Anderson, York County Builders Become Certified Master Builders

Joey Carter of L. Carter, LLC in Williamston and Karen Harris of Harris Construction in Rock Hill were recently named the newest Certified Master Builders (CMB) by the Master Builder Committee during the state convention. Carter is the first CMB for the HBA of Anderson and Harris is the HBA of York County's first female CMB.

"This means that Joey and Karen have gone far beyond merely holding a state builders license," said Master Builder Chairman A.P. Neal.

Neal explained, "The Master Builder Program was created by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina as a way to increase the professionalism of home builders in the state and to provide an increased level of protection for consumers."

In order to reach this level, Joey and Karen had to participate in 20 hours of continuing education, provide seven reference letters, assure a one-year warranty on all homes and show at least five years' experience in home building.

Master Builders must sign an agreement that requires him or her to provide the client with a construction contract and that he maintain membership in the Home Builders Association.

Although South Carolina has one of the most rigorous licensing requirements in the country, the Home Builders Association of SC has begun this program to allow builders to go up even higher.

"This program is good for our builders" said A.P. Neal, "but it is even better news for consumers." Neal said only twenty states require a person to take a written test to be licensed. "Although we are one of those states, we have felt we could do even better," said Neal.

For more information about how to become a Certified Master Builder, visit their webpage at www.masterbuildersc.com or call Brandie Freeman at 803-771-7408.