Roof Replacement FAQ for Boise, ID
These are the questions homeowners in Boise, Idaho raise most often before a new roof: permits, fire ratings, insurance, deductibles and contracts. The answers stick to what the City of Boise and Idaho law actually say. When a rule depends on your town, we point you to the right office.
Prefer to talk? Call now(208) 555-0147Answers to Common Roof Questions
Is a building permit required to re-roof a house in Boise?
Yes. The City's residential construction guide includes "re-roof an existing structure" in its list of permit work. The roofer applies for it at the City's Planning & Development Services counter (City Hall, 2nd Floor, 150 N Capitol Blvd; (208) 608-7070). The fee follows the declared value of the job under the City's October 2023 schedule, so it grows with the size of the contract.
How many layers of shingles can stay on the roof?
Boise allows two layers at most. You can only overlay new shingles when the roof has one layer today; a second overlay isn't allowed, so a two-layer roof gets torn off first. In Nampa the same two-layer limit appears on the city's re-roof application. Other towns may differ, and your roofer confirms the rule with the local building office.
What changes if my home is in a historic district?
In districts such as the North End or Harrison Boulevard, the City requires a Certificate of Appropriateness when the roofing material changes, for example asphalt to metal. If you keep the same kind of material, the ordinary building permit is all you need. Ask your roofer to factor any review time into the schedule.
Why do Foothills homes need a Class A roof?
Boise's fire code covers the wildland-urban interface, which includes the Foothills. A roof replaced there, or one with 50% or more replaced within 12 months, must carry a Class A fire rating under ASTM E108 or UL 790. The City's roofing permit form states that Class A is required for all structures in the WUI zone and Foothills.
How do I check that a roofer is registered in Idaho?
Idaho requires contractors who take jobs over $2,000 to register with the state, and they must print the number on ads, contracts and permits. Ask for it, then run your own search on DOPL, the state's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. While you're at it, request proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, plus a written, itemized contract.
A roofer offered to waive my deductible. Is that okay?
No Idaho statute specifically bans it; a 2021 bill that would have done so died. Even so, Idaho's Department of Insurance names a deductible-waiver pitch among its warning signs of roofing fraud, calling it a red flag. Treat that pitch as a reason to slow down and get a second written estimate. We never offer deductible help of any kind.
Can I cancel a roofing contract after I sign it?
If you signed at your home, Idaho Code §28-43-402 lets you cancel until midnight of the third business day after signing. Send the notice in writing to the address in the agreement; a mailed notice counts once it's posted with correct postage. If the roofer never gave you a dated written agreement stating your rights, you can cancel by any means until they do.
Can I back out if my insurance company denies the claim?
Not by law. Idaho has no statute that lets you cancel a roofing contract because your insurer said no. Some roofers use "contingency" agreements tied to claim approval, and their terms vary a lot. Read any such agreement line by line before signing, and ask what you owe if the claim is denied.
Will the roofer deal with my insurance company for me?
A roofer can inspect, photograph and price storm damage. Negotiating the claim is different. Idaho law lets only a public adjuster negotiate a claim for a fee, and contractors get no carve-out. You and your insurer settle the claim, or you can bring in a public adjuster you hire separately.
Is there a state grant or insurance discount for a new roof?
Not that we can point you to. Idaho has no state roof grant open, and no insurer is required to give a discount for a new or fire-rated roof. You can still ask your own insurer whether it gives any credit for a new roof. Be cautious of anyone who promises a grant or a lower premium.
Ask Something Else
Didn't see your question? Call (208) 555-0147 or send a request, and the roofer we connect you with can answer questions about your own roof. For the legal background in one place, see Idaho roofing rules.