One company can hold several of these, or bring in licensed subcontractors for the parts it doesn't. What matters is that every part of your job is covered by someone licensed for it.

Any tankless job needs a licensed contractor

In Virginia, anyone who contracts for home improvement work over $1,000 needs a contractor license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, known as DPOR. A tankless installation is well over that line, so ask for the license number up front.

How to check a license in two minutes

1. Open DPOR's license lookup.
2. Search the company's name.
3. Confirm the license is active, and note its class (A, B, or C).
4. Look at the specialties listed: PLB or HVA for the heater, GFC for gas piping, ELE for electrical.
5. If gas or electrical work isn't on the license, ask who will do that part and check their license too.

Plumber or HVAC company?

Either can do the job if their license covers it. What matters more is experience with tankless specifically: how many units they install in a typical month, and whether they service the brand you're considering.

Questions to ask before you hire

• What's your Virginia contractor license number?
• Who does the gas work, and is that license on file?
• Will you pull the permit?
• How will you size the unit for our household?
• Are service valves for future flushing included?
• Who registers the manufacturer warranty, and when? Some brands extend coverage when a unit is registered soon after installation.
• Are you insured?

Manufacturer-trained installers

Brands like Rinnai and Navien run their own installer programs. That training doesn't replace a state license, but it's a good sign the contractor knows the equipment.

Common questions about hiring

Can a handyman install a tankless water heater?

Not for a job this size in Virginia. Home improvement work over $1,000 needs a licensed contractor, and gas piping and electrical work need the matching classifications.

Should I get more than one quote?

It's reasonable, especially for a conversion from a tank. Compare how each contractor sized the unit, what gas, venting, and electrical work is included, and whether permits, service valves, and haul-away are in the price.

What should a written quote include?

The make and model, the work to the gas line, venting, and electrical service, permits, removal of the old heater, start-up and testing, and who registers the warranty.

Does the installer need manufacturer training?

Not legally. It's a good sign, though, and some brands tie warranty terms to their trained-installer programs, so check how the brand you're considering handles it.

What if the contractor's license doesn't cover gas or electrical work?

That's common and fine, as long as a licensed subcontractor does that part. Ask who it will be and check their license too.

Who pulls the permit?

The contractor should. Requirements vary between the City of Richmond and Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and the other surrounding counties, and new gas lines, venting, and electrical circuits commonly need one. Ask whether the permit and inspection are included in the quote, and be wary of anyone who suggests skipping it.

How we help

We check every contractor's Virginia license before passing along a request, and your request goes to one contractor, not a list. The contractor quotes, contracts, and does the work directly with you.