Charleston County

Home permits and project costs in Charleston, SC

Historic district review, hurricane wind zones and tidal flooding all add scope to exterior work in the peninsula and adjacent islands.

Verified August 2026

Local cost index

+0%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+5%

vs national baseline

Population

155,369

Homeownership

56%

Do you need a permit in Charleston?

For most structural work, yes

Charleston enforces south carolina residential code, based on the irc through Charleston County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Charleston

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$10,200 – $34,300	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$5,400 – $16,200	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,500 – $11,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,300 – $5,600	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$40,000 – $121,000	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$8,000 – $36,200	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,000 – $7,100	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$6,800 – $23,000	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$15,800 – $50,600	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$18,500 – $94,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$9,200 – $43,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,300 – $19,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,600 – $16,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$5,700 – $29,200	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,800 – $12,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$4,700 – $16,600	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$800 – $4,400	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,400 – $19,200	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$9,500 – $44,400	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$7,900 – $29,600	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$9,700 – $45,200	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$900 – $6,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,500 – $7,900	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$8,400 – $39,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$900 – $16,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,900 – $11,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$900 – $6,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$400 – $5,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$6,400 – $29,800	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,200 – $7,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,600 – $12,600	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,500 – $13,100	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,500 – $20,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,800 – $16,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,500 – $9,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,800 – $15,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $4,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$4,600 – $20,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,200 – $12,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$3,600 – $16,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$900 – $7,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,300 – $10,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$500 – $5,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$6,200 – $46,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$8,500 – $101,000	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$9,600 – $90,400	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$5,800 – $26,300	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,500 – $15,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,200 – $6,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$47,900 – $297,900	required	Cost·Permit

Charleston permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Charleston, Charleston County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits allowed on owner-occupied property
Contractor verification	Verify any license with South Carolina LLR Building Codes Council before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.