contractor license. Know your number, know your limit.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Jobs under $5,000 total contract value (labor + materials) that do NOT involve licensed trades (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/gas) (threshold: researched, verify with SC LLR for your exact scope/classification)
Interior/exterior painting (non-lead regulated practices still must follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978 and you disturb paint)
Minor drywall patching and trim repair (non-structural)
Door hardware replacement (knobs/locks/deadbolts) and interior door replacement like-for-like where no structural framing changes are required
Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet repairs (not moving plumbing/electrical)
Pressure washing and basic exterior cleaning (subject to local stormwater/environmental rules)
Minor carpentry (baseboards, crown molding, shelving) that does not alter structural members
Caulking, grouting, and minor tile repair where no waterproofing system or plumbing changes are involved

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Myrtle Beach

Based on the SC threshold, handymen in Myrtle Beach commonly take on:

Interior/exterior painting (non-lead regulated practices still must follow EPA RRP rules if pre-1978 and you disturb paint)
Minor drywall patching and trim repair (non-structural)
Door hardware replacement (knobs/locks/deadbolts) and interior door replacement like-for-like where no structural framing changes are required
Cabinet hardware replacement and minor cabinet repairs (not moving plumbing/electrical)
Pressure washing and basic exterior cleaning (subject to local stormwater/environmental rules)
Caulking, grouting, and minor tile repair where no waterproofing system or plumbing changes are involved

⚠️ What Requires a License

Any electrical contracting beyond minor like-for-like device/fixture swaps where allowed by local code/inspector; new circuits, panel work, service changes, rewiring, generator interconnects require licensed electrical contractor
Plumbing contracting (running/altering supply/drain/vent lines), gas piping, many water heater installs/replacements if the jurisdiction requires a permit and licensed plumber for the scope
HVAC/mechanical contracting: installing or replacing HVAC equipment, refrigerant work, significant duct/system modifications
Contracting work at/above the $5,000 licensing threshold (labor + materials) in categories regulated by SC LLR (commercial contractor licensing and/or residential specialty/builder licensing depending on scope)
Roofing or structural repairs that trigger permitting/engineering review (local building department may require licensed contractors and inspections)
Any work requiring a building permit where the permitting authority requires a licensed contractor to pull the permit (policy varies by jurisdiction and scope)

What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work

In SC, you can take jobs under $5000 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.

Business License — Myrtle Beach

Required. City of Myrtle Beach Business License

Setting Up Your Business in SC

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in SC: $110 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Myrtle Beach

Step 1: Form your business (LLC optional) with SC Secretary of State ($110 filing fee) and get an EIN from IRS (free).
Step 2: Apply for a City of Myrtle Beach business license (fee based on classification and gross receipts) and, if working outside city limits, confirm Horry County business license requirements.
Step 3: Get general liability insurance (typical small handyman policies start around a few hundred dollars/year depending on revenue and services).
Step 4: If any job will hit $5,000+ or includes regulated scopes, confirm with SC LLR whether you must hold a contractor license/registration and obtain the correct credential before bidding.

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