Legislature Caps Retention Amount at 5% for Many Private Works Projects!
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.
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
Summer is Here - Protect Outside Workers from Heat Illness
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
Change Starts with Momentum, Here’s How to Build It
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
DB and IPD Contracts: Who is responsible for the design when unforeseen conditions arise and why does it matter?
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
Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!
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
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
The Hidden Risks of Using AI on Construction Projects
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
Operationalizing Unreasonable Hospitality: Building Systems That Care
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
May is Wildfire Awareness Month - Let’s Get Prepared, Together
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
Remodeling in a Fear Economy - 5 Top Takeaways by Alisa Hoffman, Design Set Match
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
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
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