Remodeling in Charleston

For a full remodel, plan on weeks to months between signing and a start date, longer in spring and early fall. A contractor who can start tomorrow on a large job is worth a second look at why.

South Carolina requires licensing for residential building and specialty trades above a modest project value. Ask for the license number, confirm it covers the work you are having done, and make sure permits are pulled under it.

Work on the exterior of a property in Charleston's historic districts typically needs Board of Architectural Review approval, and that adds time. Hire someone who has already done it — the approval process is where inexperienced contractors stall.

A deposit, then progress payments tied to completed milestones, then a final payment after a punch-list walkthrough. Avoid paying for labor that has not happened yet.

A bathroom is typically a few weeks; a kitchen commonly runs one to three months depending on layout changes, cabinetry lead times and inspections. Cabinet and tile lead times drive the schedule more than labor does.