Why quotes swing so much
Elevation, salt-air corrosion on fasteners, and whether a home sits inside a historic district all change labor and material choices before a single board is measured.
Materials and defined scope
Wood, fiber-cement, and vinyl each demand different installation and maintenance, so ask exactly what's included: disposal, restoration, and where repair boundaries fall.
Historic district and flood permits
Charleston's Board of Architectural Review and floodplain rules can both apply depending on the property. Confirm current requirements with the City of Charleston and your provider.
Not a quote
Treat these as planning factors only. A written, site-specific scope is the only number worth relying on.