Most Myrtle Beach property owners understand that some jobs need a licensed contractor and some can be handled by a handyman — but the line between them isn't always clear until you're standing in front of a problem. Getting this wrong costs money in two directions: hiring a licensed contractor for work a handyman could do for half the price, or trying to use a handyman for work that requires permits and licensing.
What a Handyman Can Do in South Carolina
South Carolina handymen can legally perform a wide range of repair, maintenance, and installation work without requiring contractor licensing. Common handyman work includes:
- General home repairs — door hardware, drywall patches, trim, caulking, weatherstripping
- Fixture installations — ceiling fans, light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, TV mounts
- Cabinet hardware, shelving, and storage installations
- Gutter cleaning and minor repairs
- Deck maintenance, staining, and minor repairs
- Painting — interior and exterior
- Minor plumbing — faucet replacement, toilet repairs, showerhead installation, garbage disposal replacement
- Minor electrical — outlet and switch replacement, GFCI installation, fixture replacement (on existing circuits)
When You Need a Licensed Contractor
South Carolina law requires licensed contractors for work above certain thresholds and for specific trade categories:
- General contracting: New construction, major renovations, and projects above the state's dollar threshold require a licensed general contractor.
- Electrical: New circuit installation, panel work, service upgrades, and rewiring require a licensed electrician. Minor repairs and device replacement can be handled by a qualified handyman.
- Plumbing: New pipe installation, sewer work, water heater installation, and major plumbing modifications require a licensed plumber. Fixture replacement and minor repairs are handyman territory.
- HVAC: All HVAC installation and most repair work requires a licensed HVAC contractor in South Carolina.
- Roofing: Significant roofing work typically requires a licensed contractor in Horry County. Minor repairs are sometimes handyman territory.
- Structural: Any work affecting structural elements requires a licensed contractor.
The permit test: If the work requires a building permit in Horry County, it likely requires a licensed contractor to pull that permit. Unpermitted work on work that required a permit creates real problems at resale and with insurance claims.
The Gray Zone: Knowing When to Ask
Some situations genuinely fall in the gray zone. The right approach:
- Ask your handyman directly: "Is this work you can legally do, or does it need a licensed contractor?"
- A reputable handyman tells you honestly when work is outside their scope
- For anything involving the main electrical panel, new circuits, structural modifications, or work that affects plumbing beyond fixture-level, assume licensed contractor until told otherwise
Cost Comparison in Myrtle Beach
The cost difference between handyman and licensed contractor is significant:
- Handyman: $75–$100/hour for most work
- Licensed electrician: $100–$175/hour
- Licensed plumber: $100–$175/hour
- General contractor: project-based, typically 15–25% of project cost for management
For work in the handyman category, using a licensed contractor is overpaying. For work requiring licensed contractors, using an unlicensed handyman creates liability and code compliance issues that cost far more to fix later.
Reliable Handyman Services in Myrtle Beach
Bakerss handles the full range of handyman work throughout Horry County — and refers out honestly when work requires a specialist. Starting at $75/hr.
View Handyman Services →