News

2023 Worker’s Comp Expansion Update

Reprinted from Capitol Services, Inc. / September 21, 2023 End of year is rapidly approaching so now is the time to prepare for changes ahead. The rules for contracting are complex to start, so staying ahead of the curve is always a challenge. Let me share the burden as we have assisted contractors for decades. 2023 is just another year… The Contractors State License Board is always working on communicating with contractors as changes occur. They want to share upcoming news on Worker’s Compensation rules,

Avalanche Alert: Top 10 California Employment Bills to Watch as Legislative Session Wraps Up

California employers will want to sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and prepare themselves for the avalanche on new employment laws that may soon be coming their way. The state Legislature just completed its work for 2023 in a frenzy of last-minute activity and deal-cutting, wrapping up a session for the record books. State lawmakers considered over 2,700 bills – the most in almost two decades – including some high-profile workplace-related proposals. Governor Newsom now has until October 14 to sign or veto

Marin Builders Member, Sandra Bird IN THE NEWS!

Legendary Marin Kitchen Designer Sandra Bird Talks Interior Design, Women in the Industry and Design History by LOTUS ABRAMS Published by SPACES Magazine September 7, 2023 Sought-after Kentfield interior designer Sandra Bird has been bringing homeowners dream kitchens — and more — to life for over four decades. During that time, kitchen design has changed a lot, reflecting peoples’ evolving lifestyles and preferences, as well as the introduction of innovations intended to elevate home cooking and

County Appoints Permit Ombudsperson

San Rafael, CA – A major customer service improvement has debuted at the County of Marin with the appointment of a dedicated specialist poised to assist those seeking a building permit from the Community Development Agency(CDA). The newly established position will play a pivotal role in improving internal processes, addressing concerns, and providing guidance to ensure compliance with regulations. Cristy Stanley, a longtime supervisor in CDA’s Code Compliance Division, was appointed to the position and

Safety & Training Short- Lead Awareness: Engineering Controls

Objective: To introduce common engineering controls for lead exposure, including methods of substitution, isolation, and ventilation. Because lead exposure is dangerous, employers must implement engineering controls to minimize employee exposure to the greatest extent possible. Engineering controls are greatly preferred over administrative controls as the best way to control exposures. Personal protective equipment (e.g., a respirator) is considered a last resort, as the worker must wear it properly. Know

New DOL Final Rule Regarding the Davis Bacon and Related Acts Will Have Significant Impacts on Contractors

Reprinted from August 14, 2023 newsletter The Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced its long-awaited final rule updating the Davis Bacon and Related Acts. Scheduled for publication on August 23, 2023, the new rule will have significant impacts on many industries and businesses, particularly contractors and subcontractors who perform work on federal and federally assisted construction contracts of $2,000 or more.   The changes to the rule will annually affect an estimated $217 billion in federal and

September 2023 Top Health New from Alliant Insurance Services

Amp Up Your Walk 5 WaysWalking is a great form of exercise, especially if you enjoy moving in comfort. It’s widely accessible and easy for most. As you adjust to walking for fitness, here are some ways to step up the intensity, benefits and pleasure of your walking workouts.1. Add speed. Here’s how: Take your normal-sized steps or slightly smaller steps and focus on a quicker  movement. Keep your shoulders relaxed as you pump your arms close to your body for additional momentum and balance.2. Add incline.

The Latest on Electrification in Marin

Marin Remodelers Forum Delivers Resources on Electrification to Members and Community The Marin Builders Association Remodelers Forum and PG&E hosted a virtual Lunch and Learn to educate and provide local resources for electrification in Marin.Watch video of Lunch and Learn EventPresenter Slides Contact Ashley Murphree if you would like to get in touch with either of the presenters.RELATED:PG&E Energy Incentive Programs Reward Customers for Reducing Energy Use and Strain On Electric Grid2023-2024 Marin

D+H Construction IN THE NEWS

'Life-changing': This empty Bay Area office building will soon be turned into supportive housing By Cornell Barnard KGO logo Friday, June 16, 2023 SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, construction is happening to convert an empty office building into a supportive housing complex for those formerly unhoused. It's a place where meetings were once held and papers were shuffled, now an abandoned office building in San Rafael is getting a new life. "It was basically empty and wasn't being used

Safety & Training Short: Heat Stress Prevention - Heat Illness

Objective: To reinforce awareness of dangerous heat illnesses, including symptoms, treatment procedures, and safety precautions. When the body is unable to cool off by sweating, heat-induced illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. These illnesses are very serious, and can sometimes result in death. High temperatures, humidity, direct sun or heat, limited air movement, physical exertion, poor physical condition, some medications, and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces or areas can

Safety & Training Short: Active Shooter - Organizational Preparedness

Objective: To assure that your organization is prepared for an active shooter incident and is taking proactive steps to minimize the chances or effectiveness of a shooter on the premises. No workplace is immune to the risks of an active shooter incident. However, there are steps that you can take to assure that your organization is prepared for the worst. Emergency Action PlanTraining ExercisesPreventative MeasuresWarning SignsClick here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to

Marin Green Home Tour - Represent Your Project!! Come Be A Part!!

The Marin Green Home Touris looking for local homes to feature in our 2nd annual virtual tour in October 2023. We are seeking variety of homes that reflect the economic, geographic, and racial diversity of the community and plan to include various home types, including single-family, condos, apartments, cottages/ADU’s, etc. The tour highlights energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, green building practices, sustainable design, and a mix of high-tech and DIY solutions that reduce your

Building Self-Esteem by Showing Up for Yourself

Like so many things, we tend to think confidence and esteem will come from “out there.” When I achieve the next level/goal/position. When I get the affirmation or accolades. When I finally get paid $X.   Or if we just think hard enough about it, it will be so. Oh, no.   I was inspired by a recent episode of Queer Eye when JVN told the makeover subject that we gain confidence by setting goals and then showing up for ourselves. Word, JVN!   We can’t think or wish ourselves into more confidence. It takes

NORTH BAY TIP: An Apprenticeship Readiness Program

Marin Economic Forum: Did You Know? By some measures economic recovery has occurred in Marin

Copyright © 2023 MarinEconomicForum, All rights reserved. Based on data presented by the County of Marin in March budget hearings, sales taxes for the county unincorporated and all of Marin’s jurisdictions, surpassed pre-pandemic levels by more than 10% in 2022, reaching $65 million versus $57 million in 2019. That follows sales tax revenues of $64 million in 2021. At the onset of the pandemic in 2020, sales taxes for the year amounted to just $52 million. From the perspective of consumption of local

Decisions, Decisions...Intuition vs Analysis

Decisions, Decisions…   According to researchers at Cornell University we make 226.7 decisions a day just on food alone. Imagine the number of decisions for entrepreneurs and business owners! And then layer on the complexities of a design or construction project. Yikes.   Decision fatigue is real. Part of that could be trying to use your analytical mind to solve problems that actually require intuition instead.   The analytical mind is a useful tool. It is great for solving linear problems such as A

Safety & Training Short - Visitor Safety

Objective: To create awareness of safe practices that protect visitors from worksite hazards. Visitors are any non-employees at the facility, including contractors, vendors, family members of employees, and facility inspectors. Because visitors may be unaware of the hazards and required processes specific to your organization, they may inadvertently endanger themselves or others through improper practices. The potential outcomes include injury, property damage, significant business interruption, and the

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

2023 California Contractors License Law & Reference Book Now Available

Purchase your copy or view or download a free PDF Sacramento, CA – The 2023 edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (Law Book) is now available. 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. The Law Book features a summary of new contracting lawsthat became effective on January 1, 2023 The all-inclusive book details CSLB’s history and mission

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

Liens & Completions 2022-2023

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

2023 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

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

2022 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, 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 each