flipping in virginia

[Laura R.]

Hi All, 

I was just reading the "flipping in Washington" post regarding the requirement that the owner of a property intending to fix and flip must have a GC license. I have recently become aware that this is also the law in Virginia. I have contacted the licensing board 3 times as well as my local building code office, and each time I have been informed that you the owner, regardless of whether you are hiring a GC, MUST have a contractor's license. 

I subsequently called a real estate attorney, who didn't seem to know anything about this rule. I again called the licensing board and specifically asked if the owner/investor needed a contractor's license if all of the work was being done by permit with licensed contractors as well as managed by a contractor, and the board was very clear that the OWNER/INVESTOR needs a contractor's license. 

My husband is sitting for the class A license next week, so I don't expect this to be an issue for us, but being a stickler for details, I was wondering if any of you are familiar with this being the law in Virginia? Have you consulted an attorney and gotten a clear answer, as my attorney "is checking into it further" ...... 

[Laura R.]

Just heard back from the lawyer, so thought I would update this thread in case others are searching for an answer to this in the future.

The lawyer confirmed what the state was telling me, which is: If you want to buy properties to fix and flip or rent out in the state of Virginia, you, the owner/investor/landlord, must be a contractor.