Gary Bennett of Diamond Home Builders has earned the
designation of Master Builder of South Carolina. "This means
that Mr. Bennett has 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, Mr. Bennett had to participate
in 20 hours of continuing education, provide seven reference
letters, assure a one-year warranty on all his 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.