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What Do I Need To Know About Permits For My Southampton, NJ Roof Replacement?

What Permits And Regulations Do I Follow For
My Southampton, NJ Roof Replacement?

Offering Guidance On Navigating The
Red Tape Of Roof Replacement

Permits are among the regulations that monitor contractors and their quality control in home improvement projects. So, what kind of permits are needed, if any, to replace the residential roof on your Burlington County home?

We’ll explore what permits are, how they work, and whether or not you’ll need a permit to replace your home’s roof. We’ll also discuss which regulations to follow and how to identify a good home contractor.

Do I Need A Permit To Have A Contractor Replace
The Roof On My Southampton, NJ Home?

For your reference, a permit is a document you pay your local government office for that recognizes that you or a contractor will make a change to your home, like installing a new roof.

As of 2018, New Jersey no longer requires a permit to replace a roof. This means you can hire a contractor or do it yourself without asking your local government for permission. In some ways, this is a good thing and a bad thing. Let’s talk about why.

The Good

A government permit for a home improvement project isn’t free. Typically, a contractor interacts with the local city to get permit paperwork and pays at least a couple hundred dollars for the document. This cost is passed on to the homeowner, raising the cost of the roof replacement by a bit.

Removing the permit from this process saves homeowners some money. Your contractor also saves a bit of time not having to apply for paperwork or contact the local office to get the roofing job done.

The Bad

In some ways, permits represent quality control for roofing replacement projects on Burlington County, NJ homes. A permit would typically come with an inspection, which no longer occurs for a new roof, given the lack of a permit.

A future homeowner or prospective homeowner might also have difficulty knowing who put a new roof on their house without the paper trail that government permits produce.

How To Protect Yourself During Your Roof
Replacement With A Licensed Contractor

Let’s decipher a little terminology. While contractors no longer need a permit to work on your roof, you still have the option to work with a licensed contractor. With that said, we suggest that only a licensed contractor be trusted on your home and roof.

A contractor earns a license by passing a criminal background check and presenting proof of insurance, amongst other things. With the license comes a bond that ensures your chosen roofing contractor understands local building codes, even without a permit.

To add a wrinkle, not all cities follow the same process. Some cities do require a specific license for roofing. You’ll want to speak to your local government to clarify.

We can also make the following suggestions regarding how to find a good roofer for your roof replacement and what to ask of a contractor:

  • Check their reviews online, especially for recent reviews.
  • Ask for phone numbers to get testimonials from previous clients.
  • Request for proof of their license. You can contact your local government to verify.

A Bit About Home Regulations For Your Roof Replacement

There are rules for contractors and homeowners to follow regarding roofing that go beyond permits. While there are many rules out there, the ones that govern most residential homes are fairly simple in that they determine what materials you can use to install a roof, like asphalt, solar, tile, and other types.

To be more specific, national and local codes determine the slope of a roof. These typically range from a quarter inch per foot to half an inch per foot.

New Jersey and the northeast also have set regulations about the roofing materials and strength needed to handle the snow that often accompanies the winter season.

So what does this all mean? Given the blend of local and national regulations for a roof and the lack of need for local permits, it’s more important than ever to pick the right contractor for a roof replacement!

Call Ameritech Services To Replace Your Residential Roof
In Southampton, NJ With A Licensed Contractor

We’ve been working on roofs and home improvement projects for Southampton, NJ homeowners since 1999. You can trust us to bring the solid reputation of a locally renowned and licensed contractor to your residential roof replacement. Call Ameritech Services at 856-418-1029 to schedule an in-person consultation.

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