The truth is that anyone can replace their own roof, with the help of the many DIY websites. For residential homes, roof replacement usually takes two days: the first day to remove the old roof and the second day to install the new one. An additional day or two may be needed, depending on the size of the roof. Some locations require building permits for major roofing projects, such as structural roofing work or the replacement of all shingles, but not for minor repairs.
Permits help the municipality ensure that the work being done complies with local building codes. The simple answer is YES, you absolutely can. But there are definitely a few things to consider when thinking about replacing a roof on your own. Here are some of the most important things to consider.
If your roof is being replaced due to damage that would be covered by homeowners insurance, the claim may not be paid unless the work is done by a licensed roofing contractor. So, if you don't have a licensed contractor, you won't get a building permit to replace the roof. If you are going to do any work on the terrace under the shingles or move around the vents, it's definitely worth getting a building permit and you'll need a building permit to replace the roof. In the worst case scenario, you could be ordered to remove any work that was done without the necessary permission to replace the roof.
In addition to the value you get from working with a permit, having a permit to replace the roof is critical if you ever sell the house. But does that mean you need a permit to replace the roof? The answer is, frustratingly, that it depends.
