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

SolarCraft Powers Up Pine Ridge Vineyards with a New Solar Installation - Napa Valley Winery Teams Up with SolarCraft to Embrace Sustainability

SolarCraft, the leading solar energy provider in Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties for over forty years, has successfully completed a 140 kW solar power installation at Pine Ridge Vineyard, situated in the prestigious Stag’s Leap district of Napa Valley.     The newly installed solar photovoltaic system at Pine Ridge Vineyard includes 280 high-efficiency panels, designed to produce 179,433 kWh of clean energy each year, saving close to $46,000 thousand in annual utility bills. This system will offset

Pacific Gas & Electric Wildfire Safety Tips - September 2024

Reg Flag Warnings Can Save Your Life! California’s worst destructive wildfires were only three years ago and can quickly change due to new growth of vegetation that is fuel for wildfires. Stay prepared and ready to evacuate in the event of a wildfire or other disasters such as floods and earthquakes.   Discuss with family on where to meet if cannot return homePrepare an emergency supply kit with essentialsFamiliarize yourself with Red Flag Warning and how to get weather reportsEvacuate early when fire or

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

Celebrating our Member Referral Partners - Thank You for Helping Us Build Our Community!

We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS!2024:  Magda Loczi, Marin Sanitary Service, who referred LOCZIdesign, Inc.Misty D'Amore, who referred Kimberly Kadesh, Realtor, Vanguard PropertiesJanine Aurichio, YES2YUM Life Styling, who referred Kate Kelly, Ceramic Tile CenterAmy Wolff, CEARA Studio, Inc., who referred Ashell Cunningham, Frank and Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.Lindsay Moon, Searchlight Lending, who referred Scott Johnson, ADU Marin (Special thanks to Lindsay

Luau on the Links Golf Classic Shines

The links were filled with Marin Builders Association golfers at the 2024 Marin Builders Annual Golf Classic - Luau on the Links! This perennially sold out event, held on August 26th at the beautiful StoneTree Golf Club in Novato, hosted over 150 guests including players, volunteers, and sponsors.  Warm Northern California weather encouraged everyone to enjoy a day of golf, sportsmanship, new connections, and delicious food & refreshments.  A portion of the event proceeds benefit the Marin Builders

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

SolarCraft Boosts Solar Power at Napa's Paloma Vineyard - Paloma Vineyard Partners with SolarCraft to Boost Renewable Energy in Napa Valley

SolarCraft, a trusted solar energy provider for Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties for forty years, has successfully completed a solar power installation at Paloma Vineyard, located on the renowned Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. Paloma has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability by partnering with SolarCraft to upgrade and expand its solar power system. The new installation, featuring state-of-the-art, high-efficiency solar panels, replaces an older system and dramatically

The Future of Home Insurance May Rely on Fire Smart Building

Earlier in July 2024, the New York Times published an article highlighting the collaboration of researchers at the Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS)  and insurance agencies, who are grappling with escalating losses due to the magnitude of wildfires across the West. The research emphasizes the role of a home's design features to withstand wildfire by focusing on key areas of home ignition risk: near-home landscaping, and the building’s materials and design often referred to as home

Pacific Gas & Electric Wildfire Safety Tips - August 2024

DON'T LET YOUR FAMILY BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD!   An alarming new study has shown that 58% of Californians lack a disaster kit, and 69% do not have any disaster plans.  California continues to be at risk from unpredictable wildfires. New growth of vegetation, grass, and plants due to the rain also poses a significant risk once these fuels become tinder dry, as they can promote rapid fire growth.   Evacuating from your home early can mean the difference of life and death. When a wildfire or other disaster

Marin Roofing Contractor Elected to Spray Foam Roofing Executive Board

Marin County,  July 17, 2024 Gary Harvey, CEO of Wedge Roofing, has been elected to the Executive Committee Board of the Spray Foam Roofing Alliance (SPFA), recognizing his expertise and leadership in the roofing industry.    The SPFA is the definitive voice and educational/technical resource for North America's Spray Foam Roofing and Insulation Industry.    Wedge Roofing, acclaimed for award-winning projects, is the first U.S. contractor to meet SPFA's rigorous accreditation standards for installing

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

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

Celebrating our 2024-25 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners!

BUILD SMART - BUILD SAFE - BUILD LOCALInspiration I Expertise I ProfessionalsWe would like to thank and celebrate our 2024-25 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners!  Listed in alpha order:Aaero Heating & SheetmetalAirport Home ApplianceARCpoint Labs of San RafaelBrittany Keyes, State Farm Insurance AgentBudget Blinds of Central Marin/South Marin/Petaluma/West Santa RosaCalifornia ModernCentral Valley EnvironmentalClough ConstructionCounty of Marin Community Development Agency Sustainability TeamCruise

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

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

CSLB Reminds Licensees of New Laws Beginning January 1, 2024

Sacramento, CA – Heading into 2024, the Contractors State License Board wants to remind licensees of new laws taking effect in the new year.SB 630 (Dodd) This bill requires CSLB licensees and applicants to provide an email address, if available, when they obtain and renew licenses. The email addresses are not subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. This bill also authorizes the Registrar to automatically reimpose license revocation when probationary conditions placed on a license are

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

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

Lien Protection Checklist - SUBCONTRACTOR

Click here for Subcontractor Lien Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Dan McLennon of Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP.Reviewed and Updated February 2024

Lien Protection Checklist - GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Click here for General Contractors Lien Rights Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders  Association and Board member Dan McLennon.Reviewed and Updated February 2024