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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Marin Builders Association Scholarship Program Awards $20,000 to 12 Extraordinary Students
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
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
San Anselmo Joins Permit Improvement Program
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
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
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
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
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
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