MAY 2014
CATT-A-LOG • THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF CATT
Endorses Cliff Newell for Nevada County DA
A
fter interviewing both candidates vying for the seat of Nevada County District Attorney, CATTPAC, the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe Political Action Committee, is endorsing incumbent Cliff Newell for another four year term. The CATTPAC Board cited two compelling reasons for the endorsement. Cliff not only set up “sting operations” to catch unlicensed contractors in Nevada County but has also promised to continue these stings in the future. Cliff’s stance to “toughen up” the District Attorney’s office by enforcing a true eight hour work day also resonated with CATTPAC from a good government and business perspective. CATTPAC Chairman Mitch Clarin said, “We are very comfortable endorsing Cliff because of his past performance in support of legitimate building and specialty contractors. We also think Cliff’s managerial experience is an extra bonus when filling a position as important as this one. Our members are business people—we want to see efficiency and accountability at all levels of government.” CATTPAC has an involved interview process whereby all candidates for a particular office are asked similar questions by a panel of three CATTPAC representatives. Following the interviews, CATTPAC Board Members meet to discuss the pros and cons of each candidate and then decide whether to take a position or donate money to that candidate. A similar process is conducted for CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Come to the May 1 Mixer
Enjoy great food, networking, and raffle at the May 1 CATT Mixer hosted by Epic AV Automation. The drawing for the iPad mini will take place and you can also check your company listing and ad in the draft CATT 2014–2015 Guide before it goes to the printer—the proof will be available for review. Thursday, May 1, 5–7 pm at Epic AV Automation, 12177 Business Park Drive, #8, Truckee. Any questions? Contact CATT Office Manager Amanda Bullard for more information: 530-550-9999 or info@ca-tt.com.
CATTPAC Endorses Cliff Newell Cover Come to the May 1 Mixer Cover A Note from the President 3 CATT Calendar 3 Issues and Local Government Affairs Committee 3 Truckee Home Show 3 What Should a Home Automation System Cost? 4
Training/Education Let’s Play Golf! Truckee Building Division News Member News CATT Board Meetings Q & A for Contractors Classified Ads Welcome New Members CATT Stats/Jobs to Bid & Permit #s
4 4 5 5 5 6 6 8 8
GREEN BUILDING SYMPOSIUM
Memorial Day Weekend Sat. & Sun., May 24th & 25th
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY PASS Good for complimentary admission of:
Member & Guest Courtesy pass provided to: CATT Business Name ____________________________________________ Signature_________________________________________________________ Exhibits open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission includes ALL EVENTS! At the Truckee High School - FREE PARKING 11725 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee
One of America’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals
www.truckeehomeshow.com • (530) 587-3477
ADMIT TWO PERSONS WITH THIS TICKET
Find CATT Online
Scan here with your smartphone and visit us at www.ca-tt.com
Golf Tournament Raffle Forms see inside
COMMERCIAL REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE||DEVELO DEVELO COMMERCIAL SALES || LEASING LEASING||PROPERTY PROPERTYMANA MANA SALES
Truckee CA CA 96161 96161 Truckee tom@truckeeriverassociates.co robyn@truckeeriverassociates.c
WAREHOUSE & INDUSTRIAL SPACES AVAILABLE
TRABCConnor.indd 1
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION
TRUCKEE RIVER
Associates
TOM CONNOR WATSON ROBYN
530.587.7633 offi ph ce | 530.414.8351 cell 530.587.7633 530.587.5730 fax fax 530.587.5730 12313 Soaring Soaring Way Way Suite Suite2B 2B 12313 Truckee CA CA 96161 96161 Truckee tom@truckeeriverassociates.com robyn@truckeeriverassociates.com
530.587.7633
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COMMERCIAL REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE||DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL | | SALES LEASING PROPERTYMANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT SALES | LEASING | PROPERTY
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May 2014
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A NOTE FROM THE
CATT Calendar
President
(All meetings at the CATT office unless otherwise noted)
O
n January 28, 2014, the Truckee Town Council approved two new economic development incentive programs—the Economic Development Support Program and the Development Fund Program. I would like to focus on the second one, the Development Fund Program. The Town Council allocated $2,450,000 to assist projects that have a substantial economic development benefit to Truckee. The Fund’s purpose is to assist in the construction of public infrastructure such as utility undergrounding, sewer relocation, sidewalk construction, or other public improvements necessary to complete a project. Projects had to be located in the town of Truckee addressing one of four priority areas: Streetscape Improvement, Riverfront Redevelopment, West River Site Projects, and Private Development Projects. This Fund provided a great opportunity for businesses and contractors to put together projects that might otherwise have had a gap in funding for the public infrastructure portion of the project. This is an excellent example of public/private partnerships that enhance our community and our industry. In other news, I would like to remind you of the CATT Golf tournament coming up June 11, 2014 at Gray’s Crossing Golf Course and the next CATT Mixer on July 15, 2014 at Ferguson’s. Gary Crosswhite, 2014 CATT PRESIDENT
MAY
May 1 – MIXER at Epic AV Automation in Truckee May 5 – Board Meeting May 7 – Membership Committee Meeting May 14 – Golf Tournament Committee Meeting May 15 – Remodel Committee Meeting May 19 – Local Government Affairs Committee Meeting May 24/25 – Truckee Home Show at Truckee High May 26 – Office Closed for Memorial Day Holiday May 28 – Golf Tournament Committee Meeting
JUNE
June 2 – Board Meeting June 4 – Membership Committee Meeting June 11 – Golf Tournament at Gray’s Crossing Golf Course June 16 – Local Government Affairs Committee Meeting June 19 – Remodel Committee Meeting
Truckee Home Show
CONNECT WITH HOMEOWNERS AT THE CATT BOOTH
Issues and Local Government Affairs Committee Suggestions Provided to Town of Truckee for Plan and Project Processing
C
ATT Executive Director Pat Davison wrote a letter to the Town providing some suggestions for improvement to the development review and approval process. The letter was written in anticipation of an April 17 workshop that brought together the Town Council and Planning Commission to cover the 2006 General Plan and Vision Statement, decision making procedure for projects, and a team exercise on capital expenditures. The CATT letter brought up a variety of topics including the creation of project timelines, use of on-site visits, and changing the communications prohibition between applicants and decision makers. CATT is requesting that the Planning Commission entertain these suggestions at a future meeting. The CATT letter has been posted on the CATT website: www.ca-tt.com, go to About Us and select “Issues.” Please contact CATT Executive Director Pat Davison 530-550-9999 or pat@ca-tt.com if you have any questions or need more details.
CLIFF NEWELL CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER
propositions, local ballot measures, etc. CATTPAC has a 79% successful track record endorsing both candidates and propositions/measures. For more information about this endorsement or other activities of CATTPAC, contact CATTPAC Chairman Mitch Clarin at 530-308-9124 or Mitch@MitchClarin.com. n n n
Future LGAC Meetings & Speakers All meetings are 4 pm at the CATT office. Any member is welcome to attend. May 19 June 16 July 21 August 18
The Truckee Home & Building Show on Memorial Day Weekend is coming up soon! CATT has a booth at the show and we are looking for members who can volunteer for a 3 hour shift. The CATT Booth is at the entrance to the north display area (old gym). From that strategic location, CATT members will give out “hot off the press” copies of the 2014 Building & Remodeling Guide. As CATT reps, members explain the Job to Bid procedure to homeowners and answer their questions. Sometimes homeowners come loaded with a roll of plans ready to write up their job description, no prompting needed! All CATT members receive free admission to the Show—use the complimentary admission coupon on page 1 to get in. CATT members who want to set up an exhibit can still reserve a space. First-time CATT exhibitors receive a 10% discount. There is also a 10% discount for exhibitors who refer a new exhibitor. Contact the Truckee Home Show for more details: 530-587-3477 or www.truckeehomeshow.com. Please contact the CATT office 530-550-9999 if you can volunteer for a 3 hour shift on Saturday or Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.
Truckee Donner Rec & Park District Board Chair Erin Casey Truckee Chief Building Official Johnny Goetz Nevada County Chief Building Official Craig Griesbach & Placer County CBO Tim Wegner Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Board Chair Kim Szczurek www.ca-tt.com
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About CATTPAC: CATTPAC is sponsored by the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, a regional non-profit trade association. CATTPAC was formed in 2002 as a way for the construction industry to become directly involved in the political process. CATTPAC is governed by a six person Board of Directors. Over the years, CATTPAC activities have included voter registration, co-sponsoring candidate forums, and conducting a variety of candidate interviews at the local and state level. CATTPAC is a Californiaregistered Political Action Committee, ID# 1247901.
May 2014
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What Should a Home Automation System Cost? by Josh Andrews, Epic AV Automation
A
t the risk of sounding like an attorney or your CPA, my answer is “it depends.” The reason is most people don’t understand the complexity involved in putting together a comprehensive home integration system. This will control things like audio, video, thermostats, streaming music, shades, lighting, security, cameras, power backups and a host of other things. Most systems let the user control all these applications with the touch of a button. For example, one system lets the homeowner control everything—the entire house—from their iPhone, iPad or any android device. This can be done remotely from thousands of miles away, or sitting on the couch in the home itself. The biggest criteria most users want is ease of use. It has to be stupidly simple to use, so simple your nine year old can use it. Your AV professional can design the system to be simple enough for anyone to pick up the controller and know instantly how to use it, without a long tutorial or lesson needed. But let’s get back to cost. Basically speaking, in the Truckee area, builders should be letting their clients know up front that at a minimum the system will cost $50,000 and up. It can go much higher depending on how many zones of audio and video, and how many extra things, the homeowner wants. The actual “brains” of the system is fairly inexpensive, especially when compared to things like TVs, speakers, wiring, and other items that will be installed. Let’s use a price/cost example for you as a builder. Let’s assume a client comes to you wanting a stone floor. They want to know the price—how much you will charge them to build and complete it. Well, it depends. Is the stone granite, local stone, or marble from Italy? How many square feet are you covering? All these things matter. The same goes for a roof. Is it tile, shingle, or copper? Each of these can have huge differences in price and cost depending on the wants and tastes of the homeowner and project. The same concept is applicable in the AV world. This is why it’s important that any AV company you use personally meet with the clients, or at the very least speak to them directly on the phone. That will help the AV company understand exactly what the clients are EXPECTING so they can provide the best solution that fits the clients’ budget. This article was provided by Josh Andrews with Epic AV Automation. Epic is a CATT member. You can meet Josh at the May 1 Mixer, or contact him by email Josh@epicAVA.com, phone 877627-2215, or visit Epic’s website: www.EpicAVA.com. www.ca-tt.com
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Training/ Education FREE General Construction Workshop
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 • Check in: 7:30 – 8 am Workshop: 8 am – Noon Lunch included for those who are registered. Reno Firehouse #11, 7105 Mae Anne Ave., Reno CATT member Simpson Strong-Tie is sponsoring this workshop. The training will cover correct installation practices and overview of Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors, Fasteners, Anchor Systems, and Lateral Systems for contractors and installers. Registration is easy. Call Simpson Strong-Tie Territory Manager Ryan Swenson at 775-745-9300 or email Ryan at rswenson@strongtie. com with the names of those who would like to attend.
FREE Re-Roof Seminar
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 • 9 – 11 am Placer County “Customs House,” 775 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City Placer County is holding this seminar focused on re-roof requirements for existing buildings. Discussion topics will include: expectations on the inspection process; what to do in inclement weather; meeting Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) requirements; meeting Class A roofing requirements; review of handouts; and forms required for final. Any questions, call Placer County Tahoe office 530-581-6200.
Let’s Play Golf!
T
he 17th Annual CATT/BMD & Johns Manville Golf Tournament is Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Gray’s Crossing in Truckee, CA. The player field is full, however we have Sponsorships available for companies who want name recognition and an opportunity to meet and network with other CATT members at the tournament. Sponsorship benefits include your Company Name printed on a sponsor sign, in the Tournament Program, in an upcoming CATT-A-Log newsletter, and announced at the Tournament during the Awards ceremony. Download the sponsorship forms online at the CATT website at www.CA-TT.com, or contact Kim at the CATT office at 530-5509999, or memberinfo@ca-tt.com. The committee is looking for volunteers to assist with the many activities the day of the golf tournament. It’s a terrific opportunity to network and meet other CATT members. Plus, lunch and “after-play” appetizers are provided. Please contact Kim at the CATT office for more information on volunteering or joining the committee, 530-5509999 or memberinfo@ca-tt.com. The Golf Tournament is brought to you by the following committee members: CoChair Andrew Cross (Truckee-Tahoe Lumber), and Co-Chair Aaron Griggs (Griggs Custom Homes), Raffle Chair Nick Ratto, Raffle Vice Chair Bob Brown (Hills Flat Lumber), Premium Raffle Chair Paul Douglass (PADJR, LLC), Ryan Swenson (Simpson Strong-Tie), Mike Rasmussen (TrusJoist Engineered Wood Products), Peter Gerdin (Peter S. Gerdin Architect), John Manocchio (Waddell & Reed), Aaron Pizarro (Trex), Peter Knight (Accent Window), Cheryl Lombardi (Lombardi Insurance Solutions), and Ken Rose (Sierra Radiant).
May 2014
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TRUCKEE BUILDING & SAFETY DIVISION NEWS
Required Locations of Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors Placement Considerations: • Remember that every level including basements also requires both carbon monoxide and smoke detectors • Smoke detectors shall have a minimum 10-year rated battery (effective July 1, 2014) • Detectors shall be located a minimum of 20 feet away from cooking appliances • Detectors shall be located three (3) feet away from openings into bathrooms, mechanical supply/return registers and ceiling fans
= Smoke Detector = Carbon Monoxide Detector (Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detectors are recommended) For more information contact Truckee Chief Building Official Johnny Goetz at 530-582-2905 or jgoetz@townoftruckee.com.
The Real Graphic Source welcomes Niki Patten to their Truckee team. Niki has a passion for fine arts and 13 years’ experience as a sign maker. Niki is a “certified Tahoe local” of 14 years who enjoys spending free time with her dog Trux in Tahoe’s beautiful backcountry. Niki’s email is: npatten@therealgraphicsource.com. Reno Iron Works (RIW) recently won two AGC (Associated General Contractors) “Pinnacle Awards” for projects that have an impact on our community. The first award recognized the Fleish Bridge over the Truckee River, completing an important link of the Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway. The RIW project team was led by Jamie Winans, a Tahoe Donner resident. Jamie’s team completed the bridge in half the
CATT BOARD MEETINGS
scheduled time and under budget. The other award was given to RIW for “Meeting the Challenge of a Difficult Job,” that job being the Reno Tahoe International Airport “Gateway Project.” Congratulations to Gary Davis with Gary Davis Group for winning the “Citizen of the Year” award at the North Tahoe Community Awards Dinner March 27. Kathy Hess with Just Imagine Marketing and Design flew back east to run the Boston Marathon April 21. Kathy ran a respectable 4:02 time.
Monday, June 2, 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 5:00 p.m. CATT Office, 12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G, Truckee Call the office 530-550-9999 for details or to get the agenda
www.ca-tt.com
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May 2014
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CAPITOL CONNECTION
Q&A for Contractors By Shauna Krause, President Capitol Services, Inc.
W
hile ignorance of the laws is no excuse, as we are often taught as children, the multi-layered complexity of contractor’s regulation in California is not an easy lesson. With full-time work as licensed contractors it helps ease the load just knowing you have an expert ‘on call’ when the inevitable question comes up about breaking those rules. As readers know, sometimes those ‘rule’ breakers are looking for a competitive edge, legal or not… Q: Could you tell me what are the requirements for a contractor using his correct name in advertising? My local newspaper has an entire page of contractors (and other professionals) listing their services. I went through the “home repair” listings (because this is my specialty) and all four had an incorrect name. Isn’t there a requirement that a contractor use the name on his license? Why doesn’t the newspaper disallow these ads? A: The CSLB has a number of requirements for contractors who advertise— including use of their correct name style. As we have discussed in our past columns, and as the Contractors Board has included in their periodic newsletter, you cannot advertise using a company name different than what is on your official CSLB license. Since you provided me with the name of your local newspaper, I decided to do a non-scientific “investigation”. Of the 30+ ads from licensed contractors published on this particular Sunday, I selected about a dozen at random. 80% had an incorrect name style. Not only that but one of the advertisers had their license revoked in 2013; two had suspended licenses; and one contractor’s license expired a few months ago. In addition, one of your competitors was running more than one ad, each with a different business name; yet he was using the same license number (which is not legal).
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE “Rack It” lumber rack, fits a full size truck bed. Good condition. $195. For more information contact Rich Molsby at MOBO Law 530-214-8700. $ MONEY TO LEND Great rates, small amounts available for your clients’ remodels or additions, bridge loans, your autos, tools, etc. Contact Mitch 530-308-9124 or Mitch@MitchClarin.com. FOR SALE Barn wood circular sawn Hickory, 6x6, 8x8. Doug Fir 1x4, 6, 8, 10, 12; 2x4, 6, 8, 10, 12; 3x10, 11x11. 5 bd. ft. with free delivery anywhere in the Basin. Live Edge Slabs, huge pieces Walnut, Elm, Oak. 10–30 bd. ft. Call Alex at Finishing Touch Carpentry for more details 530-362-6700. FOR SALE Fully improved residential building lots on Timberline View Court/Mt. Rose Highway, Reno NV: APN 04907049 @ 7.34 acres, MLS# 120002275, $345,000 and APN 04907047 @ 1.90 acres, MLS# 120002276, currently $119,000. Seller may carry & subordinate—terms negotiable. Best views in Reno. Call Rick Dyess at 775-742-4609 or email rick@sierraheritage. com. FOR RENT Gradall. 45 ft. reach with truss boom and 1 yard bucket. Great for backfill. For questions and rental price, please call Jude at 530-567-5150. FOR SALE #1 5/8” x 24” all heart Redwood taper-sawn shakes. Random width. 5 BND = SQ@10” exp. 239 BND available. $43.34 cost per BND + tax. Call Jim at Washoe Building Supply 775-691-9633. FOR SALE Redwood siding. Square edged redwood siding available in 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, or 12” widths and lengths up to 20 feet for $7–9/board foot. This full 1” thick recycled green building material is resawn from salvaged oldgrowth redwood logs. Contact Pam at info@YankinsReclaimedWood.com or 530-587-3700. www.ca-tt.com
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Advertising is a good way for contractors to get their name known locally; however, as you’re likely aware, it is not lawful to contract unless the license is in good standing. While many newspapers require a contractor to list their license number, I doubt they check on the business name and they rarely do any followup once the ad begins running. Since a contractor can be issued a citation or face disciplinary action for using an incorrect business name, this might be a good time for all licensed contractors to review their advertising program. It is also a good time to check the CSLB web site to make sure YOUR license is current and in good standing. For instance, do your Bond and Worker’s Comp show they’re renewed (with no pending suspension)? Is your license due to be renewed, but you’ve not received the application form from the Board? Are your current Officers listed on the Board’s records? As always, if there are any problems related to your license, please contact Capitol Services to see if we can help in resolving licensing issues. Q: It is my understanding that advertising must have your number included. Does that apply to shirts with your company name and logo on them? A: This seems to be somewhat of a “grey area”. CSLB regulations require that any time a licensed contractor advertises their services, whether on paper, over the airwaves or on the Internet, a license number must appear. This includes but is not limited to; letterhead, business cards, any type of direct listing, airwave transmissions, newspaper ads, vehicle lettering, or any form of advertising. Clothing and caps are not mentioned, BUT according to the Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) at the CSLB, clothing and any give-away items are considered advertising, therefore if you want to be safe, include the license number! While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write us at Capitol Services, Inc., 1225 8th St. Ste. 580, Sacramento, CA 95814. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.
Thank you to these donors for their generous support of the CATT Remodeling Campaign:
May 2014
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Page 6
Hundreds of Placer County property owners have saved money on their energy bill ...
... you can too!
Did you know? If you’re a Placer County homeowner or commercial property owner, the County may provide financing for your energy efficiency or renewable energy project, with no upfront costs. Through this unique program, the money is repaid on your property tax bill. These projects increase your property’s value and PAY FOR THEMSELVES by lowering your utility bills!
Cabinetry • Carpentry Unique Lumber Products
• Upgrade your windows, doors, insulation and roof • Replace your old woodstove and HVAC equipment with new, energy efficient models
Barn Beams & Wood Slabs in Stock
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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 1750 RIVER RD. TAHOE CITY
• Install solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind systems
For more information visit or call ( 530) 889 - 4 1 7 4
www.ca-tt.com
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May 2014
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Page 7
STANDARD US POSTAGE
Address Correction Requested
PAID
PERMIT# 15 TRUCKEE, CA
12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G Truckee, CA 96161 (Located across the street from Truckee Town Hall) Ph: 530-550-9999 | Fx: 530-550-9998 info@ca-tt.com | www.ca-tt.com
CATT’s MISSION: To promote a positive business environment for the building and housing industry and enhance opportunities for its members and the community
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Gary Crosswhite, President Meridian Concrete, Inc. Barry Lease, Vice-President Incline Builders, Inc. Josh Root, Secretary Root of Design Electric Paul Griggs, Treasurer Griggs Custom Homes Michael Forshee, Past President Forshee Construction
DIRECTORS
Mitch Clarin, Mitchell T. Clarin Andrew Cross, Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Co. Ken Foster, K.B. Foster Civil Engineering Doug Gadow, Linchpin Structural Engineering Greg Haupert, Sierra Integrated Systems Rich Loverde, Loverde Builders Mike Nethersole, M.D. Construction & Consulting Larry Orlando, Orlando Enterprises Tahoe Ted Reviglio, Western Nevada Supply Ryan Swenson, Simpson Strong-Tie
STAFF
Pat Davison, Executive Director Kim Cross, Membership & Event Coordinator Amanda Bullard, Office Manager
Newsletter design: justimaginemktg.com Newsletter printing: therealgraphicsource.com
Welcome New Members BL Builders, J. Sansom Bender Engineering & Construction, Inc., Jeff Bender United Paint & Stain & Laquer, Robert Cattaneo Sierra Radiant, Ken Rose John G. Downing, APC, John Downing Jones Forestry & Conservation (JFC), Sara Taddo Jones
CATT Jobs to Bid & Permit #s
Archterra Design Studio, Mikol Maitland Sierra Verde Home Design Center, Jody Kuntz/Pam Aaron Stephanie Stewart’s Bookkeeping, Stephanie Stewart/Mercedes Johnson A Step Above, Inc., Gary Grosjean
CATT Stats
General Contractors 73 Sub-Contractors 99 Associates/Suppliers 68 Professionals 84 Organizations 7 Total 331
CATT Jobs to Bid Sent Out in March and YTD Total
Building Permit #s Issued in March and YTD Total
Private 9/15 Public Works 1/6
Truckee New Single Family Residential 3/8 Eastern Placer County New Single Family Residential 2/2