News

Consumer-Driven Health Plans: HSAs and HRAs

In today’s complex healthcare landscape, navigating the financial aspects of healthcare can be daunting for both employers and employees. It’s crucial to explore effective tools that can help manage these expenses while providing flexibility and control over healthcare decisions. Two tools are Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These accounts offer significant financial benefits and play a vital role in supporting comprehensive healthcare strategy.Understanding HRAs

ARGO Construction Seeking Subcontractors for South Sunset Clubhouse Renovation Bid Date 10.2.2024

Subcontractor's Bid InvitationProject Name SOUTH SUNSET CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION [CITYWIDE PLA] OWNER: City and County of San Francisco Public Works  San Francisco Recreation and Park Department  Bid Date: October 2nd, 1:00PM Email at proposal bids@argoemail.com  Argo Construction, Inc. as a “GENERAL CONTRACTOR” is requesting quotations on “ALL TRADES “from ALL qualified subcontractors & suppliers, S.F LBE’s, MBE’s. WBE’s and OBE’s, DIR Required. This is a PLA project.   Scope of Work: South Sunset

Novato Launches New All-Agency Permit Advice Center

Novato Launches New All-Agency Permit Advice CenterIn-person consultations every 1st & 3rd Thursday starting September 5 The City of Novato is pleased to announce the launch of Novato Permit Connections, a new all-agency permit advice center aimed at streamlining the permit process for Novato’s homeowners and small businesses.  Novato Permit Connections is your go-to resource to ensure you have everything you need to submit your permit application. Submitting an accurate and complete application

Alten Construction Expands Ownership Team

Photo left to right: Bob Alten, Shannon Alten, Erik Andresen, Bobby Alten and Billy Alten RICHMOND, Calif. —Alten Construction, a full-service San Francisco Bay Area commercial construction general contractor, is pleased to announce the addition of three new partners to its ownership structure. Company founders and co-owners Bob Alten and Shannon Alten welcome sons Bobby Alten and Billy Alten to company ownership, as well as longtime employee and chief estimator Erik Andresen.    Bobby joined Alten

Cal/OSHA Bolsters Staff to Investigate the Most Egregious Violations, Referring them for Criminal Prosecution

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Cal/OSHA is strengthening its efforts to increase workplace safety by ramping up recruitment and hiring more investigator staff for its Bureau of Investigations. This important unit is responsible for investigations related to the most serious workplace injuries, including death and makes recommendations for criminal prosecutions.    Oakland—Today the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) announced that it has increased

Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!

Marin Economic Forum: Did You Know? Big companies in Marin are not only in tech

Big companies in Marin are not only in tech The San Francisco Business Times regularly releases “Top 100” lists regarding Bay Area companies. Recently, SFBT released the top 100 private companies according to revenues, which included 4 companies in Marin (Ghilotti Bros. Inc., W. Bradley Electric LLC, Precision General Commercial Contractors, and Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty). Three of these companies are in the category of “construction/engineering”, which was by far the largest category

R|a Project Highlight: Clipper Street Renovation and Addition

                                               Located in San Francisco’s Noe Valley, this partial renovation and addition project is a modern take on traditional house forms found in the neighborhood. The architectural program for a young couple’s first home, called for a third story addition to house a new Primary Suite and Office. An additional program requirement was to simplify the front facade at the First and Second Floor, in order to maintain streetscape cohesion. Midway through the building permit

Marin Builders Association Honors Dan McLennon of Smith Currie Oles with Peter Arrigoni Building Community Leadership Award

  The Marin Builders Association has selected Dan McLennon as the recipient of the 2023 Peter Arrigoni Building Community Leadership Award. The award recognizes an individual for excellence in industry leadership and community involvement. Recipients are considered based on their dedication to industry, commitment to education, and their support of the Marin Builders Association goals and initiatives. The award was established in 2019 in honor of the late Peter Arrigoni who served as General Manager of the

Standards Board Adopts Standard to Protect Workers from Indoor Heat

Standards Board Adopts Standard to Protect Workers from Indoor Heat  This standard applies to most indoor workplaces and requires safety measures to go into effect when the indoor temperature reaches 87°F to prevent the risk of heat illness to workers    Sacramento—The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved on June 20 an indoor heat standard to protect indoor workers from heat illness. The new regulation will require indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87 degrees Fahrenheit if feasible

YES2YUM's Janine Aurichio on Business Success Tips Podcast with Paul Sanneman of CSS

Join two Marin Builders members as they delve into the world of stress-free projects with Mental Fitness Coach Janine Aurichio, who specializes in the construction industry. With over 20 years of experience, Janine shares invaluable insights on navigating challenges, improving mental resilience, and finding balance in the demanding world of contracting. Discover practical strategies to enhance your well-being, boost productivity, and foster a positive work environment. Tune in to gain essential tips for

New eBooks Available from Code Check

We are pleased to announce that Code Check Complete 3rd edition, Building 5th edition, Electrical 9th edition, and Plumbing/Mechanical 6th edition are now available in eBook format. The eBooks contain additional material not found in the print books, and have enhanced navigation tools designed to allow you to quickly find the information you need.    These most current Code Check books are based on the same model codes adopted by the state of California. To aid our California customers, we also have a

2024 California Contractors License Law & Reference Book

Significant changes made to streamline book  Sacramento, CA – The 2024 edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (Law Book) is now available. CSLB is pleased to introduce a streamlined law book that includes essential information for the California construction industry. The Law Book can be purchased directly from the publisher, or the online PDF version can be viewed or downloaded at no cost on the CSLB website. CSLB has reviewed and made

2024 Marin County & City Building Permits

Click the links below to view a current list of permit reports published and provided by the County of Marin and the individual cities/towns including Corte Madera, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito and Tiburon. 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 Gabriela Shea at mba@marinbuilders.com. Important Note: This list is updated monthly with the most current information we receive from

Safety & Training Short - Winter Driving

Objective: To assure that employees are prepared for driving in winter conditions. A little extra preparation is needed to assure driver safety during winter months or other inclement weather conditions.Poor driving conditions is one of the biggest winter safety concerns. Due to shorter days, drivers are required to spend more time driving in the dark, and inclement weather can create slick roads and low visibility conditions.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to

Overview of Spring 2024 Construction Classes in Marin

Construction Training Programs and Resources in Marin Marin Builders Association is committed to helping individuals find rewarding careers in the local construction industry.Click here for an overview of Spring classes developed to show the side-by-side comparison of courses offered in Marin. We strongly support high school seniors and young adults interested in the trades to sign up for North Bay Construction Corps. Please view ourMarin Construction Training website for more information.

New Community Development Agency Permit Ombudsperson

Meet Cristy Stanley! Cristy is the new Permit Ombudsperson at the Community Development Agency. She's is “open for business” and ready to assist contractors with the permit approval process at the County of Marin.VIEW HER INTRODUCTORY LETTER HERE

Safety & Training Short: Hand and Power Tools: Striking Tools

There are some general rules that apply to almost all hammers and other striking tools. Never use a striking tool for any purpose other than that for which it was intended. Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle or with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge. Conditions vary, but it can never hurt to wear goggles when using striking tools.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in Spanish Safety & Training Shorts

Liens & Completions 2023 - 2024

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

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

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