AI can't build your house: Hilton Head builder's blueprint for a career in construction

One Job AI Can't Replace: A Hilton Head Builder's Playbook for a Profitable Career

AI can draft schedules and estimate takeoffs, but it can't pour a slab, frame a wall, or earn a client's trust on a jobsite. That's why construction on Hilton Head and across Beaufort County is packed with opportunity.

Ask Cameron Hackett, owner of Hackett Homes and Construction. He switched from criminal justice to building, learned on the fly, and now sees his work every time he drives past a finished home.

Why Construction Still Needs People

"You're not getting ChatGPT to build your house." Hackett's point is simple: the work is physical, local, and personal. It demands coordination, craftsmanship, and decision-making that software can't replace.

The upside for builders, remodelers, and trades: a steady pipeline of demand and a career where results are visible, durable, and tied to your name.

From Zero Experience to Business Owner

Hackett started with a production builder in Charleston. He was "thrown to the wolves," which is how most people learn this industry-on site, under pressure, with real deadlines.

He moved up to senior builder, relocated to the Hilton Head area, and realized values matter as much as skill. When a passerby asked if he knew anyone who did kitchen remodels, he saw the opening and launched his own company in 2022.

The Niche: "Middle of the Road," Done Right

Hackett positions his company as a solid, "middle of the road" option. Not the cheapest. Not luxury. He wins by stretching budgets without cutting corners.

The method: put money where the client actually cares, save where they don't, and explain trade-offs in plain English.

Budget Moves Clients Respect

• Flooring: Real wood looks great but costs more and needs upkeep. For most families and rentals, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is durable, easy to replace, and much cheaper to install.
• Engineered wood: A strong compromise. Better feel than LVP, pre-finished, and less expensive than solid hardwood.
• Use-case clarity: Primary residences prioritize long-term comfort and finishes. Rentals prioritize durability, turnover speed, and simple repairs.

The goal isn't to upsell-it's to aim budget at what matters to that specific client. That transparency builds referrals and repeat work.

Trust Is a Builder's Real Asset

Hilton Head is a small market and reputation travels fast. "If you say you're going to do something, you do it, period," Hackett said.

Homebuilding is emotional for clients. It's often the largest purchase of their lives. Reliability beats polish every time.

Licensing: What It Takes in South Carolina

Hackett holds a Residential Builder's License, which covers building and remodeling single-family homes. You'll need at least one year working for a licensed builder and to pass a demanding exam.

For strip malls, office parks, townhomes, and condos, you'll need a General Contractor's license. That requires two years of proven experience and another exam. It's open book, but expect to find answers across multiple codebooks-fast.

• South Carolina Residential Builders Commission: LLR Residential Builders
• Construction job outlook and pay data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

No Degree Required-But You Need Skills

You don't need to be an engineer to make it in residential construction. You do need to manage moving parts, think clearly under pressure, and communicate with clients and subs.

For teenagers or career changers, a summer on a framing crew or with a remodeler is a fast education. Get your hands dirty. Learn the sequence. Understand what "done right" looks like.

Where AI Fits (And Where It Doesn't)

AI won't swing a hammer, but it can help with estimating, document control, scopes of work, and scheduling. Use software to speed admin and keep your team on site.

If you're building back-office skills for your crew, here's a curated entry point: AI for automation.

Action Steps for Builders and Remodelers

• Pick a lane: new builds, kitchens/baths, additions, or rental-ready turnovers-and own it.
• Codify standards: scopes, material lists, and finish schedules that control cost and quality.
• Educate clients on trade-offs: LVP vs. engineered vs. hardwood; stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom.
• Enforce promises: start dates, punch lists, change order rules. Your word is your brand.
• Apprentice, then license: bank the required experience, schedule the exam, and document everything.

The Bottom Line

Construction on Hilton Head rewards those who show up, communicate, and solve problems. The work won't be replaced by software.

As Hackett proves, you can enter this field from any background. Learn fast, keep your promises, and build a reputation that lasts longer than any marketing campaign.