Guide
New Jersey roof rules, in plain language
The New Jersey rules that come up most often when Clifton homeowners repair or replace a roof, each linked to its source. Rules change: read the source and ask your town's construction office how it applies to your house.
Permits: when a roof needs one
New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code lists "the repair or replacement of existing roof covering on detached one- and two-family dwellings" as ordinary maintenance. Ordinary maintenance needs no permit, no inspection and no notice to the construction office (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(c)). The same list includes "the repair, replacement, or installation of exterior gutters and leaders."
The same rule excludes work that affects structural or fire safety and the cutting or removal of structural beams or supports (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(b)). Attached homes such as townhouses are not covered by the roof-covering item. Building or enlarging a structure, such as an addition, needs a construction permit (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14).
In Clifton, permits come from the Building Department at City Hall, 900 Clifton Avenue, 973-470-5809, open Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 4:15pm. Some towns, such as Nutley and Wayne, ask you to call before any project; see their pages under towns served.
The rules at a glance
Contractor registration
Roofing is home improvement work, and New Jersey's Contractors' Registration Act requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division of Consumer Affairs guidance). Search the company under Business Search in the state's license verification system.
No registration, no permit
The Division of Consumer Affairs says unregistered home improvement contractors will not be issued municipal construction permits (Division of Consumer Affairs guidance).
Written contract
Home improvement contracts above a small threshold must be in writing, and any roof replacement is well above it. A minor repair may not be, so ask for it in writing anyway. The contract must show the registration number (Division of Consumer Affairs guidance).
Insurance
The contractor must give you a copy of its commercial general liability insurance policy and the insurer's phone number (Division of Consumer Affairs guidance).
Three-day cancellation
You can cancel for any reason before midnight of the third business day after you receive a copy of the contract. Do it in writing (Division of Consumer Affairs guidance).
Final payment last
The law bars contractors from demanding the final payment before the work is complete (Division of Consumer Affairs guidance).
Checklist
What the contract should show
- The contractor's legal name, business address and state registration number
- A start date and a completion date
- A description of the work, including the materials by brand or grade
- The total price
- A copy of the contractor's commercial general liability insurance policy and the insurer's phone number
- Warranties in writing
More in the Division of Consumer Affairs guidance on hiring home improvement contractors.
Roof leaking or worn out?
Talk to a Clifton-area roofing contractor
Call and you are put through to an independent roofing contractor that works in Clifton, Nutley, Little Falls, Woodland Park and Wayne. Tell them what you have noticed and ask them to inspect the roof and price the work, whether that turns out to be a repair or a new roof.
A leak to track down or a roof to replace? Talk to a local roofing contractor.
You are connected with an independent roofing contractor that works in Clifton and nearby towns.
Call (973) 913-7876Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.