Work Permits

I am in the begining phases of a gut renovation and addition to my brownstone. I have a very competent architect who is working with an expediter to file the plans etc..The question I have is about getting the work permits. I was going to have a out-of-state relative be the GC as he is a contractor. Only problem is he is not licsensed in NY and he would need to be to pull the permits. SO the other options is for me to pull the Work Permits and to do that I was told I need both a Workmens Comp and Liability policy. Has anybody out there dealt with this before? As a homeowner do I need those policies to pull the Work Permit (all the work will be subed). Any recommendations on whom I can get these policies from? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you for reading this.