Top 3 General Contractors in Charleston, SC

Porch Pro Headshot Canter Construction
(188)
"Not only has Canter Construction done a great job, but they have also been more than accommodating with my last minute requests! I love that we have someone to call for basically any of our house projects -- plumbing, to kitchen backsplashes, to a fireplace mantel.. They're very easy to work with. ...Read more about Canter Construction
PO Box 13026, Charleston, SC
843-972-3095
Porch Pro Headshot Reality Construction Homes
"Jennings and the crew at Reality Construction did a great job bringing out vision to life about our screened-in patio w/ walkway. People continue to drive by the neighborhood trying to sneak peeks of the great craftsmanship!"
315 W Carolina Ave, Summerville, SC
843-296-8510
Porch Pro Headshot New Age Contractors LLP.
"Really enjoyed working with New Age. Highly recommend them for any of your contracting needs. They were professional, efficient, and understanding of my needs. With shortage of supplies and workers right now I really cant say enough nice things about how they communicated the job to me. HIGHLY HIGH...Read more about New Age Contractors LLP.
1725 Signal Point Rd, Charleston, SC
843-202-5024

More General Contractors in Charleston, SC

Porch Pro Headshot Southern Shores Real Estate Group
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(110)
Southern Shores is a one stop shop for all of your Real Estate needs. We have a great group of agents that help us sell the Southern Shores Compass. We offer services for Real Estate, Property Management, Corporate Rentals, Vacation Rentals, Community Management, New Home Construction, Maintenance...Read more about Southern Shores Real Estate Group
Southern Shores is a one stop shop for all of your Real Estate needs. We have a great group of agents that help us sell the Southern Shores Compass. We offer services for Real Estate, Property Management, Corporate Rentals, Vacation Rentals, Community Management, New Home Construction, Maintenance...Read more about Southern Shores Real Estate Group
Porch Pro Headshot Jeff Winnick Construction LLC
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(15)
"We used Jeff to complete a repair list as a result of an inspection during the sale of our home. He quoted us a very fair price and returned a couple of days later to begin work. We were very pleased with the various interior/exterior repairs that were made. Jeff did great work, efficiently, and...Read more about Jeff Winnick Construction LLC
"We used Jeff to complete a repair list as a result of an inspection during the sale of our home. He quoted us a very fair price and returned a couple of days later to begin work. We were very pleased with the various interior/exterior repairs that were made. Jeff did great work, efficiently, and...Read more about Jeff Winnick Construction LLC
Porch Pro Headshot TADAN CONSTRUCTION LLC
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(7)
"Tadan Construction LLC performed a restoration, tear down, and rebuild for a fire we had in our house. We found the owner, Angelo Scalia, extremely easy to work with and were very happy with the result of our remodel. The changes we requested and even upgrades we were hoping for occurred and made...Read more about TADAN CONSTRUCTION LLC
"Tadan Construction LLC performed a restoration, tear down, and rebuild for a fire we had in our house. We found the owner, Angelo Scalia, extremely easy to work with and were very happy with the result of our remodel. The changes we requested and even upgrades we were hoping for occurred and made...Read more about TADAN CONSTRUCTION LLC
Porch Pro Headshot Joey's Home Improvement
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(15)
"I had a roof leak of unknown origin. Joey very quickly replaced a section of the roof to take care of the problem. His employees were friendly and courteous and Joey keep in touch with me whenever needed. "
"I had a roof leak of unknown origin. Joey very quickly replaced a section of the roof to take care of the problem. His employees were friendly and courteous and Joey keep in touch with me whenever needed. "
Porch Pro Headshot No Longer Used
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(107)
This is no longer used.
This is no longer used.
Porch Pro Headshot The Mills Company
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(3)
" Hire this company you will not be disappointed. I rarely write reviews but this is a review that had to be written. About 2 months ago I signed up with Porch.com through the recommendation of Lowes, I was in need of a contractor to do several repairs to my house . In the past my husband and I ha...Read more about The Mills Company
" Hire this company you will not be disappointed. I rarely write reviews but this is a review that had to be written. About 2 months ago I signed up with Porch.com through the recommendation of Lowes, I was in need of a contractor to do several repairs to my house . In the past my husband and I ha...Read more about The Mills Company
Porch Pro Headshot Javelin Custom Construction LLC
General Contractors
Serves Charleston, South Carolina
(2)
Building a new home is a scary process for many people. Our ability to communicate with our clients along with our attention to the details makes JCC stand out above the rest. Watching each day as the progress turn into a completed project, is one of the most rewarding parts of construction. Knowing...Read more about Javelin Custom Construction LLC
Building a new home is a scary process for many people. Our ability to communicate with our clients along with our attention to the details makes JCC stand out above the rest. Watching each day as the progress turn into a completed project, is one of the most rewarding parts of construction. Knowing...Read more about Javelin Custom Construction LLC

Frequently asked questions about general contractors

A general contractor oversees building and remodeling projects from start to finish. Their main priority is making sure that a project progresses according to the schedule, is on budget, and that all work is done properly. All other contractors and workers answer to the general contractor and they answer to the client who hired them.

Start by getting bids from different contractors. Bids lay out your expected cost and the extent of the project, including materials, labor, and when the project will be done. If you have a local contractor in mind, feel free to work with them in negotiating the terms of a bid, rather than putting out a competitive bid request. Terms typically outline payment installments, an expected timeline for milestones, and the expected outcome at each phase of the project.

Once you've signed the contract with the general contractor, they bring in the workers and begin on the project. Throughout the course of the project, the general contractor manages all workers and subcontractors. General contractors generally own or work for a company that handles one or two aspects of building and remodeling. Very few do framing, finishing, electrical, concrete, plumbing, and landscaping on their own. So, it's quite common for general contractors to outsource work from other companies. The general contractor handles the hiring of these subcontractors, as well as paying them and their own workers. You only have to worry about paying the general contractor.

Hiring multiple subcontractors for a job might seem more economical, but it would put much of the decision-making on you. What you might save in money may be offset by the amount of time and mental energy you'd have to put into the project. An experienced general contractor knows the ins and outs of the construction business. They understand how to structure a project and work with subcontractors to get projects completed safely, and on schedule. This leaves the day-to-day decisions to someone with more experience.

The licensing rules in some states require hiring a general contractor for certain projects. If the state doesn't require a general contractor in your case, it makes good sense to hire a licensed and insured local contractor.

General contractors live by their reputation. They work hard to build trust with their clients and honor that trust through their management of construction projects. Even if they never lift a hammer during the course of a job, they feel a great sense of ownership of the whole operation.

General contractors usually have a vast knowledge of local building codes. Their understanding of construction and people management helps all subcontractors to work together. They see how each piece fits together to make a completed project. Subcontractors may take a narrow view of their role, which could cause problems for other subcontractors working on the next step. General contractors work closely with their crews, subcontractors, and you to prevent costly miscommunication.

Whether you're hiring a home contractor to build your dream house or searching "general contractors in my area" to oversee a remodel project, you'll be working closely with whomever you choose.

When you get underway with your contractor, you'll begin by sorting out every possible detail. Before work begins, the contractor will work out a project plan with you. The project plan may include determining fixtures, finishes, and furnishings — to avoid any cost gaps in the initial bid. The more specific you are, the more realistic and accurate the bid will be.

Make sure it’s OK to call or text your contractor throughout the day. Even if they aren't always available, they should provide you with contact information for a lead person or someone else you can discuss the project with. When possible, visit the job site. This gives the contractor or lead the opportunity to bring up any issues and ask any questions about specifics that weren't covered in the project plan.

It's also helpful to keep a project journal. Write down product order numbers. Jot down questions and ideas, and note delivery dates. This can make it easier to sort out any disputes that may arise later. Track any changes to the initial project plan in writing. If unforeseen changes occur, make sure to get a bid change in writing.

Other helpful tips:

  • Check on work as it progresses
  • Pay only for completed work
  • Be a fair customer by paying bills on time, responding quickly to questions, and treating your contractor and their workers fairly
  • Know the workers’ names, and make sure they have what they need
  • Establishing a good working relationship with your contractor from the beginning will lead to a more successful project

Some general contractors charge a flat fee. Most charge a markup, which is a percentage of the overall completed project cost. The markup amount covers their overhead, including advertising, insurance, office expenses, and their own salary. The contractor should outline all payments and expenses in the contract at the outset.

Contractors typically ask for a percentage of the total project cost upfront. This initial fee covers the cost of getting the project started, provides workers with their wages for the first phase of the construction, and helps serve as a deposit for the needed materials and supplies. Fifteen percent is a fair and decent initial payment for getting a project started. Most states cap this initial fee at 33%, and a good contractor should have good enough credit to cover remaining up-front costs.

After each phase or "milestone" gets completed, your contract will likely require you to pay more money toward the project. These installments are an expected part of the construction process to cover wages, additional supplies, and materials the contractor may need to continue. Even the most well-off contractor would quickly run out of money to move forward if they didn't include installment payments into their contracts.

A big project is a costly endeavor and a long-term investment. When choosing a general contractor, it makes sense to look beyond just the contractor’s fee. Be sure to hire someone that can provide proof of licensing, insurance, and references. Take the time to look into their track record. A good general contractor will leave a trail of stellar online reviews, and when you talk to former clients, they'll have only good things to say. When you enter a project with a contractor, you need a pro you trust with your home, so it’s wise to do your homework ahead of time to ensure a successful outcome.

Begin with a plan that lays out the scope of the remodeling work you want done. By the time you hire a contractor, you should have decided on materials, fixtures, appliances, and other items. If you've decided on any changes to the floor plan, be sure to add the specifics to your plan. The more details, the better. Add everything you can think of, down to the brass pulls for the kitchen cupboards.

Once you have this plan, start talking to contractors to get estimates and formal bids. Ask around for local contractor recommendations at your local hardware store, or go online and read client reviews. Good contractors tend to be very busy, so expect a waiting period from the time you contact them to the time they can start on the project. Be sure to seek out a contractor with experience in the job you need done. If you need a patio installed, scroll past them if they specialize in kitchens and baths.

When speaking to the contractor, make sure you're clear on which parts of the project the contractor will handle and which will go to a subcontractor. Ask for proof of licensing, insurance, and any relevant subcontractors' licenses. Check contractor credentials with your local Better Business Bureau.

Only sign a detailed contract, and be sure you understand every detail of the contract before signing. Be sure to get the proper permits for your project. A good contractor will be able to talk you through getting permits. In some places, contractors are able to get the permits themselves. Check in with the contractor regularly during the course of the project to avoid errors and miscommunication.

Searching online for "good general contractors near me" or getting referrals from a hardware or home improvement store is a first step to hiring a contractor. Take certain precautions before hiring a contractor to prevent costly headaches later on.

Begin by working with a professional architect or designer who's able to provide all the information a contractor will need. A designer or architect can also create the necessary drawings to submit for obtaining a permit. Include details like finishes, fixtures, plumbing work, electrical installations, and possible millwork.

Come up with a specifications list in advance. Write down the details of every element you want placed into the project, from the front door to the floor tiles that you want. Calculate to make sure all your selections fall within your budget and meet your personal requirements.

Make sure your contractor has the proper licensing and insurance. Check out a potential contractor’s previous work. They should be able to offer examples. When you interview contractors, remember that you'll spend a lot of time working with this person. You need to feel you can trust them because unexpected situations are bound to come up. Perhaps you didn't consider what style of door handle you want for the master bathroom, or the carpet you selected for the living room is no longer available. These types of situations happen with any project, so do your best to remain patient throughout the construction process.

See to it that your contractor provides a timeline that they can stick to and that works with your needs. Get a list of subcontractors they use, and look into their history. Use careful consideration when choosing your contractor for the most successful outcome.

Be sure your general contractor is licensed and insured. They should have both contractor’s liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. An insured contractor will take responsibility for the project and for anything that happens at the worksite. Make sure their insurance covers any subcontractors or that they only work with insured third parties.

Ask for proof of insurance right away. Hiring an uninsured contractor may seem less expensive, but it could cost you down the road. In the event of a job-site injury or property damage, a properly insured contractor will shield you from potentially catastrophic costs. Depending on the state you live in, if a worker is injured on your property and their general contractor didn't carry the proper insurance, you might be liable for the cost of treating their injuries.

Homeowners’ insurance policies cover property damage. Some also cover limited injury liability, but these policies have limitations. Even in the unlikely event that your policy covers 100 percent of liability, your premiums would most certainly go up. Contractors insurance ensures that you don't have to cover any costs unrelated to the project completion itself.

If a contractor is reliable, they'll be licensed and carry insurance, and if they don't have a license, no company will insure them. Proof of proper licensing and insurance is a sure sign of a reliable contractor.

Recent reviews for Charleston General Contractors

5276

I have hired Canter Construction to do a couple of jobs for me recently. All of the jobs were professionally bid, very easy to read and comprehensive with no vague areas, and the work was done very well and on time. I would have no problem having Canter C...

- Phil Sykes
5349

Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Very good value.

Very professional, excellent attention to detail, exceeded expectations.

5303

We didn't end up having work done due to timing/personal reasons, but Jonah and his crew are extremely knowledgeable about the business and are a pleasure to deal with. Estimates and suggestions for our project were well thought out and delivered to us in...

- Alissa Graef
5599

Very good work quality. Very responsive in communication. Very good to keep appointment.

They completed a garage conversion to increase the size of our family room. They were on time, on budget, and the work was done professionally.

5395

The team has always exceeded my expectations and completed work on time and within budget. Everyone I have interacted with is friendly and really knows what they are doing. In my experience there is no job too big or small and no project that they cannot ...

- Aaron Richard
5272

My husband and I are realtors and need a fast, competent, reliable company to do various large and small items. We trust that Wes and Jonah will get the job done, send an itemized invoice, and talk with communicate with our clients in a professional mann...

5284

Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent work quality.

Fast, friendly, professional, affordable and local!

29610

After several years (and countless projects) with Canter Construction, I highly recommend their services. As Realtors, we rely on them for our personal home repairs/renovations and also for handling our clients’ home inspection needs prior to closing. Whe...

- Lee Keadle
6289

Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent to keep appointment.

Professional, prompt, and knowledgeable. My kitchen remodel ended up better than I could have imagined. Jonah and his team made GREAT design suggestion and the process was smooth and seamless.

- Natalie Rankin
415275

Jonah the owner is a great salesman but very unprofessional, confrontational and couldn’t finish what he started. He left us with a demolished bathroom. We had 2 baths and full kitchen remodel in contract. 1st bath quality was sub par. No attention to til...

- Manny Galvez
5306

I highly recommend Canter Construction! These guys came highly recommended to me and I couldn't be happier! I got multiple bids from other contractors and went with Canter Construction. They are quick to respond, provide more than fair pricing, and pro...

5573

Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication.

Everything You Need to Know About Charleston General Contractors

What zip codes in Charleston have the best General Contractors?

Below we've listed Charleston zip codes that have great selections of general contractors:

  • 29403: 1 General Contractors.
  • 29401: 2 General Contractors.
  • 29412: 1 General Contractors.
  • 29445: 3 General Contractors.
  • 29455: 2 General Contractors.
  • How do I know I am getting a fair price for General Contractor Services work in Charleston?

    Every General Contractor Services job has different requirements. Remember that the price will differ depending on the scope of your project. However, that doesn't mean you have to go in blind. Check out our tips for getting a fair price for Charleston work from General Contractorsbelow:

    • Talk to a few different General Contractors and ask for quotes to compare. We have around 50 professionals and companies in Charleston for you to compare.
    • Before contacting a company, check out the ratings and reviews from previous customers to learn what others have paid, how long the General Contractors took on the job, and how satisfied they were.

    General Contractor Services isn’t exactly what I’m looking for. Are there more specific services similar to general contractors available in Charleston?

    If you’ve determined that general contractor services are not quite what you were looking for, or if you had a specific project in mind that is similar to general contractor services, we can still help you find the right professional in Charleston.

    Charleston has 50 general contractor professionals that can help you with your general contractor services job. Head to our Pros Page to find specific general contractors-pros in Charleston.

    All General Contractors in Charleston, SC

    Porch Pro Headshot MSC Construction
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Providing service the old-fashioned way! From your crawlspace to your roof we provide advanced building systems to meet your needs. We use in-house service experts and licensed tradesmen for quality craftsmenship.
    Providing service the old-fashioned way! From your crawlspace to your roof we provide advanced building systems to meet your needs. We use in-house service experts and licensed tradesmen for quality craftsmenship.
    Porch Pro Headshot Ely Contracting LLC
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Ely Contracting LLC North Charleston, SC, 29405 (843) 513-7461 Ely Contracting LLC provides top-notch HVAC services for its customers in North Charleston, SC: installation, repair, cleaning for residential and commercial clients. Call us today for a free estimate! HVAC Units, HVAC Repairs, HVAC C...Read more about Ely Contracting LLC
    Ely Contracting LLC North Charleston, SC, 29405 (843) 513-7461 Ely Contracting LLC provides top-notch HVAC services for its customers in North Charleston, SC: installation, repair, cleaning for residential and commercial clients. Call us today for a free estimate! HVAC Units, HVAC Repairs, HVAC C...Read more about Ely Contracting LLC
    Porch Pro Headshot Rogers Construction Company Inc.
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    I have been in the construction business for over 55 years and can do everything from building a new home from the ground up, to remodeling your dream kitchen. Call today and let Rogers Construction Company Inc. take care of your every need.
    I have been in the construction business for over 55 years and can do everything from building a new home from the ground up, to remodeling your dream kitchen. Call today and let Rogers Construction Company Inc. take care of your every need.
    Porch Pro Headshot Strock Ent. Design & Remodel, LLC
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    (3)
    At Strock, we focus on helping you renovate your home or business by aligning the design with your budget and timeline.
    At Strock, we focus on helping you renovate your home or business by aligning the design with your budget and timeline.
    Porch Pro Headshot RC BUILDING COMPANY, INC.
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    RC Building Company, Inc. is an unlimited general contractor specializing in the construction of commercial and professional buildings. Our goal is 100% client satisfaction in pursuit of our core values. Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Commitment in all our projects.
    RC Building Company, Inc. is an unlimited general contractor specializing in the construction of commercial and professional buildings. Our goal is 100% client satisfaction in pursuit of our core values. Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Commitment in all our projects.
    Porch Pro Headshot Southern Craftsman Construction
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    (11)
    Porch Pro Headshot Oceanview Contracting
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Oceanview Contracting focuses on providing professional general and specialty maintenance, renovation and repair services to our valued clients in a responsible and timely manner. Our primary objective is to provide excellent customer service and the highest quality finished product at a competitive...Read more about Oceanview Contracting
    Oceanview Contracting focuses on providing professional general and specialty maintenance, renovation and repair services to our valued clients in a responsible and timely manner. Our primary objective is to provide excellent customer service and the highest quality finished product at a competitive...Read more about Oceanview Contracting
    Porch Pro Headshot RHB Law Firm, LLC
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Better civil and domestic litigation in South Carolina is just a phone call away with RHB Law Firm. Call or click today to learn more.
    Better civil and domestic litigation in South Carolina is just a phone call away with RHB Law Firm. Call or click today to learn more.
    Porch Pro Headshot Loyd Construction Company LLC
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Loyd Construction Company LLC serving the North Charleston area since 1989
    Loyd Construction Company LLC serving the North Charleston area since 1989
    Porch Pro Headshot Blue Anchor Builders
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    We have been serving the LowCountry area for 30 years.
    We have been serving the LowCountry area for 30 years.
    Porch Pro Headshot Professional Pro Remodeling
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
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    100% response rate
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    Porch Pro Headshot Edmonds Roofing & Property Restoration
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Porch Pro Headshot Appointment On Demand Inc.
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina
    Porch Pro Headshot Perez Constructions Services
    General Contractors
    Serves Charleston, South Carolina

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