Safety & Training Short: Machine Safeguarding - Interlocking Guards
Objective: To assure workers understand the types and safe use of interlocking guards Interlocking guards, also called interlocks, use a tripping mechanism to shut off the machine when a guard or cover is open or removed. They protect workers and coworkers from reaching into moving machinery.Types of Interlocking Guards Interlocking guards with: Proximity switches use a magnetic field to control machine movement. - The disadvantage to this type of guard is that any type of metal placed in close
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:Judi Cooper, Kitchens Inside Out, who referred Tommy and Maddie Lewis, BBC ConstructionLeo 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
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.
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
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Announcing Construction Suicide Prevention Week
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
Safety & Training Short: Cement-Related Skin Irritation Hazards
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
Fix the (Wildfire) Risk Video Series
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
Safety & Training Short: Hazard Communication Awareness 2.0
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 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
Alten Construction celebrates 30 years of construction
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
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
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
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
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Big Skills Tiny Home is Looking for Learning Leaders
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
Construction Related Hiring Opportunities
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 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.
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