A faulty roof threatens your home’s structure. When working on such an important component of your home, you want it done well. Regardless matter whether you choose metal, asphalt, or solar shingles, all roof replacements require a permit. Whether it’s time for a repair or a complete replacement, roofing permits are a critical part of the process. A permit is required for most large-scale home renovations. As there are criteria for construction plans, it is crucial that you adhere to the permission requirements.

This article will address the question of whether you need a permit for roof replacement. Here is what you must know before beginning your project.

What is A Roof Permit

A roofing permit authorizes contractors to install a new roof on a residential or commercial structure according to the local building code. The purpose of acquiring a roofing permit is to ensure that the new entire roof meets code requirements.

Some locales require building permits for significant roofing projects, including structural roof work or replacing all the shingles, but not for minor repairs.

Types of Permits Apply to Roof Replacement 

You must be informed of the many sorts of roofing permits in order to submit the correct application. This type of project’s tear-off and overlay phases should be covered by an over-the-counter express permit that facilitates same-day processing. If your roofing replacement is part of a more significant development project, you may require extra permits.

For instance, building a roof on a new home requires a separate roofing permit. Notably, commercial re-roofing projects require a completely different roofing permit. The difference between these permissions depends on the magnitude of the job at hand and the sort of project you intend to perform.

As a general rule, building permits are necessary for structural work. The precise meaning can differ from municipality to municipality. However, structural repair typically involves the real bones of your home, the components that hold everything together. Therefore, modest deck repairs are not structural, however, constructing a new deck or replacing joists would be structural. Minor roof repairs or the replacement of a few shingles are not structural. However, changing every shingle is structural. Roofing replacement will necessitate a building permit if any work is to be performed on the decking beneath the shingles or if the vents are to be relocated.

Importance of Having a Permit 

Permit guarantees that a respectable third party (your city or town) will conduct a professional roof inspection and check the workmanship and materials. A permit ensures that a city inspector will verify that the new roof installation complies with all city codes upon completion of the job.

Permits are also necessary since they give a trustworthy record of the work conducted on a residence. This is essential for insurance claims and can be essential if you decide to sell your house. Permits, most crucially, ensure that work is completed legally. 

Reroofing without legal permission is a violation of the building code. Any home warranty would likely be canceled and non-transferable to a subsequent homeowner if you build a roof without a permit.

When a permit is necessary for roof replacement, it protects you in multiple ways. Firstly, it shields you from monetary penalties and the necessity of removing the illegitimate building. But it also assures that the work you have done conforms with building codes. That’s a good thing. Building codes define quality work. Code-compliant construction ensures that all aspects of the project are in accordance with industry standards.

As a bonus benefit, getting a permit to replace your roof is essential if you ever plan on selling your home. A home with a new or relatively new roof is an excellent selling point. Buying a home with a deteriorated roof can save the buyer money by deducting the repair costs from the buying price. As a condition of the sale, you may even be required to replace the roof. When it comes to selling your home, a new roof provides buyers with some financial assurance. That being said, any potential buyer will want to see confirmation that the work was done legally if your roof has been replaced. There could be a lot of problems if you can’t provide the permission that you acquired for the work.

Risk of Not Getting a Permit 

Permits are essential to the home renovation process, and continuing with a roofing project without the proper documentation can result in future penalties. If code enforcement officers determine that work was performed without following proper procedures, the homeowner may be required to pay penalties and costs.

In addition, if you sell your property, home inspectors may be alarmed by the gaps between a new or replaced roof or roofline and the absence of corresponding documentation. This may include retracing steps, engaging more contractors, and (if necessary) repairing the work with the proper permits.

Whether you’re fixing a leak or giving your property a whole new look, roofing permits are essential. To ensure that your home renovation investment is handled with the highest care and safety, check that your home improvement projects adhere to municipal and county licenses.

Who Can Get a Building Permit for Roof Replacement

There are just two categories of applicants seeking building permits. The homeowner is the first party. The homeowner can apply for the permit themself if they would perform all of the work without engaging any outside aid. However, the homeowner may inquire with the contractor regarding state and local roofing permit restrictions. Frequently, contractors must be licensed or registered with the state in order to pull permits on behalf of homeowners. The Better Business Bureau can provide information about a contractor’s license. Modernize constantly advises clients to hire a licensed and thoroughly vetted contractor for home remodeling projects.

If the homeowner prefers to apply for roofing permits themselves, the best place to begin is with the local building authority in their city or county.

Why Do I Need a Licensed Contractor

As stated previously, only licensed contractors are eligible to apply for a building permit. Therefore, if you lack a licensed contractor, you will be unable to obtain a construction permit for roof replacement. This might be a significant issue if a building inspector discovers your work. 

If an inspector observes you performing work without a permit, they have the authority to suspend all work until you obtain one. Stopping work could leave you and your home unsafe if your roof has been torn off but not completely replaced. You or your contractor may be fined if you or they perform work without authorization. In the worst-case scenario, you could be required to remove any roof replacement work performed without a permit. In other words, it may be necessary to completely remove your newly installed roof.

However, some homeowners eschew roofing contractors in favor of a do-it-yourself strategy. When you hire a roofing contractor, he or she may assist you in selecting the best roofing materials, colors, styles, and other options. You may not be reimbursed if you replace your roof because of covered damage unless a licensed roofing contractor does the work.

Generally, a license is required for any contractor performing work costing more than $2,500.00. If they are doing less than that, you probably do not need a permit to replace your roof. However, it is still advisable to use a licensed and insured professional. 

A contractor must pass exams and provide evidence of experience working under a qualified contractor in order to obtain a license. Therefore, hiring a licensed contractor guarantees that you will receive an experienced and skilled roofer. Additionally, hiring a bonded and insured contractor can keep you out of serious difficulty. Bonding and insurance safeguard both you and the contractor in the event that a worker is hurt or something goes wrong with the project. Without it, an injury might expose you to a legal lawsuit for astronomical damages.

Unless a licensed roofing contractor does the job, homeowners insurance may refuse to pay for the replacement of your roof due to damage.

Get in Touch with Paragon Remodeling to Learn More about Roofing Permit Requirements

If you are in need of a roofing permit, be sure to get in touch with a roofing contractor like Paragon Remodeling. We can help you through every step of the process, from acquiring the necessary paperwork to ensuring your installation goes as smoothly as possible. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get your project off the ground!