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 Small-Job Platform Built Around the $1,000 Handyman Exemption
NorTech is a technology platform that connects homeowners with independent, background-checked service providers for small home-maintenance jobs. The platform focuses exclusively on work that falls within the California handyman exemption established by AB 2622 (2024), which permits handyman services on individual projects valued at less than $1,000 — including both labor and materials — that do not require a building permit.
No contractor-license work: NorTech does not offer, quote, or perform work that requires a California State License Board (CSLB) contractor license. Each independent provider is responsible for operating within the handyman exemption or holding any license required for the work they accept.
Per-job cap: Every job booked through NorTech is capped at $999 in total cost (including all labor, materials, and any approved change orders), and the platform enforces this limit automatically. Projects valued at $1,000 or more require a licensed contractor and are referred out rather than performed through the platform.
What this means for you: Every job is scoped and priced within the legal exemption threshold. If your project requires work exceeding $999 or a building permit, NorTech will provide a referral to a licensed CSLB contractor rather than proceed without a license.
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 does not offer this work through the platform; it is referred to a licensed contractor.
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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