A contractor completes a $150,000 residential project. The homeowner discovers defects and wants to file a complaint. What is the statute of limitations for construction defect claims in South Carolina?
Correct Answer
C) 8 years from completion
South Carolina has an 8-year statute of limitations for construction defect claims from the date of completion or occupancy.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
South Carolina law (SC Code § 15-3-640) establishes an 8-year statute of repose for construction defect claims, running from the date of substantial completion or first occupancy. This is a repose period — it runs regardless of when the defect is discovered, barring fraudulent concealment.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1 year from discovery
1 year from discovery is far too short and does not reflect SC law. Some states use shorter discovery-based limitations for certain claims, but SC's 8-year statute of repose for construction defects is significantly longer and begins from completion, not discovery.
Option B: 3 years from completion
3 years from completion is incorrect. While SC has a 3-year statute of limitations for general negligence claims, construction defect claims are governed by the specific 8-year statute of repose under SC Code § 15-3-640.
Option D: 6 years from completion
6 years from completion is the limitation period in some other states and is a plausible distractor, but SC specifically uses 8 years. Do not confuse SC's period with the 6-year period used in jurisdictions like New York.
Memory Technique
Associate '8 years' with the number of letters in 'DEFECTIVE' (d-e-f-e-c-t-i-v-e = 9, close enough — or think: 'SC gives you almost a decade'). Alternatively, remember SC = 8 by pairing the state abbreviation with the number 8 (the SC shape looks like a curvy 8).
More South Carolina Questions
What is the maximum contract value a Tier 1 residential contractor can undertake in South Carolina?
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A contractor has 15 employees and annual payroll of $780,000. The workers compensation rate is $4.25 per $100 of payroll. What is the annual premium?
According to SC building codes, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a residential floor joist with a 16-foot span under live load?
A subcontractor completes $25,000 of electrical work but is not paid by the general contractor. The general contractor was paid by the owner. What is the subcontractor's lien priority against the property?
A contractor receives a stop work order from the building official. Work continues for 3 additional days before stopping. What penalty applies per South Carolina building codes?
Under South Carolina workers compensation law, which of the following employees would be exempt from coverage requirements?
Under South Carolina contractor licensing law, how many hours of continuing education are required annually for license renewal?
A Class B contractor wants to bid on a $750,000 commercial project. What must the contractor do to be eligible?
A contractor's license expires on June 30th. They submit renewal application and fees on July 15th. What additional penalty must they pay?
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