Should your
roofing contractor pull a permit to replace your roof? Yes. Will they? Not necessarily. Since permits protect homeowners in a number of ways, it’s always in their best interest to make sure a roofing contractor has pulled one before they begin any work. Read on to learn why.
What Do Permits Do?
Permits are generally issued to help ensure that a structure under construction is built according to current state and local code standards. Building permits are necessary for most remodeling or construction projects to ensure the durability and safety of the structure. Some exceptions include the construction of storage sheds and other small detached buildings, certain retaining walls and fences,
window replacements, driveways, floor coverings, painting and certain limited roofing repairs or replacements.
Not every locale has regulations requiring permits for total roof replacement. Even still, homeowners should demand one whenever they hire a contractor to install a new roof.
Why They Matter
Permits ensure that a reputable third party (such as your local city or town), will perform a professional inspection of your roof and verify the workmanship and materials. A permit essentially ensures that a city inspector will visit your home once the work is complete to verify that the new roof installation meets every city code.
Permits are also essential because they provide a reliable record of the work performed on your home. This is important for
insurance claims and can be crucial if you decide to put your home on the market. Most importantly, permits ensure that work is being performed legally. Reroofing without a valid permit is a building code violation. If you have a roof installed without a permit, it’s likely that any home warranty would be voided and non-transferable to a new buyer of your home.
Who Is Responsible for Pulling a Permit?
Although homeowners are essentially responsible for ensuring that a permit is secured for a roof installation, they shouldn’t necessarily pull the permit themselves. A homeowner who pulls his or her own permit will be liable if anyone is injured doing the work. They will also face liability issues if the work damages a neighbor’s property. The homeowner would also be entirely responsible if the work isn’t up to code.
In most cases, it is the general contractor who should be responsible for obtaining permits and scheduling inspections before and after the work begins. After pulling the permit, the contractor is also responsible for redoing any work that fails inspection.
Why Don’t All Contractors Do It?
Given the numerous issues that can result from failing to pull permits, why would contractors avoid doing it? There are a few reasons. They may not be licensed or insured. They may also be in the habit of routinely ignoring codes and cutting corners. If so, they will likely be worried about having their work inspected.
Take, for instance, a contractor who avoids venting an interior bathroom fan outdoors as code requires and instead routinely vents it into the attic, where warm, moist air promotes mold growth and rot. This person definitely wouldn’t want an inspector nosing around his work.
More often, contractors simply want to save money by cutting corners. They think they won’t get caught; and many times, they are right. This is why it’s important for homeowners to work with a reputable contractor who is licensed, insured and able to show evidence that they did, in fact, pull a permit for a roofing project.
Founded more than two decades ago, National Home Improvement has helped Colorado homeowners with home repairs and improvements that help protect their greatest investments.
Committed to consistency, quality and integrity, our team works with every homeowner to improve and secure their homes. Whether you need help with a new roof installation, complicated insurance claim or another type of home renovation or repair project, we can provide unrivaled service and expert recommendations to turn your vision into reality.
Contact us today to get started!
