For pros and customers
Which work needs a license in California
NorTech follows state law, service by service. This page shows the rule for every service on the platform, why it applies and where it comes from. The booking system applies exactly these rules: a job that needs a license only goes to a pro whose license NorTech has verified.
The four rules
The $1,000 rule
Construction work of $1,000 or more, labor and materials together, needs a contractor license from the CSLB. A job cannot be split into smaller ones to stay under it, and a pro who advertises as a licensed contractor must hold a license.
Permit and in-wall work need a license at any price
If the work needs a building permit (a new circuit, an EV charger, a water heater, a roof, a remodel), or runs new wiring, pipes, gas or ducts inside walls, floors or ceilings, the $1,000 exemption does not apply. NorTech sends those jobs only to licensed contractors, even when they cost less.
The license must cover the trade
A contractor works in the class of their license: a C-10 for electrical, a C-36 for plumbing, a C-33 for painting. A B (General Building) license covers jobs with two or more unrelated trades, and carpentry. NorTech matches each licensed job to pros whose license class covers it.
Employees need a license
The exemption is only for a person doing the work themselves. A company that sends its crew needs a contractor license for construction work at any price, so NorTech offers those jobs to company crew only when the company holds a verified license.
Some trades have their own license
Pest control, locksmiths, alarm companies, movers with a truck, appliance repair, pesticide application and a few others are licensed by another state agency at any price. Those jobs go only to pros with that license on file and verified.
No license needed, at any price
This work is not construction, so the contractor license rule does not apply. A city business license and the usual tax registration still do.
Cleaning
Cleaning does not build, alter or repair the building, so it is not contracting. Tile and grout cleaning here is soap-based cleaning only: sealing, grinding and polishing are contractor work.
House Cleaning (Standard & Recurring) · Deep Cleaning · Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning · Vacation Rental Turnover Cleaning · Construction Cleaning · Post-Renovation Deep Clean · Carpet Cleaning · Upholstery & Mattress Cleaning · Rug, Blind & Drapery Cleaning · Oven & Refrigerator Cleaning · Tile & Grout Cleaning · Odor Removal (Smoke, Pet, Ozone) · Laundry & Linen Service · Window Cleaning · Solar Panel Cleaning · Trash & Recycling Bin Cleaning · Pool Cleaning & Maintenance · Commercial Janitorial Services · Commercial Floor Care (Strip, Wax, Burnish & Extraction)
Moving help, hauling, organizing and errands
Carrying, packing, hauling away and running errands do not touch the building. Moving household goods in your own truck for pay is different: it needs a BHGS household mover permit, so that is its own service (Local Moving).
Garage Cleanout & Organizing · Junk Removal & Haul-Away · Estate & Property Cleanout · Contents Pack-Out, Cleaning & Storage · Dumpster Rental & Mini-Bin · Help Moving (Labor Only) · Packing & Unpacking Help · Home Organization & Decluttering · Errands, Materials Pickup & Donation Runs · Event Setup & Teardown
Furniture assembly and holiday lights
Freestanding furniture and temporary decor are not a fixed part of the building. Holiday lights are clipped on and plugged into existing outlets; a new outlet or anything hardwired is electrical work (C-10). Wall-anchored built-ins are carpentry, not this service.
Furniture & Equipment Assembly · Christmas Light Installation
Garden maintenance
Routine yard upkeep (mowing, hedges, cleanup, mulch, hand weeding) is maintenance, not landscape construction. Planting, irrigation, hardscape and tree work are contractor work. Applying a weed killer for pay needs a DPR license, so it is not part of these services.
Lawn Mowing & Edging · Bush & Hedge Trimming · Yard Cleanup & Weeding · Mulching & Bed Refresh · Recurring Garden Maintenance Program · Lawn Aeration & Overseeding · Weed Abatement & Brush Clearing · Commercial Grounds Maintenance
Inspections, checks and advice
Looking, testing and reporting do not change the building. California has no home-inspector license; the law sets rules for the report. Termite reports, engineering and accessibility (CASp) reports need their own license and are listed separately.
Plumbing Inspection · Electrical Inspection · Indoor Surfaces Inspection · Roofing Inspection · Outdoor Structures Inspection · HVAC Inspection · Major Appliances Inspection · Pre-Listing (Seller's) Inspection · Pre-Purchase (Buyer's) Inspection · Move-In / Move-Out Inspection · Sewer Line Camera Inspection · Mold Inspection · Environmental Testing (Asbestos, Lead, Radon, Mold, Water) · Home Energy Audit · Pool & Spa Inspection (Real Estate) · HOA & Rental Compliance Walkthrough · Vacation & Second-Home Check · Contractor Estimate Review & Second Opinion · Color Consultation
Contractor license at any price
These services need a building permit, so they go only to a licensed contractor, whatever the price.
Behind-the-wall wiring, plumbing, gas and ducts
New runs inside walls, floors or ceilings are licensed work at any price. Swapping a fixture, faucet or switch on what is already there stays on the $1,000 rule.
Contractor license at $1,000 or more, by trade
Everything else is construction work. Under $1,000 with no permit, a pro working alone needs no contractor license; at $1,000 or more the job goes only to a licensed contractor. NorTech matches the job to a license class that covers it. Trades that mix many kinds of work accept any contractor class; a service whose work is another trade (a water heater listed under energy, a roof under renovations) uses that trade's classes, which the checker above shows.
Interior Repairs & Installation
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Patching drywall for $350 needs no license. Hanging new doors and trim for $2,400 needs a contractor license.
Exterior Repairs & Installation
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Replacing three fence boards for $200 needs no license. A new 60-foot fence for $4,000 needs a C-13 or B.
Interior Painting
Licenses that qualify: C-33 Painting and Decorating
Example: One accent wall for $400 needs no license. A whole-house repaint for $6,000 needs a C-33.
Exterior Painting
Licenses that qualify: C-33 Painting and Decorating
Example: Painting a front door for $250 needs no license. A full exterior repaint needs a C-33.
Exterior Cleaning
Licenses that qualify: D-38 Sand and Water Blasting · D-64 Non-Specialized (incl. air duct cleaning) · C-33 Painting and Decorating · C-39 Roofing · C-43 Sheet Metal
Example: Window cleaning needs no license at any price. Pressure washing a driveway for $1,200 needs a contractor license (D-38 or C-33).
Interior Cleaning
Licenses that qualify: D-64 Non-Specialized (incl. air duct cleaning) · C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning · C-43 Sheet Metal
Example: House cleaning needs no license at any price. Dryer vent work of $1,000 or more needs a contractor license.
Coatings & Sealing
Licenses that qualify: C-33 Painting and Decorating · C-8 Concrete · C-29 Masonry · C-12 Earthwork and Paving · C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement · C-39 Roofing · C-35 Lathing and Plastering · C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering · C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile
Example: Sealing a small patio for $500 needs no license. Epoxy on a 2-car garage floor for $3,000 needs a C-33 or C-15.
Plumbing
Licenses that qualify: C-36 Plumbing · C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting · C-34 Pipeline · C-42 Sanitation System · C-55 Water Conditioning · C-57 Well Drilling
Example: Swapping a faucet for $250 needs no license. Replacing a water heater needs a C-36 at any price, because it needs a permit.
Electrical
Licenses that qualify: C-10 Electrical
Example: Replacing a light fixture for $180 needs no license. A new circuit or an EV charger needs a C-10 at any price, because it needs a permit.
HVAC
Licenses that qualify: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning · C-38 Refrigeration · C-4 Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting · C-43 Sheet Metal
Example: A tune-up for $150 needs no license. A new system needs a C-20 at any price (permit).
Smart Home
Licenses that qualify: C-7 Low Voltage Systems · C-10 Electrical
Example: Setting up plug-in Wi-Fi for $200 needs no license. Wiring cameras through a house for $2,500 needs a C-7.
Outdoor & Lawn
Licenses that qualify: C-27 Landscaping · C-49 Tree and Palm · D-49 Tree Service · C-12 Earthwork and Paving
Example: Mowing and hedge trimming need no license at any price. A $3,000 sod and irrigation install needs a C-27; tree work of $1,000 or more needs a tree license.
Pool Services
Licenses that qualify: C-53 Swimming Pool · D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance
Example: Weekly pool cleaning needs no license. Resurfacing a pool needs a C-53.
Specialty
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Mounting a TV for $150 needs no license. A $1,500 closet system install needs a contractor license.
Home Inspections
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Inspections need no contractor license; termite, engineering and accessibility reports need their own license.
Major Renovations
Licenses that qualify: B General Building · B-2 Residential Remodeling
Example: Remodels and additions need a building permit, so they always need a B or B-2 contractor.
Property Management
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Each repair is its own job: under $1,000 with no permit needs no license; anything larger goes to a licensed contractor.
Commercial Services
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Janitorial work needs no license. A $5,000 LED retrofit needs a C-10.
Moving, Hauling & Organizing
Licenses that qualify: Any CSLB contractor class
Example: Moving help, hauling and organizing need no contractor license. Moving with your own truck needs a BHGS permit.
General Building & Remodeling
Licenses that qualify: B General Building · B-2 Residential Remodeling
Example: An ADU or addition needs a permit and a B license.
Framing, Carpentry & Cabinetry
Licenses that qualify: C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry · C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry · B General Building · B-2 Residential Remodeling
Example: Installing a $600 barn door needs no license. A $4,000 built-in needs a C-6 or B.
Concrete, Masonry & Paving
Licenses that qualify: C-8 Concrete · C-29 Masonry · C-12 Earthwork and Paving · C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement · A General Engineering
Example: Patching a step for $300 needs no license. A new patio slab needs a C-8.
Drywall, Plaster & Insulation
Licenses that qualify: C-9 Drywall · C-35 Lathing and Plastering · C-2 Insulation and Acoustical
Example: A small patch needs no license. Insulating an attic for $2,000 needs a C-2.
Roofing & Waterproofing
Licenses that qualify: C-39 Roofing · C-43 Sheet Metal
Example: Replacing a few shingles for $400 needs no license. A roof replacement needs a C-39 at any price (permit).
Flooring & Tile
Licenses that qualify: C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering · C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile
Example: Regrouting a shower for $500 needs no license. New tile floors for $3,500 need a C-54.
Windows, Doors & Glazing
Licenses that qualify: C-17 Glazing · D-28 Doors, Gates and Activated Barriers · C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry · B General Building
Example: Replacing a window screen needs no license. New windows for $6,000 need a C-17 or B.
Fencing, Decks & Outdoor Structures
Licenses that qualify: C-13 Fencing · C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry · B General Building · C-23 Ornamental Metal · D-28 Doors, Gates and Activated Barriers · C-17 Glazing
Example: Fixing a gate latch needs no license. A new deck needs a B or C-5 (and usually a permit).
Landscaping & Irrigation
Licenses that qualify: C-27 Landscaping
Example: Fixing one sprinkler head for $120 needs no license. A new irrigation system for $3,000 needs a C-27.
Tree Care
Licenses that qualify: C-49 Tree and Palm · D-49 Tree Service
Example: Tree work of $1,000 or more needs a C-49 or D-49.
Excavation, Grading & Demolition
Licenses that qualify: A General Engineering · C-12 Earthwork and Paving · C-21 Building Moving and Demolition
Example: Digging a trench by hand for $300 needs no license. Grading a lot needs a C-12 or A.
Solar & Energy Efficiency
Licenses that qualify: C-46 Solar · C-10 Electrical
Example: Rooftop solar needs a permit, so it always needs a C-46 or C-10. A tankless or heat pump water heater needs a permit and a C-36.
Low-Voltage, Security & Fire Protection
Licenses that qualify: C-7 Low Voltage Systems · C-10 Electrical · C-16 Fire Protection · C-28 Lock and Security Equipment
Example: Fire sprinklers need a C-16 and a permit. Alarm companies also need a BSIS license.
Welding, Metalwork & Steel
Licenses that qualify: C-60 Welding · C-51 Structural Steel · C-23 Ornamental Metal · C-50 Reinforcing Steel
Example: A small weld repair for $300 needs no license. A $3,000 iron railing needs a C-23.
Sheet Metal & Ventilation
Licenses that qualify: C-43 Sheet Metal · C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning
Example: A custom chimney cap for $1,200 needs a C-43.
Elevators & Specialty Systems
Licenses that qualify: C-11 Elevator
Example: Elevators and lifts need a C-11 license and a state permit.
Licensed by another state agency
These trades need their own state license or permit at any price. A contractor license does not replace it.
Certified Access Specialist (CASp)
ADA & CASp Accessibility Audit
Alarm company license (BSIS)
Alarm System Install & Monitoring
ISA Certified Arborist
Arborist Assessment, Tree Cabling & Bracing
Backflow tester certification
Backflow Preventer Testing & Certification
Structural Pest Control license
Bee & Wasp Removal · General Pest, Rodent & Insect Control · Termite/WDO Inspection
Pest control business license (DPR)
Fertilization & Weed Control · Roof Moss Removal & Treatment
State Fire Marshal license
Fire & Life-Safety Compliance · Fire Alarm & Extinguisher Inspection / Tagging · Fire, Smoke & Soot Damage Restoration
Household mover permit (BHGS)
Local Moving (Apartment / House)
Locksmith license (BSIS)
Locksmith (Lockout, Master Key, Safe Opening)
Other state license (DCA)
Permit Drawings, Plan Submittal & Design-Build · Structural Engineer Assessment
Wildlife control permit (CDFW)
Wildlife, Bird & Dead Animal Removal
For pros: adding your license
Add each license in the provider app under Documents. NorTech verifies it before any job that needs it reaches you, and reminds you 60, 30 and 7 days before it expires. Apply to join if you are new.
This page explains how NorTech applies California law; it is not legal advice. The CSLB and the other agencies decide what their licenses cover. Cities may also require a business license and permits of their own. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.