South Carolina Mechanical Contractors Bond

In lieu of providing a financial statement showing a minimum net worth or working capital for a license group as required by Section 40-11-260, an applicant may provide a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors Bond. The bond or financial disclosure is required for any individual or business that performs mechanical contracting work in the state. This includes the installation, repair, or maintenance of plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. The bond is a type of surety bond that protects the public from financial losses in the event that a mechanical contractor fails to perform their work according to contract or violates any laws or regulations.

Specifically, the following types of contractors are required to have a South Carolina Mechanical Contractor Bond:

• General contractors who perform mechanical work on projects valued at more than $5,000
• Mechanical contractors who perform mechanical work on projects valued at more than $2,500
• Residential builders who perform mechanical work on residential projects valued at more than $5,000
• Registered specialty contractors who perform mechanical work on projects valued at more than $2,500

How to Get a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors Bond

At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day. ²
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the Surety Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant. The cost of the bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum premium and fees of $150 to$250. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.
2- Subject to underwriter approval, based on aggregate surety bond exposure, additional underwriting information may be required}

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.

About Surety1.com
Contact Surety1

The surety bond amount depends on the contractor’s license classification and the value of the projects:

• Group 1 Mechanical Contractor $7,000 bond- Maximum Project Size $2,500
• Group 2 Mechanical Contractor $15,000 bond – Maximum Project Size $10,000
• Group 3 Mechanical Contractor $30,000 bond – Maximum Project Size $25,000
• Group 4 Mechanical Contractor $60,000 bond – Maximum Project Size $50,000
• Group 5 Mechanical Contractor $300,000 bond – Maximum Project Size unlimited

If you are unsure of which license group you fall into, you can contact the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board for assistance. They will be able to review your information and determine the appropriate group for your business.

How to get a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License

To get a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License, you must follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of mechanical contractor license you need. There are four types of mechanical contractor licenses in South Carolina: general, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a mechanical contractor license, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have at least two years of experience in the mechanical contracting field.
3. Pass the examination. You must pass the appropriate trade-specific examination administered by the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board.
4. Submit an application. You can submit an application online or by mail. The application fee is $100.
5. Obtain a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors Bond.
6. Provide proof of financial stability. You must provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement or a letter from an accountant.
7. Obtain a business license. You must obtain a business license from the South Carolina Secretary of State. The fee for a business license is $50.

Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be issued a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License. You are now legally able to perform mechanical contracting work in the state. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education courses every two years to maintain your license.

Here are some additional tips for getting a South Carolina Mechanical Contractors License:

Start the process early. It can take several months to get a license, so it is important to start the process early.
Get organized. Keep track of all of the documents you need to submit and the deadlines for completing each step.
Ask for help if you need it. The South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board has staff members who can help you with the application process.