LLR action clarifies a licensed builder's qualifications

The S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) will be sending out the following notice to all building officials in SC.

***
Dear Code Officials:

Many local codes departments in South Carolina require a Residential Specialty Contractor license/registration in Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC before issuing a permit for this type of work. In the past, the Commission has issued such licenses/registrations to licensed Residential Builders. Please note, however, that S.C. Code Ann. § 40-59-20(7) specifically states that a residential specialty contractor may not be a licensed residential builder. Therefore, in accordance with the law, the Commission will no longer issue Residential Specialty Contactor licenses/registrations to Residential Builders.

The S.C. Residential Builders exam tests builder applicants on the three mechanical trades of Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. Therefore, a Residential Builder who received his or her license by exam is qualified to perform work in these trades and will have the designation "RBB" on his or her license and will have as the "Home Builders" as the license type on LLR licensee lookup.

The Commission also licenses Residential Builders without exam in three instances: (1) a passing score on the NASCLA exam; (2) a license issued by the SC Contractors Board; or (3) a license from a state with whom the Commission has an exam waiver agreement. A Residential Builder who received his or her license without exam is not qualified to perform work in the mechanical trades and will have the designation "RB" on his or her license as well as license type on LLR licensee lookup. RB Exam Waiver licensees must subcontract with an appropriately licensed person or company to perform any of the mechanical trades on a project.

I hope this clarifies any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact the Commission with any issues that may arise.
***

This is not a new policy and does not change any licensing requirements. This issue has been brought up several times in the last few months (either a local municipality trying to exact additional business license fees, or builders who have had their license suspended trying to usurp the suspension).

Mark your calendars for the Annual Golf Classic- May 4th

Your Home Builders Association will host its annual Golf Classic on Thursday, May 4, at The Preserve at Verdae Golf Course. The golf tournament is sponsored by Progress Lighting and Piedmont Natural Gas. 

The Golf Classic is Captain's Choice Format.  Shotgun Start begins at 11:30 a.m..  Lunch is provided for each registered player and volunteer.  Following the golf tournament, an awards banquet will include dinner sponsored by Clark's Termite and Pest Control.  Don't miss the chance to win a NEW GM vehicle with a hole-in-one at the designated hole, sponsored by Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet.

May the Fourth be with you on May 4! Team and sponsorship opportunities are available.  Reserve your team now.  Or contact your HBA office to register.

Volunteers NEEDED: We also will have a need for volunteers.  If you would like to participate as a volunteer, please contact the HBA office at 864-254-0133 or email Crystal Yanes.

Limited Time 10% + 2% Discount for NAHB Members from Lowe's

Lowe's has announced a special offer for the next three days. Please forward out this offer to your members so they can take advantage of this temporary larger discount.

Limited Time 10% + 2% Discount for NAHB Members from Lowe's

March 21st through March 23rd NAHB Members should print out this coupon and save 10% on your Lowe's Account Receivable (LAR) and Lowe's Business Account (LBA). Visitwww.LowesForPros.com/NAHB and register to save an additional 2% off of your LAR or LBA and free delivery on purchases of $500 or more**.

If you miss this limited time offer, visit www.LowesForPros.com/NAHB and register to save 5% every day when using Lowe's credit, plus for NAHB members LAR/LBA accounts are both eligible to receive the additional 2% statement discount*.

*Offer is not automatic, see store for details. Terms and conditions apply.
**Exclusions and standard delivery rules apply, discount taken at time of purchase, see store for details.

Save Money -- and Buy a Shiney New Car or Tool

Are you buying a new car, truck, or fleet vehicle? Do you use Lowe's ProServices? Do you rent vehicles from Budget, Hertz, or Avis? 

Your Home Builders Association of Greenville membership can save you money on these national brands and more through the Member Advantage program. 

It's Simple

Get your proof of membership form using your NAHB login information. Print the form and bring it with you to your GM, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, or Ram dealer to get a significant discount on your next vehicle purchase. 

It's Everywhere

There are more than 20 national companies that participate in the Member Advantage program. Click here to see a full list of companies that engage in the program, including phone numbers and program codes.

And these are not insignificant savings: Home Builders Association membership means an additional 2 percent off Lowe’s ProServices and free shipping for large orders. In fact, the average savings in the Lowe’s program amounted to $1,700 per member in 2015.

Builders and remodelers are also signing up for the specialized support now available only to Home Builders Association of Greenville members through a new strategic alliance with Houzz that includes a free profile adorned with your membership badge.

Download a complete list of discounts to see the savings available.