Seawall Repair Provider Checklist — Charleston, SC

10 questions every Charleston homeowner should ask before hiring a seawall repair contractor.

Are you licensed in South Carolina?

Verify their contractor license with the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Do you carry liability and workers' comp insurance?

Ask for a certificate of insurance — if a worker gets hurt, you could be liable without it.

Can you provide Charleston-area references?

Call at least two recent clients. Ask about timeliness, cleanup, and whether the final price matched the quote.

Do you handle DHEC-OCRM permits?

The provider should pull all required critical area permits. If they ask you to do it, that's a red flag.

What's the full scope of work — in writing?

Get a detailed written scope that covers materials, methods, timeline, and exactly what's included.

What warranty do you offer?

Get specifics: what's covered, for how long, and what voids it. Workmanship warranties are separate from material warranties.

How do you handle tide-dependent work?

Charleston's 5-6 foot tides affect work windows. A pro should have a clear plan for working around tide cycles.

What's your payment schedule?

Never pay 100% upfront. Standard: 10-30% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, final payment after walkthrough.

Who handles cleanup and debris removal?

This should be included — not an extra charge. Old seawall materials must be properly disposed of.

Who's my point of contact?

You want one person to reach with questions, not a rotating cast of subcontractors.