What Out-of-State Buyers Need to Know About SC Homes
Looking for a Home in Greenville, SC?
Whether you’re Moving to Greenville from the Northern United States or from the coast of Florida, California, or Texas, South Carolina homes may have some surprises in store for you! Regardless of where you’re moving from, the homes here do have some nuances. Climate plays a big part in best building practices, and even the spaces and features of a home. Here are a few unique aspects of SC homes that our team compiled. Go into the buying process with your eyes wide open by keeping these differences in mind!
If you’re moving to SC from the Northern US...
Welcome to the South! You’re going to love the charm and the warmer weather in Greenville. Here, you likely don’t need to be worried about getting snowed in (though you will have to fight for bread and milk if there are flurries!). You might find that building and remodeling in the red clay of SC looks a little different than you’re used to.
If you’re moving to SC from The Coast...
You’re used to living near the coast, with all its salt, moisture, and stucco. Upstate SC homes might surprise you with completely different styles, features, and building codes. For example, the exterior doors swing in here! We’re excited for you to experience all the seasons here in Greenville and finally be rid of hurricane insurance!
SC Home Foundations
Foundation types are a key difference. Explore the pros and cons of each – we have them both!
The great majority of older SC homes were built with crawlspaces. This is especially true in some of Greenville’s best neighborhoods, which have many Older Homes. One major benefit of crawlspaces is the ability to access, repair, and move plumbing and electrical. But if your inspection report shows crawlspace issues (moisture, mold, & pests) – make sure the repair costs are reflected in your negotiations.
The majority of new construction homes in Greenville are built on slab foundations, which can crack in frigid conditions up north. Slab foundations eliminate the moisture, pests, and drainage concerns that come with a crawlspace. However, if you plan to remodel down the road, note that layout changes can be very expensive because plumbing is buried in the concrete. You should also have your inspector thoroughly check for cracks in the pad that could cause the house to settle over time.
Basements are very prevalent up north, and essentially nonexistent in places like Florida. Greenville’s climate allows for a scattering of basements across the Upstate where the groundwater table and topography allow. Basements are another space to check for mold and moisture issues, but can also provide wonderful added square footage for hobby spaces, additional bedrooms, and walk-out living areas!
SC Home Materials
Instead of the stucco you find on the coast (for moisture resistance) or the wood/vinyl found up north (for frigid temperatures), you’ll notice a wider variety of wood, brick, and composite siding materials here in Greenville. Our temperate conditions give you more flexibility to get the exact look you want. This is especially true of metals, because salt air and corrosion are much less of a concern.
You’ll also notice fewer requirements for foundation depth, framing supports, and insulation ratings. With temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, and around 2-4 inches of snow per year, the extra materials for extreme conditions are unnecessary.
Because hurricanes are uncommon in the Upstate, hurricane-rated glass is not required. In fact, Greenville also has no window rating requirement at this time, which lets you choose how much you want to spend on windows instead of being locked into the most expensive option.
SC Home Features
With temperate winters and endurable summers, you may find yourself wanting to spend more time outdoors in Greenville! Many residents prioritize integrated Indoor & Outdoor Living Spaces like porches and screened porches that can be used 2-3 seasons out of the year, and sunrooms that can be used year-round.
If a pool is a must for you, be sure to research local installation costs upfront. In-ground private swimming pools are much less common in the Upstate than in places like Florida, so you may not want to limit your search to include existing pools. Hot tubs also make a great compromise and can be enjoyed for most of the year!
Your Greenville Home Resource
Congratulations on your move to Greenville! We’d love to be a resource as you start searching for a place to call home. If you have any questions about building a Custom Home or Remodeling a home, feel free to reach out and ask questions. Knowing ballpark pricing and timelines early in the process will be incredibly helpful as you plan your move.
