You need a building permit to do any major construction work on your house. Hence, many homeowners prefer to hire a professional for any roofing project.
Roofs are quite costly to work on. Depending on the roofing materials, you may have to spend around $1 to $1.5 per square foot on labor. That means a 1500-foot roof will cost you over $1500 when you use a roofing contractor.
And this is why many people prefer to do DIY projects. However, this is a dangerous job. It requires high skills and a great deal of precautions to do the job safely.
If you intend to replace the whole roof, you will need a roofing permit. Different permits are designed to cover DIY roof installation, and working without them may mean facing stiff penalties. The last thing you want is to deal with the law because you failed to follow the guidelines.
This guide discusses everything you need to know about these permits and what happens if you work without one. Keep reading to discover more.
Yes, permits are necessary if you intend to replace the entire roof. You don’t need a permit for minor roof repair jobs, which are considered roof maintenance.
But for a large DIY roof installation, you will fall into trouble if you work on it without a permit. The general rule is that building permits are necessary for anything considered structural work.
As stated above, working on your existing roof can be pretty dangerous. And there are some parts of the project that only a licensed roofing contractor can handle. Consider this when you next decide to have a new roof over your head.
Remember, minor repairs are something else. No one will ask you about fixing a broken shingle or resetting the ventilation. These are part of regular roof maintenance services and should not give you any headaches.
The roofing industry is quite versatile. So many roofing contractors offer different services, so there must be regulations to avoid accidents and have standard work. As you already know, the roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so you should not take any chances with your new roof installation.
Installing a completely new roof is considered a major roofing project. And there are different laws guiding such projects. Knowing them will save you a lot of trouble with the local building inspector.
Understanding the appropriate permits before you start working on your roof deck or any part of the house can save you time too. This is because you won’t waste time buying the roofing material without knowing if it will help you. We have seen roofs pulled down after completion when the necessary building permits are not used
Here are the common permits you will need:
If you are going to have the entire roof replaced, you will need this permit. This is because your new roof requires a particular standard set by the local authorities. The permits are a formality to allow you to meet these standards.
It will cost you $250 to $50 to get the permit to install a completely new roof. This depends on the material and the roof type. For instance, replacing asphalt shingles may cost much lower than working on a tile roof.
You will not use the same permit if your roofing job involves resetting the water pipes and drainage system. You need a plumbing permit for this. The cost also depends on the job and the region. Generally, pay between $50 and $500 for such permits.
The HVAC is mostly part of the roof. You will need to pull it out first when you remove all the shingles on your roof for new ones. This means another task that will also require a license. So, consider obtaining an HVAC permit too, which might cost you between $250 and $500.
Summary: Replacing the entire roof or performing major repair work requires a permit. If you are replacing a steep slopped roof with more than a 2:12 ratio, you may need to obtain a cool roof in certain regions. Also, roof flushing must be installed at all intersections of the roof and walls.
Applying for permits for all major repairs can be quite stressful. All the paperwork involved may seem too much for some homeowners. However, these building costs exist for a reason, and they are indispensable.
Roof inspectors are allowed to visit the construction sites without any prior notice. They can take strict action against you when found with unpermitted work.
A licensed roofing contractor will already have these permits, which is why they never get into such trouble. Specific penalties for such work include pulling down the entire roof and re-applying for the permit.
Here are reasons why these regulations exist:
Most homeowners prefer DIY because a complete roof replacement can be costly. However, you may not have the knowledge or expertise to make any major structural changes on that roof. Replacing a roof can be quite tricky and dangerous, hence the need for regulations.
Local building codes exist to offer guidance on such matters. And this is why only a licensed contractor is allowed to work on your house. Even if your roof is of a high standard, the city cannot be sure that it’s sufficient without a permit. They can even pull down the roof because you did not have the permit to replace it in the first place.
Even with homeowners insurance, there is a chance that a lender will not provide support for a buyer willing to buy a home with any permitted work. They need assurance that any structural changes in the house will withstand high winds and other elements.
You may not have the right tools to replace a roof on your house. The roofing permits apply because they seek to establish the structure’s integrity. However, not every work requires permits, especially in a single-family home.
Here are some things you can just wake up and do as they don’t require a permit:
All these small touches are not permit-worthy. However, hiring a licensed contractor for an extensive inspection might still be a good idea.
Every homeowner wants the best roof on their house. And that is why it’s important to hire someone with special knowledge and the right licensing for the job. Always hire a contractor with a perfect customer-satisfaction track record, and you will never regret it.
The roof faces a lot of stress from the elements and weather conditions. It’s no wonder you must get a permit before replacing it. You wouldn’t want to deal with water damage and other issues in your house because of a poorly done job.
So, are you ready for a new roof? Call your local experts at Vista Roofing. This licensed, insured, and highly experienced company offers high-end roofing services.
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