News

Progressive-Design-Build Construction Procurement – A Rising Wave to Ride

DANIEL F. MCLENNON Partner San Francisco T: 415.394.6688 E: dfmclennon@smithcurrie.com May 18, 2023 A natural progression in design-build public works procurement is to start collaboration with the design-builder earlier—in the program development process, when the design-builder’s expertise can be harnessed to assist the owner to determine design parameters most likely to deliver the facilities the owner needs, within the owner’s budget. This development is called progressive design-build (“PDB”)

Safety & Training Short - PPE: Machines & Clothing

Objective: To familiarize employees with how proper attire can protect them from common workplace hazards.  In addition to wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), certain work attire may be required. Inappropriate attire can be dangerous. For example, loose-fitting clothing and long hair can become entangled in tools and machinery.  To choose the correct work attire, first conduct a hazard assessment. Attire must be chosen and worn based on anticipated hazards, not the job description

NORTH BAY TIP: An Apprenticeship Readiness Program

Safety & Training Short: Emergency Preparedness - Lightning

Lightning kills approximately 55 people per year and injures many more. Everyone should understand the danger of lightning and what actions to take during a storm, especially those who work outdoors. Lightning is most often encountered during warm, humid weather and may often accompany summer rainstorms. Lightning is the electrostatic discharge between electrically charged areas within clouds or between a cloud and the earth's surface. Get prepared for the next lightning storm. Click here to download the

SolarCraft Partners with SPAN to Offer Revolutionary Energy Management System

We are excited to announce that SolarCraft now offers the SPAN smart electrical panel as part of our product offering for solar panels and battery backup systems. The SPAN smart electrical panel is designed to optimize the use of solar energy in homes and businesses. It is an all-in-one solution that connects solar panels, battery backup systems and smart home devices to help reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency.As California moves towards the “electrification of everything”, SolarCraft is now

Laying the Foundation: How to Build a Winning Construction Team

The Building Code A podcast by BuildertrendAvailable to View on YouTube On this episode of “The Building Code,” Zach and Charley are discussing how to find and hire top talent with Paul Sanneman, founder and president, and Ed Earl, chief operating officer, of Contractor Staffing Source. Paul and Ed are passionate about helping residential contractors find talented staff to grow their construction company. Their extensive knowledge and expertise have contributed to their company’s success as a leading

Safety & Training Short: Evacuation Drills

In an emergency situation, evacuating employees out of a building poses unique challenges.  Appropriate exits, emergency lighting, communication systems, alarms and sprinkler systems are critical for employee safety. Emergency routes need to be developed, posted, and properly maintained to ensure easy accessibly in an emergency situation.  Drills are a critical component of all emergency actions plans to ensure that emergency procedures are understood and followed by all occupants.Click here to download

Safety & Training Short: PPE - Foot Protection

Objective: To familiarize employees with common types of foot protection Keeping your feet safe on the job means protecting them from a spectrum of potential hazards, including skin infections, crushing injuries, exposure to electricity, chemicals, extreme temperatures, or sharps, and other common worksite hazards. Before beginning work, conduct a job hazard analysis to determine the need of foot protection to prevent injury.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to

Safety & Training Short - Machine Guarding: Fixed Guards & Safeguarding Devices

Objective: To give an overview of fixed guards and safeguarding devices Guards are barriers that protect workers from dangerous moving parts by preventing the entry of their body or clothing into the machine. Fixed guards are the preferred control method as they are a permanent fixture and do not depend on moving parts. Further safeguarding devices may also be necessary.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in Spanish  

Marin Builders Association Welcomes Erick Figueroa as New Coordinator for North Bay Construction Corps Marin

We are very proud to announce that Erick Figueroa, a graduate of our partner program with College of Marin and Canal Alliance, Education 2 Career Construction Academy has joined the Marin Builders team as our new NBCC Marin Coordinator.  He will be working closely with our former Coordinator, J.P. Butti who graciously has agreed to stay on in an advisory position. Erick moved to the US from Mexico when he was 9 years old. He has attended San Rosa Junior College and UC Santa Barbara focusing on Economics

Safety & Training Short: The Basics of Defensive Driving

Objective: To promote awareness of the basic principles of defensive driving  The best way for a driver to assure their safety and the safety of their passengers and cargo is to practice defensive driving tactics at all times.Three Elements of Safe Driving These three elements serve as the foundation for defensive driving practices: Driver readinessVehicle conditionProper attitudeClick here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in

New Virtual Assistant Service Offers Support to Construction, Landscaping and Real Estate Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan 30, 2023 New Virtual Assistant Service Offers Support to Construction, Landscaping and Real Estate Businesses   [Marin County, CA] - LPSS is excited to announce the launch of our new virtual assistant service, Ogmentor, for construction, landscaping and real estate businesses. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch support to businesses in these industries, helping them save time and money while increasing efficiency and productivity.   Our

North Bay Construction Corps - Marin Class

North Bay Construction Corps - Class of Marin addresses the high demand for construction workers in our community. This program enables students to explore a variety of construction related careers and prepares young adults for internship positions with local Marin Builders Association firms at the end of each class cycle.  Made possible by the Mario Ghilotti Family Foundation, the Sausalito, and Mission San Rafael Rotary Clubs, the program helps students: Build Work-Ready SkillsAcquire Basic Tool Safety

Contractors with No Employees Face New Workers' Compensation Requirement

A new law will require almost all contractors in California to carry workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of if they have employees or not. According to the author of the bill, State Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) the new law was necessary due to the tendency of many small contractors to claim they have no employees, when in fact they regularly hire day laborers or undocumented workers. Since a firm with only an owner and no employees is not required to carry workers’ comp coverage, those workers would