In one of the most significant legislative moves in favor of construction contractors in decades, the Governor signed SB 61 into law on July 14, 2025. For new contracts after January 1, 2026, and with limited exceptions, the new law reduces the amount by which contractors may be forced to help finance private works construction by limiting to 5% the amount that owners, contractors, and subcontractors may withhold from progress payments to subcontractors until the end of the project. Read more. Daniel F.
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),
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
SAVE THE DATE: September 8-12, 2025Together we can save lives. In 2019, a mission-driven group of volunteers from across the construction industry came together with the goal of saving lives. They collaborated to launch the inaugural Suicide Prevention Week for the industry — a week dedicated to raising awareness about the higher-than-average number of suicides in the construction industry, and to providing resources to help prevent those deaths. Every year, during September — National Suicide Prevention
Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential skin irritation risks from working with cement. Cement-Related Skin Irritation Hazards Cement is a major cause of skin irritation. Its lime content (primarily calcium hydroxide) and heat-producing properties when water is added cause skin irritation on contact. Cement contact with dry skin is likely to crack the skin and may lead to ulcers, reddening, and irritation, collectively referred to as dermatitis. Additionally, frequent contact with cement
We’re excited to share a new video series called Fix the Risk, designed to help homeowners understand the wildfire risks around their homes—and more importantly, what they can do about them. These short, practical videos walk viewers through simple steps to reduce vulnerability to embers, which are a leading cause of home ignition during wildfires. The first three videos focus on key areas: Create Zone 0: How to create an ember-resistant zone by removing vegetation within the first 5 feet of a home and
WHAT IS HAZARD COMMUNICATION? The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard, also referred to as “HAZCOM,” ensures employees have access to vital safety information about chemicals used in the workplace. It provides employees with the information they have the “right to know” while working with hazardous chemicals.HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM Your workplace has a hazard communication program available. This program is federally required in all facilities
Summer's here! The air is rich with the scents of sunscreen, freshly cut grass, and barbecue smoke. You can hear the sounds of splashing water and lively outdoor events, and taste refreshing watermelon and cold drinks. While leisurely summer days are wonderful, working under the sun is a different story, especially in Northern California, where the heat demands serious attention. Cal/OSHA, the state's occupational safety and health agency, has strict regulations in place to protect workers from heat
Movement is easy. Momentum takes leadership. If you want your effort to succeed, start with momentum. Momentum is more than movement, it's energy with direction. A steady current that carries people through uncertainty & doubt. Without it, even the best planned transitions stall. The early days of any initiative are the most critical and the most fragile. The key? Strong, visible, consistent sponsorship. Resistance isn't to change, it's transition. It’s a mistake to think employees resist change because
Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential dangers involved with performing confined space work. What is a Confined Space? A confined space: Is large enough so that an employee can enter and perform work.Has limited or restricted means for ingress/egress.Can’t be used for continuous employee occupancy. Certain confined spaces may be more hazardous than others, such as those with hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, entrapment, or asphyxiation hazards, or other serious hazards that could endanger
Published June 19, 2025 Morgan C. Eddy Associate There has been a rise recently in the construction industry in Design-Build (DB) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contracts. These newer models aim to improve project efficiency, foster collaboration, and reduce costs. With this recent rise, we are seeing an increase in design liability conflicts. Traditionally, construction projects often followed a Design-Bid-Build model (DBB), where the design responsibilities and construction responsibilities were
The 2025 annual awards were presented on Wednesday, June 18th at the Scholarship Awards, Past Presidents & Honorary Members Reception, hosted at The Club Restaurant, McInnis Park Golf Center in San Rafael.To view the full gallery of the evening's photos, click HERE. Scholarships were determined after an initial screening of applicants and interviews by an independent selection committee. The committee included Jesse Madsen, Director, Marin County Office of Education; Cynthia Murray, Former President
RICHMOND, Calif. — Alten Construction, a full-service San Francisco Bay Area commercial construction company, recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary and a long standing legacy of quality construction projects and service to the California community. Last month, Alten Construction hosted a two-part celebration at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center in Novato to commemorate the occasion. The evening began with a special employee recognition from 4 to 6 p.m. that honored the individuals who have helped
The Town of San Anselmo Joins the Marin Builders Association’s Permit Improvement Program The Marin Builders Association (MBA) is excited to announce that the Town of San Anselmo has officially joined the Permit Improvement Program (PIP), MBA’s flagship initiative. The PIP aims to enhance the customer experience in the permit process while reducing the pervasiveness of unpermitted and potentially hazardous construction in San Anselmo. As part of this new partnership, the Marin Builders Association
Check out Design Set Match's guest author, Lindsay Moon, and her insight about the current fear economy!Debunking the Fear Economy: Why It’s Still a Good Time to Buy, A Good Time to Pull from Home Equity & A Good Time to Remodel
Published: May 28, 2025 E. Peyton Aldrich Associate, Atlanta Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is becoming an increasingly common presence in the construction industry. From drafting scopes of work and flagging safety issues to evaluating subcontractors and reviewing contracts, AI is beginning to shape how construction professionals plan, manage, and deliver work. While these tools can make projects more efficient and data-driven, they also introduce legal, contractual, and operational risks that aren’t
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
We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS!2025:Leo Bakerian, Professional Computer Concepts, Inc., who referred Mark Kelly, Kelly's Appliance Repair, LLCKatharine Moodie, Perseverance Advisors, who referred Bill Campion, W. A. Campion Co.Leo Bakerian, Professional Computer Concepts, Inc., who referred Steven Schaefer, CHIPPJulie Feinstein, Arana Craftsman Painters, who referred Ange McLane De-Levi, Strategic HR Partners (SHRP)Adam Jackson, Ceramic Tile Center, who referred
Culture isn’t built by chance. It’s built by design, one intentional system at a time. In our last newsletter, we explored how the philosophy of unreasonable hospitality begins by elevating every employee and customer touchpoint. But touchpoints alone are just moments. To create lasting impact, those moments need to be part of something bigger: a system of care. As one of only a few certified coaches in Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality methodology, I help companies take this from concept to
Wildfire Awareness Month is here, and there’s no better time to take action. May marks the start of peak wildfire season in California — a critical window for communities, contractors, and builders to strengthen fire resilience through education, collaboration, and proactive planning. This month, we’re highlighting tools and trainings to support you and your clients in reducing wildfire risk: California Fire Safe Council Vendors List A curated list of wildfire resilience products and professionals is
While I don't claim to be an economist or political expert, I can tell you that the remodeling industry has entered what I'm calling a "Fear Economy." This term describes the current climate of uncertainty and reactive purchasing behavior we're witnessing in the home improvement sector. Since the recent presidential election, clients have been asking what we're doing about impending tariffs and how they should approach their home projects. Initially, the answer was straightforward: remodel now because
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
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
At the Marin Builders Association, we are often approached by graduates of our construction training programs, or those interested in pursuing a career in construction trades. Often times, we are asked to connect these applicants to our members who may be hiring or offering an internship at their company. If your firm offers internships or if you have upcoming job opportunities, we want to hear from you! To join a short list of employers who are looking to hire or offering internships, please take 3
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.
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 Marin Building Permits Report Powered by Socrata Click Here to View the 2024 Permit Archive
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
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
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
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
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