Your take on the construction industry (Charleston, Greenville: house, contractors, to live)

[vamtncat]

Greenville is quickly shooting to the top of my list for reloc. cities. (I seriously looked at Charleston (Goose Creek) but I really don't think we could afford to live there. My husband is a Master Brick Mason (30+) years with both commercial and residential experience. He really thrives on the detail brickwork of high-end homes. Anyway, what is the real scoop on the local construction industry? Is it as strong as I'm seeing? If anyone has any masonry contacts, that info would be greatly appreciated. We are currently in SW VA where everything is DYING!

[g-man430]

I know somebody that is a brick mason for Harper Corporation. They are having one of their strongest years ever here along with Triangle Construction.

[BillyC64]

Does he do only Brick or does he work with any other stone? I do am a woodworker and can check with a couple of high end builders I deal with.

[g-man430]

He's just a brick mason I believe. Here is what he said:

Harper pays around 22-24/hour, some of the other contractors pay around 20-21/hour. On the low side of the scale I would say 18.50/hour is about the cheapest.

[vamtncat]

Thanks for the info g-man! I appreciate the legwork!

BillyC64He does all types of brick, block, stone (natural and man-made), tile. is amazing at the detailwork especially pavers. Would love anyinfo you might get. While he works commercial now, (that's all that's going on here) he is his happiest in high-end residential. If you come across anyone interested, I can email pics of his work. Not exactly sure of when we are moving. Our house is on the market, but that's an obvious story for another time and forum.

[BillyC64]

Originally Posted by vamtncat

Thanks for the info g-man! I appreciate the legwork!

BillyC64He does all types of brick, block, stone (natural and man-made), tile. is amazing at the detailwork especially pavers. Would love anyinfo you might get. While he works commercial now, (that's all that's going on here) he is his happiest in high-end residential. If you come across anyone interested, I can email pics of his work. Not exactly sure of when we are moving. Our house is on the market, but that's an obvious story for another time and forum.

That's good. I will see what kind of interest I can generate. Some pictures of previous work would be helpful. You could DM those if you want. Keep an eye out for future posts

[vamtncat]

Thanks Billy! Will get those pics to you. What areas do you find the high-end building going on? Also, how bad do things slow down in the winter? (In general of course, I know everything is slower than usual right now)

[BillyC64]

Originally Posted by vamtncat

Thanks Billy! Will get those pics to you. What areas do you find the high-end building going on? Also, how bad do things slow down in the winter? (In general of course, I know everything is slower than usual right now)

There are quite few areas in the upstate with higher end residence. The Cliffs communities are some of the most active. There are several in our area. Keowee, Glassey, The Valley. The work is fairly steady year round because the climate is moderate.You can google them and take a look.