HELP ME! Water Heater Install

[Tiffany S.]

I have a very old water heater that has started to leak. I figured I might as well just replace it as opposed to fixing it since its so old. I was wondering what was a good labor price? Is this a DIY job? It's gas so I am a little hesitant to try. I also came across a thread that said it was against code now to have the water heater near a dryer now...is this true? Where can I find these codes? Do I need a permit?

Any recommendations for companies in Hampton Roads that can do this? The home is in Portsmouth. I got some hits from handy men on Craigslist but I am not sure if this is a job for a random craigslist handyman. Plus the last time I had some work done from a CL person, something went wrong and I could not contact them...I prefer to go with someone I can hold accountable for this job. Their labor prices ranged from 100-500. What have you guys paid in this area ( Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, etc)?