How to Vet a Subcontractor in South Carolina

Confirm the license

Contractor licensing in South Carolina is handled by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). Which license a company needs depends on the trade and the size of the job, so check the current requirements with LLR rather than relying on what the sub tells you.

Look the license up yourself, and confirm that the name on it matches the company that will sign your subcontract, that the classification fits the work, and that it is active.

Ask for proof of insurance

• A current certificate of insurance showing general liability limits that meet your contract and your owner's requirements.
• Workers' compensation coverage, or a documented reason it does not apply. Confirm current South Carolina requirements with the state before waiving it.
• Your company named as certificate holder, and additional insured status if your contract requires it.
• The insurer's or agent's contact so you can verify the certificate is real and in force.

Call references that match your job

Ask for three recent projects similar in size and type to yours, and call the GC or owner on each. Useful questions: Did they finish on schedule? How did they handle changes and punch list? Would you hire them again?

Check capacity and schedule

A sub with a great reputation and a full backlog will not help your schedule. Ask who will run your job, how many crews they have, and what else they have committed to during your window.

Get the paperwork before mobilization

• Signed subcontract and scope
• W-9
• Certificate of insurance
• Safety program or site-specific safety plan, if your project requires one
• Any required lien waiver and payment-application forms

Use Trade Connect as a starting point, not the finish line

Profiles on Trade Connect show what a sub reports about itself, such as availability, work photos, and license and insurance details. Those are self-reported unless a profile says Trade Connect reviewed the documents. Treat them as a way to build your shortlist, then run the checks above.