LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Contractor License Disclosure
NorTech is a home-services platform for small jobs. In compliance with California law, we disclose below the legal framework under which work booked through the platform is performed, and the licensing responsibilities of the independent providers who perform it.
Last updated: [PENDING — upon attorney approval]
HOW IT WORKS
A Two-Tier Platform: Handyman Exemption, or a Verified Licensed Contractor
NorTech is a technology platform that connects homeowners with independent service providers for home-maintenance and improvement work. Smaller jobs — under $1,000 total, no building permit required, and not on the always-licensed list below — fall within the California handyman exemption established by AB 2622 (2024). Larger jobs, or work that legally requires a license regardless of price, are matched only to a provider NorTech has independently verified holds a current, valid state contractor license.
Verified before dispatch, not self-reported: A provider is never offered a job that requires a California State License Board (CSLB) contractor license unless NorTech has confirmed their license directly — a self-reported license number is not sufficient. Every job page for a licensed-tier job shows the provider's real license number and a direct link to look it up on the CSLB's own public database.
Handyman-exemption cap: A job NOT matched to a verified-licensed provider is capped at $1,000 in total cost (including all labor, materials, and any approved change orders), and the platform enforces this limit automatically for that provider. A job scoped above $1,000, or requiring a permit, or on the always-licensed list, is only ever matched to a verified-licensed provider — never performed by, or added onto, an unlicensed provider's job.
What this means for you: If your job is small, it's handled under the handyman exemption. If it's bigger or legally requires a license, NorTech only matches it to a provider it has independently verified is licensed — check their real license number and CSLB link right on their profile before you book.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
California Contractor Licensing Laws
Business and Professions Code §7048 — Handyman Exemption
California exempts from CSLB licensure work where the aggregate contract price (labor, materials, and all other costs) falls under the statutory handyman threshold, provided the work does not require a building permit. AB 2622 (2024) raised that threshold from $500 to $1,000, effective January 1, 2025.
AB 2622 (2024) — Expanded $1,000 Threshold
AB 2622 (Carrillo, Chapter 240, Statutes of 2024) raised the handyman exemption threshold to $1,000 per individual project. Two conditions apply: the work cannot require a building permit of any kind, and the individual performing the work under the exemption must do so personally and cannot hire or employ workers for that work. NorTech scopes every job to stay within these conditions.
Services Requiring CSLB Licensure
Regardless of dollar amount, certain categories of work always require a CSLB license — including work requiring a building permit, structural repairs, electrical panel work, gas line work, and main-line plumbing work. NorTech offers this work through the platform, but only ever matches it to a provider whose CSLB license NorTech has independently verified — never to an unlicensed provider.
INSURANCE & PROTECTION
General Liability Insurance
NorTech maintains active general liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is available upon request for any job, and is automatically issued for all Zone A (premium estate) clients and any job valued at $500 or more.
To request a COI for your job, contact us through your client portal or via Nova.
Questions About Licensing?
Independent providers are responsible for holding any license or exemption required for the work they accept. You can verify contractor license information at any time through the California State License Board's public license lookup at cslb.ca.gov.
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