Am I allowed to replace my water heater myself?
 

I have the skills, tools and ability to do any job that needs doing on my own property, but I don't know what I am allowed to do in The Villages. Apparently, in The Villages a contractor is required for almost every job other than the most basic. Is that right? I do realize contractors must make a living and that property values need protection, but that is not part of my question. I am just asking where the line is between what a skilled person can do himself, and what he is not permitted to do? Is there somewhere I can turn to for this information?

Yes. As a homeowner, you can replace almost anything in your house that you want. But, if it is a gas heater, you may want to check with the gas company. There are also some larger projects where you may need a county building permit. The problem can occur when you hire a contractor who is not licensed to do the project, like unlicensed plumbers and electricians. In that case, you may be held liable or uninsured if something goes wrong. However, as a homeowner, you don't need a license to do plumbing, electrical, and most other work.

yes

YES I have done it for myself and neighbor

OP, if your water heater doesn't have an expansion tank above it, I would suggest adding one. Some older houses in The Villages do not have them because they were built before the code required it. Also, some plumbers will not add the expansion tank when they replace a water heater.

You also might want to check with TECO, if it's gas, to see if their rebate would still apply. That would help with your cost/benefit analysis. I just had a Rheem gas water heater (xg40t06ec36u1) replaced for $950 but received a $350 rebate from TECO. So, $600 net cost to have a new 40 gallon water heater with expansion tank installed by a licensed and insured professional.

Permit not required for "Water heater change outs if same type and same location"

When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website

I don't know where you live OP but I have a friend in the Historic District that is trying to sell his home and it would have been done already except there was no PERMIT pulled for the Hot Water Heater or The Roof.

It's either do the correct thing now or have a Fire Drill like they are going thru trying to sell the house now. Just call the Town you live in and ask.

Do you need a permit to change out a water heater

Yes you can replace the water heater yourself
 

You can get a permit yourself if you want it to be legal. Go to County office, as the homeowner you can do it, with the permit an inspection will follow up and you’ll be good to go.

Ditto here with TECO offering a rebate.

Permit not required for "Water heater change outs if same type and same location"

When is a Building Permit Required? | Sumter County, FL - Official Website

Only if you say, "Mother, may I...?"

All Villagers don't live in Sumter County.

Thanks for the excellent advice
 

Thanks melpetezrinski-- The quote I got for a new 50 gallon water heater plus expansion unit was $1900. I thought that was quite excessive. Nothing was said about Teco rebates. Personally, I don't see why I need a 50 gallon water heater anyway; I think a 40 gallon one would do quite well. Is there any way to send me the name of the contractor you used without breaking the rules here at Talk of the Villages? I will try to send you a private message through a Talk of the Villages app, but I am not at all sure how that works. There are so many smart-aleck people trolling this site, trying to show how superior they are to mere mortals, that I hesitate to put my email address on here. Perhaps another user can tell me how to communicate with you privately.