Say "Bye Bye" To Roofing & Siding Permits!

Written By charles mcgill

On Monday 3/5/18, New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs enacted rules to regroup a few home repairs for single/two family dwellings. These repairs were previously considered "Major Home Repairs". Repairs such as: Roofing, Siding, Alarm System Install, Outdoor Irrigation, Chimney Lining, Indoor Sheetrock & Drywall Replacement, And the Replacement of Indoor Plumbing Fixtures, are now considered by the state to be minor work, or ordinary maintenance.

So what does this reclassification mean? It means that Homeowners and/or their respective contractors are no longer required to apply for permits to do these jobs. Many contractors are jumping for joy with this news, since this will cut the overall job time. But some contractors are worried this may blur the line between the legit contractors, and the frauds. On one hand, homeowners save a couple hundred bucks, but on the other, it's up to the homeowner to ensure the contractors work is up to par.

How can homeowners protect themselves from subpar work? 

  1. Internet Research
    1. Review the steps of your project (Youtube, DIY Sites, Review Local Code)
    2. Review your contractors portfolio of work, and their online presence (Reviews, Complaints, ETC.)
  2. Hire a Private Inspector
    1. Hiring a private inspector to review certain steps of your contractors work, may prove worth the extra cash later.
  3. Review Materials
    1. Be sure to ask your contractor for a list of the material they plan to use.
  4. Ask For References
    1. contractors who can provide a shortlist of references, typically strive to satisfy each customer.

 

charles mcgill