is a contractor necessary?

Oh just do the work and stop whining. Call it art if you need to.

Chobria,

Unless your best friend is a contractor I cannot see why they would let you use their insurance. What happens if when you you demo your tile you put a nail in a plumbing line and you flood your building?

Please keep in mind that most buildings require you to change the branch lines once you start a bathroom renovation, which they would require a licensed plumber

Are you sure you need the insurance if you are doing all the work yourself? Your home owners policy should cover it. If you need a plumber, they have to provide their own insurance, etc.

I would check with your building, does your policy cover damages to other apartments in your building if it is caused by you?

You mean, doing the work yourself with the help of hirelings.

In which case you're in trouble if anything goes wrong. If you're a solo act than yes, homeowner's policy kicks in EXCEPT if you do work that requires a license, then you are SOL.

I've heard so many stories of people who had wiring done by a friend, and then there was a fire, and the first thing the insurance company asks for is the license number of the electrician who did the work. If you can't provide that, the policy does not cover.

Thanks - I'll have to ask the board if they require separate insurance or if my homeowner's policy with increased coverage (they want $1mm coverage per the alteration agreement) will suffice.

I plan for it to be a solo act and hire professionals for plumbing and electric (along with filing of permits). The alteration agreement didn't mention anything about changing the plumbing to the risers.