Pulling permit on roof replacement for multifamily property

[Ryan M.]

Hi, everyone!

I recently purchased my first rental property last year. It's a triplex, and I live in one of the units.

I'm planning to replace the roof pretty soon, and I would prefer to do it myself, and I'm wondering if I will have any issues during the permit process, because I've never pulled a permit myself.

I went to City Hall and asked if I could pull the permit myself, and I got conflicting information. The building commissioner was out, but an inspector said that because part of the roof is above another unit, that I am not occupying, that  I could "open myself up to liability and my insurance company may not insure it if I replace it myself"

I called my insurance company and they said it's no issue and as long as the permits approved that's all they care about.

I've never pulled a permit before, this is the first property I've owned.  I've worked in construction for years and would have roofer friends help put the new roof on though. It's only 15 squares.

Is the inspector right about opening myself up to liability by replacing the roof myself without a licensed roofer? 

Just looking for thoughts and suggestions from experienced investors. Would you replace the roof yourself if you had the time and energy to do so?

Any tips on the permitting process are really appreciated too. Like I said, I've never pulled a permit before, and bureaucracy stresses me out, so it'd be nice to know what to expect.

The property is in Holly Hill, FL btw.

Thanks, everyone!