News

Safety & Training Short: Safety Program - Being a Safety Committee Member

Objective: To outline the role, requirements, and responsibilities of a safety committee member. An organization’s safety committee plays a crucial role in promoting safe practices and reporting unsafe conditions. Safety committee members recognize risks before they happen, increase communication about safety, and work to improve the safety program for everyone.RequirementsFor an effective committee, a member should be proactive and able to:Lead by setting a positive example as a role model.Inquire about

Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!

Celebrating our Member Referral Partners - Thank You for Helping Us Build Our Community!

We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS!2025:Denise Riddle, LVI Engineering, who referred OBC Inc.Amy Wolff, CEARA Studio, Inc., who referred Mike Larkin, Mike Larkin ArchitectureRobert Kennedy, Robert Kennedy Construction, who referred Joe Kennedy, Platinum Power, Inc. (Special thanks to Robert who pledged his bonus to our Workforce Development & Scholarship Fund!)Joe Pennisi, PEP Creative Architecture + Interior Design, who referred, Brian Miller, BKM Drywall (Special

Bid Opportunity for Building Repairs & Maintenance at SFUSD Administrative Offices

EF Brett & Company, Inc. is seeking qualified DBEs, MBEs, WBEs, SBEs, DVBEs, San Francisco LBEs, San Francisco PUC-LBEs for SFUSD Administration Office Building Repairs and Maintenance. Project details: Concrete, metals, wood/plastic/composites, thermal & moisture protection, doors/frames/hardware, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and Earthwork. This bid opportunity can be found on our Online Plan Service.Click Here for the Notice to Contractors Calling for BidsBid Proposal must be received BEFORE 11:00am on

Recruiting Learning Leaders for Rebuilding Together East Bay Network's Big Skills Program

The Rebuilding Together East Bay Network's Big Skills Program is recruiting paid Learning Leaders (LLs) at San Rafael High School to help guide high school students building real tiny homes/ADUs while learning trade skills themselves. About the LL role (paid): Who: 18+, reliable, motivated; recent grads and opportunity youth encouragedWhat: Learn-by-doing in carpentry, framing, tools & safety, and site leadershipWhen/Where: Monday-Friday 8am-1pm at San Rafael High SchoolWhy: Earn a stipend, build résumé

City of Novato to Launch New Online Permit Portal on October 1

The City of Novato is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Novato Permits, a new online permit portal powered by MaintStar. Beginning October 1, 2025, this modern system will streamline the permitting process, making it easier for residents, contractors, and businesses to apply for permits, track progress, and communicate with City staff — all from the comfort of their home or office. “Our team has worked hard to design a tool that will streamline everyday interactions with planning, building and

North Bay Business Journal Excellence in Construction Awards 2025

Seeking nominations for Excellence in Construction projects across the North Bay! The North Bay Business Journal's Excellence in Construction Awards honors outstanding achievements in various top construction projects throughout the region. From residential developments and commercial spaces to sustainable designs, innovative architectural design, and affordable housing projects - these awards celebrate the builders and visionaries who shape our communities. Join us as we applaud the variety of

Safety & Training Short: Bloodborne Pathogens - Hepatitis A

Objective: To increase awareness of the health risks and prevention methods associated with Hepatitis A.Understanding the Dangers Hepatitis A is a contagious, inflammatory liver disease caused by a virus typically spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or food. The culprits include poor sanitation, contaminated drinking water, poor personal hygiene, and sexual contact. Hepatitis A isn’t a chronic infection. The disease typically incubates 14-28 days. Most infected people recover from the

September is National Cholesterol Education Month

September is the month we officially transition from summer to autumn. Unofficially in the U.S., Labor Day weekend is sometimes considered the end of summer, with students going back to school around this time as well. Our third quarter’s addition to our newsletter shares some important and sobering information about cholesterol, and how important it is to get checked for better health.   There’s close to 94 million people aged 20 and above in the U.S. with cholesterol levels considered borderline or

Safety & Training Short: Foodborne Illness - Buffets and Potlucks

Potlucks and buffets carry a high risk for foodborne illness because bacteria thrive in food that is left out for long periods of time at room temperature. The danger zone for bacterial growth is between 40° and 140°F. The maximum amount of time that food can stay in this range before becoming dangerous is two hours, and potlucks and buffets easily last longer. Sanitary practices, avoidance of cross-contamination, and temperature control guard against bacteria. Take care while preparing, storing, and

Introducing the Marin Builders Association Logo Re-Design

We are proud to unveil the redesigned logo of Marin Builders Association: a fresh new look that reflects our continued growth, evolution, and commitment to excellence. Over the past year, we’ve been thoughtfully working on a new logo to better represent who we are today and where we’re headed in the future. This rebranding initiative was launched under the leadership of our 2024 Board President, Brad Hubbell, of Hubbell Daily Architecture + Design. Among his many contributions, Brad established a clear

49th Luau on the Links Golf Classic was Another Hit!

The links were filled with Marin Builders Association golfers at the 2025 Marin Builders Annual Golf Classic - Luau on the Links! This perennially sold out event, held on August 25th at the beautiful StoneTree Golf Club in Novato, hosted over 150 guests including players, volunteers, and sponsors.  Warm Northern California weather encouraged everyone to enjoy a day of golf, sportsmanship, new connections, and delicious food & refreshments.  A portion of the event proceeds benefit the Marin Builders

Capitol Connection 1427

By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services Sometimes just trying to read contractor law is difficult, let alone understanding what it means in the current interpretation by the state’s Board. Here or there, rules are similar but different so let’s start with when you’re hot and when you’re not for HVAC. Try understanding entity conversions and your license, and finish off Bonds, just Bonds!.. Q: I found your company through Google. If we hold the “B”( General Building) license but do HVAC work as

Be Vigilant – Recent Burglaries Targeting Plumbing Businesses

Recently, a contractor member of both PHCC and MBA experienced a burglary at their shop. They’ve since learned of multiple robberies targeting plumbing companies and supply houses locally. To help protect your business, they’ve shared these recommendations based on their experience. Be Vigilant!Always set alarms when closing—do not skip this step.Keep detailed records for high-value items, including: Date purchasedVendor purchased fromSerial numberModel numberPurchase amountPhotographs of the itemsIf

Kunst Painting Wins Readers' Choice ''Best Painting Company''

Kunst Painting has been named the Readers’ Choice “Best Painting Company” in Marin County for the 4th year in a row! This award means the world to us because it comes directly from you — our loyal clients, friends, and neighbors who take the time to vote and share your experiences. Your trust in our work and your kind words have helped us earn this honor year after year. From the first brush stroke to the final walkthrough, our goal has always been to bring color, quality, and craftsmanship to every Bay

Thank You to our 2025-26 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners!

We want to express our deep gratitude to our wonderful 2025-26 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners! Their generous support of our signature publication made this edition possible - and our best yet! Your partnership is instrumental in supporting our local building community and connecting with Marin County homeowners preparing to undergo their next home improvement project.Celebrating in alpha order:A and P Moving, Inc.Aaero Heating & Sheetmetalbuilding LabCanty Real Estate Group, IncCentral Valley

Introducing Design For You, the SLI Studio Collection

Award-winning designer Stacey Lapuk, ASID, has just launched her new affordable, professional interior design service called Design For You.  Created for those who want a space that feels personal and beautiful, but may feel full-service design is out of reach. Rather than a catalog-page room, you can access expert design advice without the full-service price tag. After completing a detailed questionnaire, submitting inspiration images and taking your own measurements (with our step-by-step guide),

Interior Design Mastermind Group

Are you interested in joining a monthly interior design Mastermind Group? Whether you're a design enthusiast, a homeowner tackling a renovation or a professional seeking creative input or advice, this group will be a space for open dialogue, support and idea exchange.  There will be 2 groups: one for non-professionals, and one for professionals. Hosted via Zoom, three 60-minute sessions are packaged to discuss whatever is most in need for the group. The cost is $150. per 3-session package. Topics can

Workers Comp Insurance Fraud: It costs more than you think

For more information, download this printable brochure here or contact: Marin County District Attorney's Office Attn: Insurance Fraud Unit 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 130 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.473.6450co.marin.ca.us/da  

Support the Legacy of the Marin Builders Association Scholarship Program

Since 1978 the Marin Builders Association Scholarship & Workforce Training Fund has provided nearly $1 million in scholarship awards to deserving high school seniors. Scholarship winners have gone into nearly every profession, including the building trades, construction management, engineering, architecture, and more. Our Scholarship Program offers an opportunity for all students pursuing a college, university, or trade school education to apply for a financial award. We emphasize the need for trained

Marin Housing Authority Requests Bids on Several Projects

Marin Housing Authority is seeking a range of services, from electricians, to general contractors, to painters and several others. Solicitations can be found here: https://www.marinhousing.org/bids.

Permit Archive: Marin County & City Building Permits

Please find a current list of permits published and provided by the County of Marin. To search by a specific jurisdiction click here and contact the appropriate office. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or email us at mba@marinbuilders.com.   County of MarinView the Current Building Permits Report Here   Click Here to View the 2024 Permit Archive

New Law Changes in 2025 Affecting Licensees, Applicants and Stakeholders

Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is advising licensees, applicants, and other stakeholders of key legislative updates following the implementation ofSenate Bill 1455 (Ashby, 2024). This bill, effective January 1, 2025, extends the Board’s “sunset” date from 2025 to 2029 and makes other changes to the law, which are described below. Key Provisions of SB 1455    1. Public Works Project LicensingWhat’s New?  Awarding authorities must now ensure that public works project bidders

Liens & Completions 2024-2025

Click the links below to view a current list of Liens & Completions published and provided by the County of Marin. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or contact Paula Krause

Biggest Workers’ Compensation Mistakes by Contractors

In this crazy time of the COVID-19, it is not the time to cut corners to your detriment. While well intentioned contractors are always attempting to keep costs down to make a profit, they make some mistakes regarding workers’ compensation insurance.   Most common mistakes are:Certifying with the Contractors License Board that they do not need workers’ compensation insurance as they have no employees when they may have employees or use day laborers. . Not checking the sub-contractors to make sure they are

Lien Protection Checklist - SUBCONTRACTOR

Click here for Subcontractor Lien Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Dan McLennon of Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP.Reviewed and Updated February 2024

Lien Protection Checklist - GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Click here for General Contractors Lien Rights Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders  Association and Board member Dan McLennon.Reviewed and Updated February 2024