Do I need a permit to replace or repair a roof?

If you’re thinking about selling your house, it might be time to get a new roof. It is always tempting to just pay someone under the table and not get it permitted, but this could come back to bite you.

You might save a few hundred dollars, but how much is that going to be worth when the city or county you live in asks you to tear off the entire roof because they want to see underneath it?

Being a roofing expert, today I’m going to discuss why it is so important to permit the work you have done; before you sell your house.

What is a roof permit?

A roofing permit is a document issued by your local building department that allows you to legally perform certain types of work on your roof.

Depending on your location, this work may include installing a new roof, repairing an existing roof, or making other modifications to your roof structure.

Obtaining a roofing permit is an important step in ensuring that your roofing project meets local building codes and standards, and it can help protect you from legal and financial liability if something goes wrong.

Why you should get the roof permit?

A lot of times, people don’t want to deal with permits because they don’t want to have to deal with the city or county council or department who will issue them. But to save a few hundred dollars, it is not worth it.

So, still should you get a permit for your roof?

Especially if you’re getting ready to sell, the answer is one hundred percent yes.

Here’s why:

Reasons to get a roof permit

• Don’t scare the buyer – Any work without a permit can scare off buyers. When they do their home inspection, the inspector’s job is to do a permit search and see what work has been permitted. A buyer who hears that the roof’s not permitted might be scared away.
• Insurance Issue – In addition to that, it could be an insurance issue. Sometimes when a buyer tries to get insurance for their house, the insurance company wants to know if the roof was permitted. If it wasn’t, and Uncle Bob (who’s really handy) did the roof and did a terrible job, causing it to leak, that’s not a responsibility that an insurance company wants to take on.
• Be ready for the fine – Even if the buyer’s not scared off and even if they’re able to get insurance, sometimes the city or county catches you and fines you. The fine is usually twice as much as it would have cost to get a permit. And that’s the good news. The bad news is, depending on who’s inspecting it, they may ask you to rip it out so they can see underneath it.

So, when it comes to getting a new roof, make sure to get it permitted. It might take a little extra time and effort, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Is it worth saving a couple hundred dollars to have to basically redo your roof all over again? I think not.

 I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Well, my friend didn’t get a permit and their roof was fine and they sold their house. It was no big deal.”

 Well, houses are bought and sold with work that’s unpermitted, but why risk it?

 It can be a huge headache, it can be a massive fine, and it could be a complete waste because you may have to tear all the work out.

Also Read: Porch Roof – How to build a porch roof?

Different kinds of roofing jobs that require a permit

In some local area not all roofing projects require a permit. However, there are some types of work that will almost always require a permit, including:

• Installing a new roof
• Replacing a significant portion of an existing roof
• Making structural changes to your roof, such as adding a skylight or dormer
• Demolishing a portion of your roof

In general, if you’re making any major changes to your roof that involve removing or adding materials, or altering the structure of your roof in any way, you will likely need a roofing permit. It’s always a good idea to check with your local building department to determine whether a permit is required for your specific project.

What are the steps in applying for a roof permit?

The process for applying for a roofing permit will vary depending on your location and the specifics of your project. In general, however, you can expect the following steps:

Contact your local building department to find out what documents and information you need to provide in order to apply for a roofing permit. This may include blueprints or other drawings of your roof, as well as a detailed description of the work you plan to do.

Submit your application and any required documentation to your local building department. You may be able to do this in person, by mail, or online, depending on your location.

Pay any fees associated with obtaining a roofing permit. These fees may vary depending on the size and scope of your project, as well as your location.

Wait for your application to be processed and reviewed. This can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the workload of your local building department.

If your application is approved, you will receive a roofing permit. This permit will typically include any special requirements or conditions that you must follow during your roofing project.

Also Read: Colored Roof shingles – Roof shingles colors most popular

What are the code requirements for roof replacements?

Roof replacements are subject to a variety of code requirements, which are designed to ensure the safety and structural integrity of your roof. These requirements may include:

• The minimum slope or pitch of your roof
• The type and thickness of roofing materials that you can use
• The spacing and size of roofing nails or staples
• The type and size of roofing underlayment or felt paper
• The type and size of roof flashing

It’s important to be aware of these code requirements when planning your roof replacement project, as failing to comply with them can result in costly mistakes or even dangerous situations. Your local building department can provide you with more information on the specific code requirements that apply to your project.

What is involved with getting a roof permit?

The process of getting a roof permit involves several steps, including contacting your local building department, submitting an application and required documentation, paying any fees, and waiting for your application to be processed and reviewed. In some cases, you may also need to have your plans reviewed by a building inspector, or you may need to schedule an inspection of your completed work.

What are the benefits of getting a roofing permit?

There are several benefits to obtaining a roofing permit for your project, including:

• Ensuring that your roofing work meets local building codes and standards
• Protecting you from legal and financial liability if something goes wrong during your project
• Increasing the value and resale potential of your home
• Providing peace of mind, knowing that your roof has been inspected and approved by a building professional

Tips for making the process of getting your new roof easier and more efficient:

• Do your research: Make sure you understand the roofing permit process and any code requirements that apply to your project.
• Plan ahead: Allow plenty of time to complete the permit application process, as it can sometimes take several weeks or more.
• Work with a reputable contractor: Choose a contractor who is familiar with the permit process and can help guide you through it.
• Keep good records: Make copies of all documents and correspondence related to your roofing permit, and keep them in a safe place.

Should you pull the permit yourself or ask the contractor to do so?

So, I’ve come across so many homeowners asking like “Should I pull the permit for my roofer?”

Well, if you’ve hired a reputable Miami Remodeling contractor or are considering hiring one and they tell you that you need to pull a permit, it’s important to think carefully about whether you want this person to do the work on your property.

 There are three things to consider if someone tells you that you need to pull a permit:

1. Is the contractor even licensed to work in your area? Most of the time, if a contractor tells you that you need to pull a permit, it’s because they can’t pull one themselves. This could mean that they don’t have a license in your local area or that they have a license but are not licensed to do roofing work.

So, how can you know if your contractor is licensed?

Well, you can either go to the Regional Building Department’s website or you can call them and ask to check the credentials. They will be happy to research a contractor for you and give you details about their license.

• The second thing to consider is that if you, as the homeowner, pull the permit for your contractor and the roofing job fails the inspection by the inspection Department, you will be liable and responsible for making the roof comply with code.
• The third thing to take into consideration is that when you purchase a permit, you are signing an affidavit stating that you are doing the work yourself.

If you have a contractor doing the work and you pull the permit, you are essentially lying to the Regional Building Department and stating that you are doing the work yourself, when you are not.

This is something that you should take into consideration before making the decision to pull a permit for your contractor. Some people may not have a problem with this, but most people do have a conscience about this kind of thing.

In conclusion, it is not in your best interest to pull a permit for your roofing contractor.

Key takeaways

So, just make sure if you’re going to be getting your house ready to sell, get the darn permit. Make sure the contractor or roofer you’re hiring is licensed and has got the permit to work. It’s going to save everybody a lot of gray hairs.

The bottom line is: just have the permits at every cost.

Yes, it may cost a little bit more and yes, it may take you a little bit more time to get the job done, but it is going to make resale so much smoother.

Your buyer won’t be scared off, their insurance company won’t be scared off, and you hopefully won’t have to rip it all out and do it again, which is going to cost way more time and money than any of this other stuff would.