Buying A Modular Home in South Carolina: What You Need To Know
A tough building code, a series of required state and local inspections, strict licensing; all promote homebuyer protection and satisfaction in the Palmetto State.
Stringent Building Code
In South Carolina, modular homes are built to the same building code as site-built homes, the International Residential Code. That means that modular homes are built with the same materials and to the same stringent standards for safety, insulation, durability and quality as other homes.
Inspections
The plans for each home are reviewed by an independent engineering firm. Inspectors approved by the State of South Carolina inspect the homes as they are built in the factory.
There is yet another layer of inspection and protection for modular homebuyers in South Carolina. The local building code official inspects the foundation and installation of the home to be certain that it meets the rigorous International Residential Code.
Construction by Licensed Builders
Only Residential Home Builders and General Contractors, the construction experts described above, qualify to assemble the components (sometimes called modules or sections) of the home on-site. Typically these companies prepare the homesite, construct the home and add all the other elements such as decks, landscaping, and driveways that make a house a home.
Zoning
Modular homes are built to the same building code as site-built homes and sold and placed on the home site by the same licensed builders as other homes. And, of course, under South Carolina law they are treated exactly like site-built homes under all city and county zoning ordinances.
Sales by State-Licensed Experts
In our state, only three types of highly-qualified licensed professionals can sell a modular home:
- Residential Home Builders – who are also licensed to build site-built homes
- General Contractors – who are qualified to build not only homes but also other major construction projects such as malls, apartments, etc.
- Modular Manufacturers – companies that build the components of the home which are then assembled on the homesite
Each of these must earn a license from the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the agency which reviews the qualifications and oversees the licensing and bonding of builders.