Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. Visit the Southeastern Renovation Portfolio page to see before-and-after photos of kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and whole-home transformations throughout Charleston, Daniel Island, and Mount Pleasant. References from past clients are also available upon request.

What happens after my remodeling project is complete?

After the final walkthrough and payment, you receive warranty documentation including a 1-year workmanship warranty, care and maintenance guides, manufacturer warranties organized by item, and final documentation including closed permits, inspection certificates, and lien releases. Southeastern Renovation follows up at 30 days and 6 months after completion.

How do I verify your contractor's license in South Carolina?

Visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) website and search Verify a License. Enter license number CLG.127339 to confirm license status, expiration date, and business name for Southeastern Renovation of the Carolinas LLC.

What types of cabinets and countertops do you recommend for Charleston homes?

For luxury homes in the Charleston area, Southeastern Renovation typically recommends custom or semi-custom cabinet lines like Wood-Mode, Brookhaven, or Wellborn. For countertops, quartz brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone offer excellent durability, granite provides natural beauty, and quartzite delivers high-end luxury.

Can I live in my home during a renovation?

For bathroom renovations, yes. Southeastern Renovation can often keep one bathroom functional while working on another. For kitchen renovations, most clients set up a temporary kitchen during the 8 to 12 week project. For whole-home renovations, temporary housing may be needed depending on scope.

How do you handle unexpected issues during a remodel?

When unexpected conditions are discovered, Southeastern Renovation stops work and documents the issue with photos, discusses solutions including options and cost impacts, provides a change order for approval before proceeding, and adjusts the timeline if needed. With cost-plus pricing, homeowners only pay actual costs for any additional work required.

Do you offer financing options for home renovations?

Southeastern Renovation does not offer in-house financing but works with several third-party lenders who specialize in home improvement loans. Options include HELOCs, home equity loans, personal loans, and contractor financing programs.

What should I expect during the remodeling process?

The remodeling process includes an initial consultation, design and estimate with line-item costs, pre-construction with permits and scheduling, construction with daily floor protection and weekly client meetings, and a final walkthrough with punch list completion.

Can you work with my insurance company on a damage claim?

Yes. Southeastern Renovation has experience working with homeowner insurance on water damage claims, storm damage repairs, and other covered losses. The process includes documenting damage, providing detailed estimates using insurance industry-standard pricing, and communicating directly with adjusters.

What makes Southeastern Renovation different from other Charleston contractors?

Five key differentiators: Licensed and insured under SC license CLG.127339, transparent cost-plus pricing with no hidden fees, employee crews rather than day laborers, local expertise including Daniel Island HOA requirements and Mount Pleasant building codes, and weekly progress updates with direct access to the project manager.

Do you work with interior designers or handle design in-house?

Southeastern Renovation works both ways. Many Daniel Island and Mount Pleasant clients bring completed designs from interior designers or architects. For clients without designers, design-build services are offered including space planning, material selection, and 3D renderings.

Should I remodel my kitchen or bathroom first?

Consider three factors: usage frequency, ROI, and disruption. Kitchens are used daily and offer the highest resale return at 70 to 80 percent ROI. Bathrooms have shorter renovation timelines of 4 to 6 weeks compared to 8 to 12 weeks for kitchens and cause less disruption to daily life.

What is the difference between cost-plus and fixed-price contracts?

Cost-plus means the homeowner pays actual costs for materials and labor plus a fixed percentage. Southeastern Renovation charges a 25 percent overhead and profit rate. Every receipt and timesheet is visible. Fixed-price contracts give one total number but often include hidden buffers.

Do I need permits for my remodeling project in Charleston?

Most remodeling projects in Charleston require permits. Kitchen and bathroom renovations typically need building permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural changes. Historic district homes have additional requirements through the Board of Architectural Review. Southeastern Renovation handles all permitting.

Do you offer warranties on remodeling work?

Yes. Southeastern Renovation provides a comprehensive 1-year workmanship warranty on all remodeling projects. Manufacturer warranties on cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and appliances extend beyond the workmanship warranty, typically 5 to 10 years or lifetime.

What is your payment schedule for remodeling projects?

A 25 percent deposit is required to secure the project start date. For projects over $100,000, a retainer-based payment schedule tied to milestones is used: 25 percent deposit, 25 percent at rough-in completion, 25 percent at cabinet installation, and 25 percent at final walkthrough.

Do you offer design-build services?

Yes. Southeastern Renovation works with homeowners and designers to plan and execute well-coordinated remodeling projects, offering design-build services that include space planning, material selection, and project execution under one contract.

How do I start a remodeling project with Southeastern Renovation?

The first step is scheduling an on-site assessment. During this visit, Southeastern Renovation evaluates the scope of work, discusses budget expectations, reviews existing conditions, and determines next steps. Call 843-718-8177 or use the website contact form.

What types of remodeling projects does Southeastern Renovation specialize in?

Southeastern Renovation specializes in kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, and full whole-home renovations. Additional services include screened porches, outdoor kitchens, decks, gazebos, pergolas, home additions, historic renovations, insurance restoration, and light commercial projects.

What areas does Southeastern Renovation serve?

Southeastern Renovation serves Charleston, South Carolina with a primary focus on Daniel Island and Mount Pleasant. Additional service areas include Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Beresford Creek Landing, Rivertowne on the Wando, Cooper Estates, Dunes West, and Park West.

Southeastern Renovation

Finding the Right Remodeling Contractor in Mount Pleasant

Choosing a remodeling contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home improvement project. The right contractor can transform your vision into reality, while the wrong choice can lead to delays, cost overruns, and disappointing results. Here is what Mount Pleasant homeowners need to know when selecting a remodeling professional.

Essential Qualifications to Verify

1. Proper Licensing
South Carolina requires contractors to hold a Residential Builders Commission (RBC) license for residential construction work. Verify any contractor's license status at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website.

2. Insurance Coverage
Require proof of:

General Liability Insurance (minimum $1 million)
Workers Compensation Insurance
Ask to be named as a certificate holder on their policy

3. Local Experience
Contractors familiar with Mount Pleasant understand:

Local permitting processes
Building codes and requirements
Coastal climate considerations
Neighborhood standards and expectations

Red Flags to Watch For

🚩 Requests Large Upfront Payments
Legitimate contractors typically request 10-25% deposit, with progress payments tied to milestones. Be wary of anyone demanding 50% or more upfront.

🚩 No Physical Address or Local Office
Storm chasers and fly-by-night operators often lack permanent local presence.

🚩 Pressure to Sign Immediately
High-pressure sales tactics are a warning sign. Take time to compare quotes and check references.

🚩 Significantly Lower Bids
If one bid is substantially lower than others, they may be cutting corners, using inferior materials, or planning change orders.

🚩 No Written Contract
Never proceed without a detailed written agreement covering scope, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty.

Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

About Their Business:

How long have you been in business?
How many similar projects have you completed?
Can you provide references from recent projects?
Who will be my primary point of contact?
Do you use employees or subcontractors?

About Your Project:

What is your estimated timeline?
How do you handle changes or unexpected issues?
What is your payment schedule?
How do you protect my home during construction?
What does your warranty cover?

About Processes:

How do you communicate progress?
Who handles permits and inspections?
How do you handle cleanup?
What happens if there are delays?

Checking References

Always contact at least three recent references. Ask previous clients:

Did the project stay on budget?
Was the work completed on time?
How was the communication?
Was the crew respectful of your home?
Were there any problems? How were they resolved?
Would you hire them again?

Understanding the Quote

A professional quote should include:

Detailed scope of work
Material specifications
Labor costs
Permit costs
Project timeline
Payment schedule
Warranty information

Be wary of vague quotes with lump-sum pricing and no details.

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials and references, consider:

Communication: Do they listen to your needs? Explain things clearly?
Professionalism: Are they punctual, organized, and respectful?
Compatibility: Will you be comfortable having them in your home for weeks?
Transparency: Do they answer questions directly or evade?

Why Mount Pleasant Homeowners Choose Southeastern Renovation

We have built our reputation on:

Transparency: Detailed quotes, clear communication, no surprises
Experience: Years of remodeling experience in Mount Pleasant and Charleston
Quality: Skilled tradespeople and attention to detail
Reliability: Realistic timelines and consistent follow-through
Respect: Treating your home with care throughout the project

Ready to Start Your Mount Pleasant Remodel?
Contact Southeastern Renovation for a consultation and experience the difference a professional, transparent contractor makes.

Essential criteria for selecting the right remodeling contractor in Mount Pleasant. Learn what to look for, red flags to avoid, and questions to ask before hiring.

How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor in Mount Pleasant