MBA BUILT KASTEN BUILDERS DELIVERS INNOVATIVE CUSTOM HOME
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE EXPERT TIPS TO DESIGN YOUR GREAT ROOM
MADE OF MARIN OUR PICKS AND PREVIEW FOR MARIN OPEN STUDIOS 2014
MARIN HOME MAGAZINE
Design Issue style, space & sustainability
FACING THE ELEMENTS Sutton Suzuki Architects Define Sustainable Design in Marin
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Resource Guide of Local Experts the essential home resource
How Did You Get Here? Roads. Roads allow us to travel to some of the most beautiful views in the world. They connect us to friends and family. They can lead us to new places of discovery and take us back to the places we love to visit again and again. Most importantly, roads bring us home. For over 100 years, Dutra has called Northern California home, providing materials such as asphalt concrete and virgin and recycled aggregates to build roads that get you to where you want to be. Dutra has the capability to handle any sized project in all aspects of land and marine construction, from overall concept design to the slightest detail. With one call, our customers know they can have it all—delivered with reliability, pride and experience. Call Dutra’s Marin office at (415) 258-6876 for your residential or commercial needs.
2 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
415.258.6876 | 2350 Kerner Blvd. Suite 200 San Rafael, Ca 94901 | dutragroup.com
photo: Trevor Henley
Capacity. Capability. Character.
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©201 2 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors. ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR certification mark are registered U.S. marks.
CONTENTS
SPRING 2014 DESIGN ISSUE
FEATURES 28 FACING THE ELEMENTS Sutton Suzuki Architects Define Sustainable Design in Marin. By Paige Porter Fischer
38 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE
28 DEPARTMENTS
Expert Tips to Design Your Great Room. By Kelly Berg
RESOURCES
08 EDITOR’S PAGE
46 GREEN CORNER
64 MARKETPLACE
10 CALENDAR
More Green. Less Blue. Design a Drought-Resistant Garden.
12 HE SAID SHE SAID
48 MBA BUILT
Projects from Our Members to Help You Envision Your New and Improved Abode.
Empty Nesters Rejoice in Their Newfound Space.
MBA Member Kasten Builders Collaborates with Dream Team.
14 ICONS & INNOVATORS
50 FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Remembering Catherine Munson.
16 THE NAIL DOWN
Design Your Fiscal Plan for 2014. Local Finance, Insurance & Energy Experts Weigh In.
Must Haves and Must Dos for Spring.
56 HOME WITH HOUZZ
24 AT HOME
Norman Charles Construction.
Design Speak with Annie Lowengart.
58 MBA BULLETIN
40 MADE OF MARIN
MBA Membership Mixer at Big 4 Party. Annual MBA Crab Feed.
Marin Open Studios 2014.
42 THE SHOP
82 MEET A MEMBER John Busick of Bob Kunst Painting.
DIY Steps to Paint Your Front Door. ON THE COVER: Custom Home in Mill Valley. Story on page 48. Work by MBA member Kasten Builders, CCS Architecture, and Studio Green Landscape Architect. Photography by Paul Dyer www.dyerphoto.com
67 HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Licensed Marin Builders Association (MBA) Members for Your Next Home Improvement Project.
SPECIAL SECTION 62 BUILDING MARIN Executive Director Klif Knoles Retires
Need a professional? Look for this arrow icon throughout Marin Home, and find web links to learn more about MBA members and the services they provide. www.marinba.org www.marinhomemagazine.com
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 5
LOCALLY OWNED SERVING SONOMA AND MARIN FOR OVER 30 YEARS
MARIN HOME MAGAZINE PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
GUEST CONTRIBUTORS COPY EDITOR ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY
EVENT PLANNING LINENS • TENTING • CHAIRS FOR EVERY OCCASION
Marin Builders Association Aimi Dutra Rick Wells Terrence Knoles Kelly Berg, Serene Buckley, Paige Porter Fischer, Kathryn Loosli Pritchett, Liz Savage Diane Borden, Richard DeRamon, Beckie Menten, Pete Pedersen Liz Savage Erin Stenvers Trevor Henley
— ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Paula Krause, Barbara Jones, Kellie Buono — EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jim Schalich, Tyler Doherty, Tom Barr, John Busick, Jeff Mertel — MARIN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 2014 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Jim Schalich, Tyler Doherty, Tom Barr, John Busick, Jeff Mertel, Oliver Dibble, Keith Dotto, Aimi Dutra, Clayton Fraser, Dave Garbarino, Dick Ghilotti, Jeff Grady, Diane Henderson, Dan McLennon, Rob Scerri, Dave Trahan, Michelle Whiteside — To subscribe, email publications@marinba.org or call 415.462.1220 For advertising information, email erin@marinba.org or call 415.246.8025 To submit a letter to the editor, email editor@marinhomemagazine.com with the subject line “letter to the editor”
Printed by Publication Printers Corp., an FSC Certified printer. Please recycle this magazine.
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70 Galli Dr. Novato, CA 94949 www.big4party.com 415.927.9100
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We like to think of Marin Home as the essential home resource for current and future homeowners in Marin County. The publication is under independent ownership, reflecting an increased focus on local needs and trends in home improvement. The distribution of our magazine is free and supported solely by our advertising partners. We thank them for making this possible. Marin Home Magazine has included information and advertising materials supplied by persons and firms without reviewing, investigating, or evaluating the accuracy or completeness of the information supplied, or the qualifications or competency of those referenced. Therefore, Marin Home Magazine cannot and does not recommend or endorse the services of those persons or firms referenced. Readers of this magazine must make their own evaluation of the persons or firms. Moreover, Marin Home Magazine cannot be and is not responsible for the proper use, licensure, or ownership of any of the advertising materials or content herein. While great care has been taken to compose this magazine, Marin Home Magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. All contents © Marin Builders Association.
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Design Your Style
S
pring into action with our design issue! These pages have everything your home needs for a fresh new look. Whether your home (or dream home) is vintage Eichler, has sweeping waterfront views, or is nestled into one of Marin’s rolling hillsides, one thing is certain: Marin’s architecture reflects our landscape—the beauty, the mystique, the simply breathtaking vistas. In this issue, we admire some of Marin’s quintessential home design styles. We also honor the iconic people who live here. Catherine Munson, our featured Icon & Innovator in this issue, recently passed away, and my picture (definitely a throwback) was taken in her Eichler home a few years ago. Her presence and passion for the Eichler lifestyle is sure to live on. When I think about spring, I think Color & Customization. This is the season to make a statement! My editor’s picks reflect a few fun personalized items that you can call your own. Spring is a season of new growth, in your garden and here at Marin Home. Check out our new feature, MBA Built, in which MBA members come together, creating the ultimate dream team. The results of their collaboration are sure to impress. And I have no doubt that MBA Marketplace will soon be your go-to resource for all things home! Now get out there, and get inspired!
Aimi Dutra Editor-in-chief
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WELCOME MARIN The entry to your home is the perfect place to “make it your own.” Accent your entrance with a monogrammed or personalized doormat. Williams-Sonoma The Village at Corte Madera www.williams-sonoma.com
COCKTAILS ANYONE? Square Lacquer Trays from West Elm in varied shades set a playful scene. Add a monogram for a personal touch. West Elm Strawberry Village, Mill Valley www.westelm.com
CUSTOMIZE IT Create your very own Sofa Story. Customize the “just right” sofa or sectional from California Sofa. With a variety of sizes, styles, and fabrics to choose from, you are guaranteed a happy ending! California Sofa www.calsofa.com
CLOSE TO THE HEART The sterling silver hand-stamped mother+children necklace by Red Envelope is destined to become a family keepsake. Red Envelope www.redenvelope.com
WE’RE OLD. BUT WE’RE NEW.
We’ve just completed our renovation in celebration of our 35th year. We’re a whole “NEW” Sunrise . . . . Please come meander.
S U N R I S E
H O M E
831 B Street, San Rafael • 456-3939 • www.sunrisehome.com
CALENDAR
APRIL
MAY
21
JUNE
26
3-4, 10-11
2
Lifehouse Great Chefs & Wineries 5:30-11:00pm @ Fireman’s Fund, Novato
21st Annual Marin Open Studios @ Locations all over Marin
Marin Builders Association Dine & Donate
26 Marin Humane Society, For the Love of Animals 6-10pm @ Mill Valley Community Center
27 Opening Day on The Bay @ San Francisco Bay
10
5pm @ Jason’s Restaurant, Larkspur
Marin Human Race 8:30am @ Marin Center Fairgrounds & Lagoon
31
25
31 & JUNE 1
25th Annual Larkspur Flower & Food Festival @ Downtown Larkspur
Marin Home & Garden Expo
27th Annual May Madness Classic Car Parade @ Downtown San Rafael
10am - 5pm @ Marin Civic Center
Marin Builders Association Scholarship Awards Reception @ Jason’s Restaurant, Larkspur
14 & 15 Marin Art Festival 10am-6pm @ Marin Civic Center
28 & 29 Italian Street Painting Marin 10am @ A Street, San Rafael
Check our calendar for more events, seminars, and updates at marinba.org
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HOROSCOPES
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
It’s in your nature to be a trendsetter, Aries. Your creativity and charisma continue to charm friends and neighbors to no end. You’ve been yearning to elevate your home with brilliance taken from your worldly travels, and you can’t seem to resist the urge to create an even more enviable environment, inside and out. But be warned: 2014 is best approached with caution. By all means start your projects posthaste, but resist the urge to overextend yourself in repairs and restoration, especially when it comes to your home’s exterior and landscapes. Simplicity is best this year to avoid financial strain, endless timelines, and that signature, self-imposed pressure. You’ll thank yourself for biting off what you can chew.
While you are often called out for your stubbornness, Taurus, your generosity and acts of selflessness tend to go unnoticed. 2014 is the year to recharge your proverbial batteries and show that this tension needs taming. You’ve been so focused on maintaining the happiness and well-being of others, it’s time you turned your attention to cultivating a sanctuary all your own. Seek the beauty and creativity you crave by taking long walks in nature; traverse new neighborhoods to gain architectural inspiration. Translate that renewed perspective into an evolved space and domestic routine—seek a nook or groove to make all your own. Achieve balance and harmony with your indoor and outdoor spaces, and everything will fall into place.
Hard work has its rewards, and this year is the ultimate test for you, Gemini. You’ll experience a renaissance in your career and be driven to long hours, and for the love of it all you won’t skip a beat. But in 2014, be wary of the chasm you may cause between this drive and your domestic life. You’ll be tempted to be buzzing at all hours of the day on your laptop or cell phone in different parts of your house, but this intertwining of energies could wear thin on your loved ones. Dedicate a separate space to continue your momentum without burdening others with your preoccupations. With a home office or den, your lucky streak won’t suffer.
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 11
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HE SAID SHE SAID
Dear He & She, Now that our youngest son is grown with small kids of his own, my husband and I are officially “empty nesters” with a large spare room and attached bath. We don’t need another guest room and for the last few years, we’ve started using it as a place for knickknacks, hobby items, gift storage, etc.—stuff we don’t want cluttering the house. The room has so much potential, but we can’t seem to settle on a vision for what to do with it. What would you suggest, and how would we tackle the look and feel of the new space? Joanne M. Tiburon, CA
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I’d love to have your problem. I can see how the decision to move forward might be paralyzing, but think about it: every day that you don’t decide is a day less enjoyed in your own home. From what it sounds like, you have a good amount of space, and if you’re like most homeowners, you prefer a great evening in versus gallivanting about town. Now is your chance to introduce a new element to your home that will enrich your lifestyle. If I were you, I’d take advantage of the opportunity to bring date night in with a dedicated TV/movie theater room. With the ubiquity of on-demand technology and high-definition audio and visuals, it is so easy to bring the cinematic experience home these days, and it frees up your regular TV/living room from imposing overuse. A lot of homeowners might feel daunted by this prospect—and it does sound lofty. The truth is you only need a modest space to make it effective, and once you get the basic setup, it’s one of the most fun home improvement projects you’ll ever undertake. Experts can help you identify equipment appropriate for your room size and even wire you up. The fun goes into the furniture, lighting, and decor to liven up the atmosphere: framed posters of favorite films, dimmer switches and spotlighting, a couple of reclining loveseats or leather loungers, and side tables for refreshments are must-haves. A theater room is also one of the few areas in a house where embracing dark, rich walls for effect is encouraged. Automated curtains for noise/light cancellation can add to the drama. Expand the room’s usage beyond film night—this can be your go-to spot for the Superbowl, Oscar night viewing, or home video screenings. If you have the space, I’d entertain the idea of dedicating a corner for a “refreshment booth”, a hub for snacks and beverages or a place for a refill from a vintage-inspired tabletop popcorn machine. Plus, your grandkids will love you for it. —He
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SHE SAID Dear Joanne,
TODD MORRIS FIRE PROTECTION
I do envy the idea of getting my hands on a whole other room to make my own! I must say it’s a bit of a struggle to suggest a great concept without knowing more about your lifestyle and loves—unlike He who nominates grand plans without a blink of an eye. In this case, I think you need to listen to what your possessions are already telling you for how the room should function. It sounds like you and your husband could use a multi-functional hobby, craft, and rec room that can serve to organize your clutter and make an accessible space without relegating yourself to the garage or kitchen countertops. To keep the room gender-neutral and multi-purpose (anything from building model airplanes to wrapping gifts), consider matching “his and her” desks. Position them flush and facing each other, on opposite sides of the room, or try a wraparound installation that faces a window and flanks the walls. I prefer the first option and this is why: it creates a large surface format that is not easily achieved in most other rooms of the home. Plus, either side has capacity for personal storage for your preferred go-to items, so there is never confusion on where to look for things. Couples I know that have done this love the easy access to simple tools and items that would usually clutter a junk drawer or a pantry shelf. In terms of decor, we are seeking function over form—so your walls should be flanked with attractive shelving, cabinets, and organization cubbies—all of which can double as a showcase for beloved knickknacks and hobby achievements. Hobby and craft rooms are also wonderful for statement furniture, like a patterned armchair or an oversized magnetic chalkboard for bills, notes, and photos. I would stick with white or light-colored furniture as well, to maintain a crisp elegance. The amount of stuff you will acquire will add all the color you need. Speaking of grandkids, they would love a new place to do a giant puzzle or color without inhibition. Wouldn’t you? Keep us posted on what you decide!
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Submit your home improvement questions to Marin Home editor@marinhomemagazine.com
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 13
ICONS & INNOVATORS
CATHERINE MUNSON
R
ealtor Catherine Munson was a true believer in the design vision of iconic real estate developer Joseph Eichler, having lived in several of his homes and sold more than three thousand to other modern home enthusiasts. text by Kathryn Loosli Pritchett/ photography by Trevor Henley
Sadly, Eichler’s biggest booster passed away in early March, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and dedication that will long be remembered throughout Marin County. A few weeks before her death, she opened the cheery turquoise door to her home off Lucas Valley Road and with a welcoming sweep of her arm said, “Owning an Eichler is a lifestyle, though not everyone understands that.” Munson was only too happy to educate the uninitiated. The last living employee of Joseph Eichler, she was well-versed in both the man’s life and his design philosophy. Walking through the beautiful light-filled rooms of her home, she discussed the key principles of Eichler’s design philosophy: a spare, street-front side with few windows; an entry atrium that provides an interior light source to the living room and bedroom wings; exposed post-and-beam construction; and walls of windows on the back of the house that promote the overarching principle of seamless indoor/outdoor living.
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“Every morning I wake up and look out these windows, and I can’t help but go outside,” said Munson. “The architecture compels you to step outside your door.” She went on to explain that Eichler did not design the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired homes himself but hired a range of outstanding architects to execute his vision. The Los Angeles-based A. Quincy Jones, one of the most highly regarded of the Eichler architects, designed Munson’s most recent home, but it was not her first Eichler. Munson and her first husband purchased their first Eichler, designed by San Francisco-headquartered Anshen & Allen, after moving to the Bay Area in 1948. Munson, who grew up in Nebraska and earned her master’s degree in microbiology at the University of Nebraska, loved the way the home made the most of the ideal California climate. She met Joseph Eichler while touring his celebrated model homes. “We all loved to visit the model homes to see how he’d furnished them with beautiful furniture from Knoll and Herman Miller,” said Munson. “At one point Mr. Eichler said to me, ‘You like the homes so much, why don’t you come work for me?’” And so Munson did. Starting with just a few days a week in order to be with her young children, Munson eventually developed a very successful career selling Eichler homes around the Bay Area but specifically in Marin County. “I’ve been in every one of the 720 homes in the Upper Lucas Valley development,” said
“OWNING AN EICHLER IS A LIFESTYLE” Munson. “It’s so interesting to see how each owner makes them their own.” Munson saw the gallery-like design of an Eichler home as one of its biggest attractions. “The homes were made for display,” she said. “Whether you collected art or fine crafts, the twenty original floor plans allowed people to be very individual in the way they furnished their homes.” Though some might say that the designs are rigid and prescribe a modern aesthetic, Munson said she’s seen people use color and antiques beautifully in Eichler homes. “Because they are so plain and simple you can mold them to be any way you like.” Munson noted that though Eichler had a strong vision for his designs, he was also open to suggestions from clients and brokers. “In response to criticisms, he’d say ‘Let’s get the architects back in here and change things.’” Later on in her career Munson developed commercial properties herself and incorporated some of Eichler’s design
principles like having a calm, quiet profile and single-level rooms. “And I always remembered that the form needed to follow the function,” she recalled. She also made use of her early microbiology training through her extensive work—including board chair—with the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. “They do such good work there trying to discover the basic causes of diseases associated with aging,” said Munson. “I’m lucky to have been able to pursue both of my main interests in life.” Sitting in her lovely living room filled with a mix of contemporary and antique furnishings, including her own Herman Miller furniture, Munson continued to be a wellspoken advocate for Joseph Eichler’s vision. “I wouldn’t live in anything else,” she said.
To learn more about Catherine Munson’s business visit www.lvpmarin.com
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THE NAIL DOW N
Must Haves & Must Dos for Spring Embrace the spirit of your home with these fabulous finds and ideas!
MUST HAVE
MUST DO TAKE THE PLUNGE Looking to build a custom pool in your backyard or renovate an existing one? Whether the desire is recreational, therapeutic, or a design statement, Apache Pools can create the pool of your dreams. Apache Pools 415.492.3351 www.apachepools.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: TOP COURTESY OF POTTERY BARN AND BOTTOM BY TREVOR HENLEY
STORE IT IN STYLE Perfect for storing outdoor essentials, the Chatham Storage Bench protects pillows, towels, and other patio items from the elements. With a watertight top and a classic slatted design, this mahogany and eucalyptus chest will keep your outdoor space free of clutter. Pottery Barn The Village at Corte Madera 415.924.1392 www.potterybarn.com $699
AWARD WINNING POOLS BUILT BY CRAFTSMEN www.ApachePools.com
Marin: (415)492-3351 Sonoma/Napa: (707)206-9867
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THE NAIL DOW N
MUST HAVE
MUST DO GOT CURB APPEAL? Be the envy of the block and boost your home’s aesthetic appeal with a garage door makeover. Northgate Garage Doors is your go-to team when considering this transformation. With a variety of doors and decorative hardware to choose from, you are sure to find the right fit. Northgate Garage Doors San Rafael 415.472.6004 www.northgategaragedoor.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: TOP ©2014 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. BOTTOM: NORTHGATE GARAGE DOORS
NOT JUST FOR STORAGE Looking for garage storage solutions? California Closets is the answer! Make your garage an extension of your home. Think functional and stylish—with space for hobbies, crafts, a workshop, or even a home office. Make the garage your favorite room to be in. California Closets Larkspur 415.461.1129 www.californiaclosets.com
Come explore how you can create a beautiful outdoor space with quality decking products.
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THE NAIL DOW N
MUST HAVE
MUST DO WORSHIP THE SUN Sun First Solar’s Seamless Solar Integration. Customize your solar system based on your home’s architecture and your electrical needs. No modifications or new appliances are needed. Once the installation is complete, sit back, relax, and enjoy the savings! Sun First Solar 415.458.5870 www.sunfirstsolar.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: TOP BY TREVOR HENLEY AND BOTTOM COURTESY OF SUN FIRST SOLAR
LIGHT THE WAY Solar landscape lighting is a stylish and durable way to light up (or brighten up) your pathways or garden. No electrical outlets to install; just find the perfect spot, push them into the ground, and let the power of the sun do the rest! Lamps Plus San Rafael 415.453.6912 www.lampsplus.com $44.99
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THE NAIL DOW N
MUST HAVE
MUST DO BRING THE INSIDE OUT It’s that time of year to dust off the patio furniture, fill your planters, and set up to spend spring outdoors. A well-designed outdoor living space by Polsky Perlstein Architects is the perfect place to start. Make your outdoor space the most utilized family area, and memorable moments are sure to follow. Polsky Perlstein Architects Larkspur 415.927.1156 www.polskyarchitects.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: TOP COURTESY OF PAT LEPÉ DESIGN AND BOTTOM BY JARED POLSKY
CUSTOMIZE IT Custom-made drapery for your outdoor living area is sure to bring personality and purpose to your gathering place. Whether you fancy a formal feeling or a more casual and playful ambiance, Pat Lepé Design will bring your vision to life. Pat Lepé Design Fine Custom Sewing Workroom Novato 415.883.8200 www.patlepedesign.com
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MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 23
AT HOME
Design Speak with Interior Designer Annie Lowengart interview by Kathryn Loosli Pritchett photography courtesy of Ann Lowengart Interiors
S
an Anselmo-based designer Annie Lowengart says she fell into design when she and her husband bought a three-unit building in San Francisco and remodeled it to sell. At the urging of a friend who saw how much fun she had working on the units, Lowengart printed up business cards that listed her services as a remodel consultant and put them out at the first open house. Prospective buyers took her cards and started calling. One thing led to another, and now she designs interiors for luxury homes throughout the Bay Area. Lowengart says that helping her clients realize their design vision also helps them realize their life vision. “Many of the important components of the life one builds for oneself and one’s family play out against the backdrop of a home’s design,” she explains. So how does Lowengart help her clients define and execute their visions? As you can see from our conversation, with grace and conviction in her own capabilities. How do you determine your clients’ style? Before we even meet I ask them to put together a Pinterest board or Houzz idea book of things they like. The images don’t need to be design projects necessarily. They can be photos of a beautiful >>
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MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 25
AT HOME
sunset or of their family, but it helps me get inside their head and see what they’re drawn to. For some of my older clients who aren’t as comfortable with collecting online media, I ask them to bring me those files of clippings they’ve been saving for years. Then I can come back to them with ideas from my own resources about how to achieve the look they’re after. Do clients ever have a hard time knowing what it is they like? Yes. People don’t know what they don’t know. So sometimes I just have to start with their life circumstances—how many kids do they have, where have they traveled, etc. And then I can show them things that will turn their homes into places that are beautiful, functional, and reflect who they are. After we’ve gone over images together, I produce a floor plan, we settle on a budget, and then I present several schemes for them to finalize before we go shopping. How do you help clients select a color palette for a design? One of the best ways is to figure out what colors are flattering to them. For example, I recently met with a new client and realized from what he was wearing that blue was his best color. We decided to use a lot of it in his home, and he looks fabulous there. You want your clients to look great in their homes.
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“GOOD DESIGN DOESN’T JUST FALL OUT OF THE SKY” What if a couple has conflicting style preferences? That’s when I turn into the family therapist. I try to determine what’s the most important thing to each person and then work on meeting everyone’s needs. For example, the husband might want a comfortable place to watch the Giants game but doesn’t really care about the color of the space, while his wife likes living in Marin because the landscape is so lush and wants to make sure the room reflects that. So I’ll design a green media room that meets his comfort requirements and her design aesthetic, and then everyone is happy. What if the clients prefer a style that doesn’t seem suited to the architecture of the home? That’s really not a problem today when placing contemporary pieces in traditional homes is very current. I think it’s more essential to match the formality of the architecture. You wouldn’t fill a traditional Craftsman home with Ikea furniture—you might use some pieces, but for the most part you’d use items that are the same quality level as the house.
When it comes to hammering out a budget, how do you help clients prioritize projects? I present everything as though it were an à la carte menu and let people pick and choose, preferably working on one room at a time. I advise starting with comfortable seating and then appropriate tables and good lighting— lighting can transform a room—but each client needs to decide what’s important. That said, you need to trust your own instincts. Be gracious with clients and let them know they’ve been heard but help them remember that they’re paying you for your taste and expertise. Stay true to that. Do you have an ideal client? Someone who appreciates quality and attention to detail. Also, someone with business experience who can understand that there’s a structure and a process to creating a good quality product— good design doesn’t just fall out of the sky.
To find out more about designer Annie Lowengart visit www.annlowengart.com
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FACING
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the
ELEMENTS story and interview by Paige Porter Fischer
Welcome to Marin. Consistently named one of the country’s most desirable places to live, it boasts some of nature’s best designs—from the redwood groves of Mill Valley and the wooded hillsides of Sausalito to the lagoons of Belvedere. And carved into the varied topographies of Marin County are homes as diverse as the county’s landscape. Here architects must face—and conquer— the elements of nature, which often
change drastically within a single square mile. The geography of this place informs the architecture of every new home built here. Ron Sutton of Sutton Suzuki Architects has mastered the Marin landscape. We asked the expert about three of his recent projects— homes that presented particular architec tural challenges—and delivered great design rewards in the end. >>
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H I LL S I D E
“WE WERE DOING GREEN BEFORE IT WAS EVEN CALLED GREEN—WE WERE TRAINED THAT WAY” MHM: Your firm has designed houses all over Marin. Tell me a little bit about the challenges of working with such varied topographies. How much time goes into really studying and knowing the landscape before designing a structure specific to a certain site? RS: Well, as you said, it’s a very diverse place, geographically speaking. The most important aspect for me to understand is why people bought the property in the first place. What attracted them to it? You don’t want to miss that. Was it the view? Was it for privacy? Was it because of a particular landscape? That’s a big part of the process for us. Then, we take that information and spend some time on the site, gathering every little detail we can about it—from the weather to the soil to the sunshine. The sites, as you said, vary greatly, but as much as
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anything, microclimates are huge here. They change from street to street sometimes. It depends on whether you’re west-facing or eastfacing, where the wind comes from, if there’s fog, storm conditions—all of those things play a role in how you site the house, and how best to take advantage of the views. The landscape, it’s the foundation of the house. So it’s of utmost importance. MHM: You’re known for incorporating sustainable design into your work— what energy-saving practices do you find to be natural fits for homes in Marin? RS: It’s funny, we were doing green before it was even called green. Both Elizabeth [Suzuki] and I come from the Midwest, and we were trained that way—to always consider the environment. How you situate the house itself in relation to wind,
sun, etcetera, and how you design overhangs, for example, all play a part in the efficiency of your house. We’ve gotten more detailed about specific green-friendly materials that we use, but it’s been a part of our work for quite some time. MHM: Let’s talk about some of your projects specifically. We fell for your hillside project in Tiburon. The views are stunning, but the lot must have been such a challenge, as it’s such a steep slope. RS: It’s interesting that you say that because the original house took no advantage of the views. It was a teardown that sat on the market forever because people came to look at it and determined the house had no view. But it was the way it was oriented and designed that was at fault. The property had all this promise, and I had to convince the
client that the view was there and we could take advantage of it. MHM: How did you go about doing that? RS: Well, formerly the garage was in the back of the house, which was quite boxy, and they both completely obstructed the water view. We dug beneath the house and put the garage underneath, which gave us 700 more square feet of living space with access to water views. It was costly, obviously, but it was worth it. That was one advantage to being on a hill—we were able to do that and utilize the landscape. MHM: Once you were able to access the view, how did you address the hillside location, in terms of the home’s design? RS: Well, every site is different, but this house happened to be built on
bedrock. In Marin, you never know what you’re going to get. You may have 20 feet of sand before you get to bedrock. But we were quite fortunate here. MHM: The house is quite contemporary, and yet you have all these rustic, almost French farmhouse touches, like the stone walls. Tell me how that interplay of materials came about. RS: The client is from France, and he knew he wanted a contemporarydesigned house. Yet he wanted to use traditional materials and feel grounded to the site itself. He also wanted the materials to give it resonance and a sense of time, if you will. So we brought in stone—Texas limestone—which is of course a timeless material. The property itself was very long and narrow, so we designed a house that
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“WE PULLED THE HOUSE APART A LITTLE BIT, STRETCHED IT TO MAXIMIZE THE SITE” stretched across the property and was comprised of two buildings, one for public spaces and one for private, connected by this stone wall and a glass hallway. We pulled the house apart a little bit, stretched it to maximize the site. MHM: I love the indoor-outdoor connections in this house. They are so well designed. RS: Thank you. Well, it can get very windy and cold up there, so we faced the challenge of giving the client outdoor space that could actually be used year-round. We utilized
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the stone walls as wind shields, protecting these courtyards. The property was so steeply sloped that we created stone retaining walls to create various spaces—courtyards, patios, and room for gardens. And we brought in olive trees to add a little bit of old-world character. MHM: Well, once you found the view, you clearly took advantage of it. The house has so much glass, it made me wonder if there are challenges you face in Marin, using so much of it? RS: Thankfully, no. We’re probably in one of the few places in the country
where it’s easy to use so much of it, because of the climate. Glazing becomes a real issue if you have to air-condition your house. We don’t really need air-conditioning in homes here, at least not in Tiburon. But it’s essential to get good quality windows that meet energy standards, so that the glass works for you and not against you, energywise. MHM: Do you have a favorite design moment in this house? RS: Well, I would say I’m proud that we fulfilled our promise to our client to do two things: capture the views
PROJECT CREDITS Location: Tiburon Architect: Sutton Suzuki Architects General Contractor: Plath & Co Interior Design: C Wright Design Lighting Design: Anna Kondolf Lighting Design Photography: David Duncan Livingston
he didn’t believe were there and create these outdoor spaces that he can enjoy no matter what the weather looks like. MHM: Let’s talk about another one of your projects, up in Novato. This one is a ranch house overlooking a river. RS: It’s actually my own house, and I’ll be honest, it was quite the design challenge. This was a new build on a vacant property, overlooking the Petaluma River. It’s not a steep
property, but it slopes down toward acres of marsh. It’s a protected wildlife area, and you can’t imagine all the approvals we needed to get anything built there, so we didn’t affect the marsh or the wildlife. We even had to meet the approval of the Audubon Society. MHM: So did all of these restrictions inform the style of house you could build? RS: The point of the ranch was that it could be done on a budget, and that
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R AN CH
it was a simple design, indigenous to that area. I drove around and studied the buildings there and took cues from old barns and simple structures. With a smaller house—at 2,200 square feet—we were able to save the beautiful oak trees too. We didn’t have to intrude on nature.
pleasant in there just about every day of the year. It’s a green concept we’d been practicing long before green was trendy. We did radiant heating, installed good, quality windows and doors, and planned smart cross ventilation, all things that help at night to cool it down.
MHM: Did the land itself dictate the position of the house? RS: The main view was looking east, and the hill sloped that way, so the site somewhat dictated that. In Novato, it gets quite warm, and many homes need to have airconditioning up there. But I faced the glass wall east, so we’d have less heat gain. I built the home into the hillside, which cost a little more, but digging in insulated the backside, so the house stays nice and cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s very
MHM: Do the concrete walls aid in that efficiency? RS: Yes, the concrete walls themselves help insulate and absorb heat so that it doesn’t go directly into the house. They absorb heat during the day when the sun hits them and give it off at night. For cooling in the summer, the temperature of the ground four or five feet down is about 60 degrees, and the floors absorb that, so it helps keep the house cooler.
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MHM: The glass wall slides and opens the entire house onto that totally private nature space. Do you use that yard as part of your house? RS: We are out there all the time. We love the indoor-outdoor connection. MHM: I love the juxtaposition of rustic and modern in this house. How did you arrive at that marriage of materials? RS: I like a lot of styles of architecture— contemporary, historic, rustic. I wanted to design a space where I could just let the materials be what they were. I like having 200-yearold beams in a contemporary house alongside an exposed steel beam. I put exposed concrete alongside plaster. All those things matter to me as an architect, and since I was the client too in this space, I could do it just the way I’d always wanted.
“I WANTED TO DESIGN A SPACE WHERE I COULD JUST LET THE MATERIALS BE WHAT THEY WERE”
PROJECT CREDITS Location: Novato Architect: Sutton Suzuki Architects General Contractor: Huts and Castles Interior Design: C Wright Design Landscape: Ron Sutton Photography: Claudio Santini
MHM: Would you call that your proudest design moment here? RS: Yes, I think so—exposing the materials for what they are. And the fact that I designed it so that we don’t need air-conditioning. MHM: Let’s move on to the third project that intrigued us so much— the lagoon house in Belvedere. This house appears to almost sit on the water. How challenging is that landscape to an architect? RS: The lagoons in Belvedere, well, those come with their own set of
issues and guidelines. All that land on the lagoon was mud drudged up and put on the ground to create the land for structures. So most of the land is unstable. You start with that and try to stabilize. This house was an addition and remodel. Lucky for our client, they bought a place that had been in the hands of a good architect. It had a great foundation, and a great structure to it. Chances of that on the lagoon are almost nothing. Most of them are very cheap houses built terribly, and they tilt and are in poor shape. But in this case, my client
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L AG OO N
got great bones and a good piece of property. We just had to stabilize the front with a sea wall, but that’s allowed because the property goes into the lagoon—they allow you to go out a certain distance and build your wall and build back from that. MHM: This house has a great water view, but it also came with lovely gardens. You basically have beautiful views wherever you look. How did you orient the house to take it all in? RS: It’s a double lot, so that’s why they were able to have some space on their property for a garden. The
key design element was created to protect their young children from the water—as you said, it’s just outside the house. So we built a stone wall that runs through the house and acts as a barrier in the side yard, so the kids could be playing out there in the yard but have no chance of getting close to the water. The wall was a key design feature that served a major function for the family.
RS: The clients really wanted a contemporary home, but on the lagoon, that’s just not as acceptable. Most of the homes are more Cape Cod in style. And you have neighbors on either side of you with an opinion, and neighbors across the lagoon with opinions. So they compromised, and they left the exterior more traditional-looking but made the inside contemporary.
MHM: The house, from the outside, appears quite traditional, and yet the inside has a more modern feel. How did you arrive there with your design plans?
MHM: The inside seems to have so much openness. The lofty ceilings help too. RS: Their main request was a floor plan that was open—no closed-off
“CREATING AREAS WITH TOTALLY DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS, VIEWS, AND PURPOSES WAS KEY”
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PROJECT CREDITS
rooms off of hallways, just rooms opening one onto the next. The old house was so dark, and I knew this house needed more light. We added a little square footage, but mostly we raised the roof and added dormers up above to expose the house to as much light as possible. We were able to take advantage of cross ventilation with the high windows that are operable. The hot air rises up, and a chimney effect happens. The warm air goes out the clerestory windows, and it’s natural ventilation. We couldn’t dig into a hill, obviously,
to cool this house. So this was our way of addressing a totally different landscape with green solutions. MHM: Do you have a favorite design moment in this house? RS: I think being able to create two functional indoor-outdoor spaces for the family was key. We had the house facing a lagoon, and a backyard, too. Creating areas with totally different orientations, views, and purposes was key—and letting the house be the mediator between them was great.
Location: Belvedere Architect: Sutton Suzuki Architects General Contractor: Ireland, Robinson & Hadley, Inc. Interior Designer: C Wright Design Landscape: Don Wihlborg Photography: Mark Schwartz
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 37
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR S P A C E
story by Kelly Berg, Story & Space
A MORE FORMAL, TRADITIONAL ARRANGEMENT. Work is kept out of the space, and the main seating area is focused around the fireplace, as opposed to the TV. • TV can be viewed by all seating areas. • Media cabinet is placed underneath TV for storage of components. • Swivel wall mount creates more space and maximizes visibility. The wide width of the room is de-emphasized with a long rectangular farm table, which easily accommodates eight or more. Could also add bench seating at one or both sides. • An additional, more intimate seating area takes advantage of the outdoor view and is somewhat removed for privacy.
• Swivel chairs improve versatility, allowing seating to be oriented as needed. Area rugs ground and define the seating areas. • Upholstered ottoman for extra seating and storage. • Low bench does not obstruct view of TV, and allows extra seating. • Smaller width armless chairs more easily fit sideby-side in a narrow seating area. • Seating arrangement b e co m e s f l exib l e by using smaller pieces of furniture that can easily be rearranged for different looks.
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Defining and decorating a big, open space in any home can be a challenge. But with a little bit of introspection and planning your Great Room can truly live up to its name. The great thing about Great Rooms is that they provide a lot of open floor space. The design possibilities are endless without all those silly walls. And then you get to the part where you actually need to furnish the space. Without all those “silly walls” it can be a struggle to know how to best lay out your furniture and exactly what pieces to buy. So before you start shopping, ask yourself “How do I want to use my space?” Do you picture yourself having big family dinners? Intimate conversations over a glass of wine? Super Bowl parties with all your friends? Working at your desk while still keeping a close eye on your kids? A great room, by nature, should be able to meet all of those needs. Asking yourself how you want to use your space will take you on an exploration of your lifestyle and your unique needs. Your answers will not only help you create a flexible, functional floor plan but will also make your home feel more authentically you.
6
SMART SPACE-PLANNING SOLUTIONS 1. Plan for Plugs Install floor outlets so you’ll have a place to plug in table lamps with floating furniture arrangements. (Garvin Stainless Steel Pop Up Floor Box)
PHOTOGRAPHY: PROVIDED BY KELLY BERG STORY & SPACE
2. Swivel It Swivel chairs, because they aren’t fixed in place, make for flexible seating. (Sunrise Home swivel chair)
3. Double-Duty Seating Benches and ottomans that provide both seating and storage are excellent space saving pieces. (The Tyler Bench from Room and Board)
4. Frame Your Space A custom-sized area rug will anchor oddly shaped furniture arrangements. Have one made or try FLOR carpet tiles.
5. Just Add Wheels Convertible dining table on wheels can be moved as needed. Perfect for a quick transition from homework to a housewarming party. (Restoration Hardware Flatiron Dining Table)
6. Rule of Thirds Arranging your overall floor plan into thirds (in this case, kitchen, dining, and family areas) keeps balance to the space and helps to clearly define separate functions of the room .
A MORE CASUAL, INTERACTIVE ARRANGEMENT. A workspace is incorporated into the social area, and the seating emphasis is equally arranged around both the TV and fireplace. • Workspace allows for social interaction, but is set back enough to provide some privacy. Good use of a small area, with views of outside and dining/family area.
• Extra bench with storage. Movable seating and a place to stash blankets, pillows, etc.
• A small area rug grounds and defines the space.
• TV moved to fireplace wall (still on swivel) is now easily viewed from the dining table.
• The addition of a sectional provides room to stretch out and lie down.
• Swivel chair in main seating area allows easy viewing of TV.
• Although slightly less flexible than Option 1, it has its own advantages, like creating the perfect spot for taking a nap or watching movies.
• Plenty of room for a round table which can often create a space challenge in more confined dining rooms. The round shape creates a soft contrast to the many harder edged angles in the room.
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 39
MADE OF MARIN
Marin Open Studios is a vibrant, community-wide event that celebrates Marin’s rich culture of art. This annual, free, self-guided art tour in Marin County marks its 21st year the first two weekends in May 2014. Art patrons, admirers, and collectors can venture out on a self-guided tour to see artists and their artworks and glimpse into the life of the working artist. Read on and enjoy some of the Marin Home Team’s favorite picks!
RODNEY OATS Rodney Oats has been working with wood since 1969 when he became hooked in a junior high shop class. He recently retired from a 40-year career as a meat cutter and now has time to spend on his “hobby” and small business, Rod’s Woodshop, creating unique pieces of utility art. Rod uses mostly recycled and reclaimed hardwoods from sources around Marin County. “I think Marin Open Studios is a great way to promote local artists and their work.”
LINDA OLIVE
GREG SLICK
Linda’s passion for nature finds its place on the canvas, often inspiring intense feelings. Using pure color combinations, her work reads like an intensified color photograph with great movement and aliveness. She combines impressionism with realism in a very direct, straightforward manner. “For many years Marin Open Studios has been an excellent marketing venue and exposure for my paintings.”
Greg Slick’s photography collection is composed of stunning images over six continents and countless countries. His work connects with multiple cultures, always retaining the human element and producing truthful images of compassion, beauty and the joy of humanity around the world. “I am participating in Marin Open Studios to release my new show of work that is all cast in resin. Through my images, I hope to help bring a worldly view to Marin, encourage travel, inspire awareness, and encourage peace in the world.” gregslickweddings.com
• MADE — of — MARIN •
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ROSARIO SAPIENZA Rosario’s passion for photography was born when he received his first camera at age 10. He has traveled to 49 states, Italy, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. Everywhere he traveled he brought his cameras and captured scenes and subjects from each area. These images can be seen on his website and at Marin Open Studios. His limited-edition fine-art photography has taken many awards in local, regional, and national competitions. “2014 will be my first participation in Marin Open Studios, and I look forward to sharing my work with fine-art patrons and aficionados.”
MATTHEW CARDEN Matthew Carden is widely known as a pioneer in miniature and toy photography. Growing up in LA in the 70s and 80s, Matthew was fed a hearty diet of toys, theme parks, museums, TV and movies, and his work is often themed around popular American culture of that era. “MOS is the best way to keep my local collectors up to date with my new work. I enjoy sharing the backstory behind the pictures.”
rosariosapienza.com
matthewcarden.com
TIMOTHY HORN After studying graphic design and pursuing a career in that field in New York, Timothy discovered his second calling as a painter after moving to San Francisco in the late 90s. His work often has a remarkable sense of light, capturing everyday scenes from California to Maine, where he paints every summer. “Open Studios allows me to present a large body of work, including small studies, while also building relationships with local collectors.” horndesign.com
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF ART AT MARIN OPEN STUDIOS The best way to plan a tour is to visit the Preview Gallery Exhibition in the Bon Air Center in Greenbrae. Each of the participating artists has one of their works on display, and artist docents are on hand to answer questions.
www.marinopenstudios.org
April
May
May
26
3
10
Preview Gala at Bon Air Center. Free and open to the public
May 3 & 4 Studios open 11-6 in Northern and Western Marin
May 10 & 11 Studios open 11-6 in Southern and Central Marin
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 41
THE SHOP
text by Mark Fogelman, Tamalpais Paint & Color
How To Paint Your Front Door Experience the Dutch Door tradition with this step-by-step guide from experts Tamalpais Paint & Color
T
he doors of Holland are among the most beautiful and welcoming in the world. Whether opening into an Amsterdam townhouse or a country cottage, Dutch doors greet all those who pass through them with a cheerful, brilliant finish resulting from high-quality enamel paint. You can experience the Dutch door tradition and discover for yourself the classic elegance, unparalleled depth of color, and exceptional durability of Fine Paints of Europe’s unique coatings. Painting a front door is a simple weekend project, and we’ll help guide you through it. Previously painted doors should be washed with a mild powdered detergent and water or a liquid TSP substitute. If washing an unpainted wooden door, take special care to make certain exposed wood has not retained any moisture. Exposed wood will normally dry sufficiently in 72 hours. >>
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illustrations by Conor Buckley
MATERIALS NEEDED Sandpaper – 2 sheets medium grit (150) and 2 sheets fine grit (220) Primer – one Euroquart of the correct primer for wooden, steel, or fiberglass door. (Please specify when purchasing your supplies.) Solvent – one quart of low-odor mineral spirits. This will allow you to slightly thin the primer and paint if necessary and to clean your brush. (Option: you may use water for waterborne primers or paints.) Paint – one Euroquart of Brilliant or Satin Hollandlac enamel. (Option: you may choose to use a waterborne finish coat like Eco.) Brush – a high-quality paintbrush, for perfect application of primer and paint
THE SHOP
STEP 1 Wooden and steel doors should be sanded smooth with medium grit sandpaper (150) wrapped around a household sponge or rubber sanding block—never sand without a backing. Fiberglass doors should be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper (220).
STEP 2 Doors should be primed with the appropriate primer. We recommend, whenever possible, that the top and bottom of your door be primed as well to prevent moisture intrusion and extend the life of your finish.
STEP 3 After allowing the primer to dry overnight, doors should be sanded smooth with fine sandpaper (220).
STEP 4 The doors should then be wiped clean with a cotton rag containing a splash of low-odor mineral spirits.
STEP 5 Apply the first coat of Hollandlac enamel or Eco paint in a thin, even fashion. Allow the first coat to dry overnight.
STEP 6 Lightly sand the door again to remove any imperfections and provide “tooth” for the final coat. Once again, “tack” the door to remove dust with a clean cotton cloth.
STEP 7 Apply final coat of the Hollandlac enamel or Eco. Work quickly, and do not go back on your work in an attempt to eliminate brush strokes, as they will normally level out within 15 minutes of application. The second coat should provide total opacity.
STEP 8 For additional durability and extended life, apply a third coat to the door’s exterior (optional).
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By following these simple instructions, even a “first-time painter” can expect beautiful, professional-quality results and a finish that will look newly painted for several years.
Learn more about MBA member Tamalpais Paint & Color at marinba.org/directory
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GREEN CORNER
MORE GREEN, LESS BLUE
{
}
PLANTS we love
Design a drought-resistant garden text by Pete Pedersen, Pedersen Associates
B
etween Marin’s varied ecosystems and San Francisco’s foggy summers, it’s easy to forget that here in the Bay Area we live in a Mediterranean climate, which is typically characterized by short, mild winters and long, dry summers. That means the region is prone to water-sodden winters and landslides but also drought and wildfires; this year finds us in the latter category. So what can we do in our gardens this spring to decrease our water needs? Here are some of our favorite water-saving tips:
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Create unwatered garden space Garden design is a mix of watered and unwatered space. Unwatered spaced can be elaborate hardscape—think fire pits, a barbecue, lounge seating—or something on a much smaller scale like a corner hammock or a bistro table tucked near a shady tree.
Lavender
Thyme
Reed Grasses
Sedge/ Carex
Succulents
Ceanothus
Santolina
California fuchsia
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Design with hydrozones Don’t plant the succulents near the roses. When planning your spring garden, make sure to group plants according to water needs so that you can effectively manage the irrigation.
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Familiarize yourself with natives and low-water plants There are many resources available to research plants that are droughttolerant. Many nurseries now have native sections and offer a wide array of plants that are adapted to the Mediterranean climate. The California Native Plant Society is also a great resource: www.cnps.org
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Lose the lawn If you have small children and are making great use of your lawn, it’s understandable to have one. Everyone else should rethink the lawn. They require unbelievable volumes of water to maintain. There are some wonderful low-water lawn alternatives (particularly in the carex, fescue, and sedge families) that can handle traffic and are soft underfoot.
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Maintain the mulch Most people mulch and compost in the winter, but mulch is equally important in the spring. Not only does it help retain soil moisture, but it also deters weed growth and will eventually decompose to improve the soil structure. Just make sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the plant, a common mistake that many homeowners make.
California fescue 46 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
Learn more about MBA member Pedersen Associates at marinba.org/ directory
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MBA BUILT
MBA BUILT MBA members come together to form a dream team for your next home improvement project Marin Builders Association (MBA) members are known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and stylish and innovative designs. So when MBA members team up on a project, the results are nothing short of stunning. Our new department, MBA Built, will feature our favorite of these collaborations and will share the behind-the-scenes stories of how the MBA builds. Whether they are building your dream home, a greencertified office, or community spirit, MBA members tackle the project with professionalism and expertise. MBA Built will showcase the diverse talents and creativity of the men and women who are proud to call themselves MBA members. PROJECT SUMMARY MBA member Kasten Builders led the development of this new 6,000-square-foot residence completed in September 2011. The project was extremely challenging due to site, constraints and a complex foundation and site plan. The driveway had to be widened in order for concrete trucks to access the site, and the foundation sub is credited for what he called “the most difficult foundation plan yet”. Exposed panelized formed concrete makes up the first level, with the second floor in copper siding and the third in integral color smooth stucco. No expense was spared on this the clients fourth and final custom residence.
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PROJECT CREDITS
General Contractor Kasten Builders kastenbuilders.com
Architect CCS Architecture ccs-architecture.com
Landscape Architect Studio Green studiogreen.com
Photography Paul Dyer dyerphoto.com
THE CREW MARIN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Golden State Lumber www.goldenstatelumber.com
Mill Valley Refuse www.millvalleyrefuse.com
Sun Iron Works www.sunironworksinc.com
CTW www.ctwdesigns.com
Herb’s Pool Service www.herbspoolservice.com
Mission Wood Products www.missionwood.com
Tamalpais Paint & Color www.tamalpaispaint.com
DeMello Roofing www.demelloroofing.com
Jacksons Hardware www.jacksonshardware.com
Northgate Garage Doors www.northgategaragedoor.com
Van Midde & Son www.vanmiddeconcrete.com
Fire Technologies (415) 457-6805
Marin Color Service www.marincolor.com
Powerhouse Building (415) 446-0188
Water Components www.watercomponents.com
Glass & Sash www.glassandsash.com
Marin Tree Service www.marintrees.com
Shamrock Materials www.shamrockmaterials.com
Weir/Andrewson Associates www.waassoc.com
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FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Richard DeRamon Redwood Credit Union
Protecting Your Finances
P
rotecting yourself from identity theft and fraud has been top of mind lately as news reports of major retailer data breaches and other financial scams continue to proliferate. There have always been and will always be thieves looking for opportunity, but there are simple steps you can take to protect your financial information.
Monitor your accounts. Actively monitoring your accounts is the most effective way to identify and prevent fraud. Online and mobile banking allow you to monitor activity in real time, so you can notify your financial institution immediately if you notice any suspicious transactions. At minimum, you should review your monthly checking and credit card statements and check your credit report annually, which you can do for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Set alerts. Many online banking systems allow you to set up alerts that notify you by text or email of certain account activity, such as ATM withdrawals, overseas fees, and daily or weekly balance updates to help you identify potential fraud. Protect your online activity. Use hard-to-guess passwords and change them frequently. Keep your computer operating system, browser, and antivirus software up to date. Check for SSL protection before conducting online transactions: look for “https” and the padlock symbol in the URL bar. Protect your offline activity. Shred any mail or documents that contain personal financial information. Sign up for automatic payments, online bill pay, and electronic statements to reduce the amount of paper that needs shredding.
Be cautious. Don’t share your personal, confidential information (such as account numbers, Social Security number, or passwords) with anyone. Be wary of incoming phone calls, texts, or emails that ask you to provide confidential information—a trusted financial institution will never request this information through these channels. Beware of lottery winnings or prizes for contests you didn’t enter, work-at-home offers, and other promises of easy money. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you notice any suspicious activity on your accounts, notify your financial institution right away. Redwood Credit Union offers additional tips on our website, and you can also learn more ways to protect yourself from fraud at www. stopfraud.gov and consumer.ftc.gov. Education is always the best defense in protecting yourself from frauds and scams.
Learn more about MBA member Redwood Credit Union at marinba.org/directory
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Bank From Almost Anywhere “RCU’s online & mobile services and tools make banking convenient for me and for my business.”
- Brooks Member since 2008
Full Service for All Your Financial Needs Switch today to experience the credit union difference and discover why over 230,000 of your North Bay neighbors choose Redwood Credit Union.
For people, not profit. 1 (800) 479-7928 redwoodcu.org Free Checking | Home, Business & Auto Loans | Credit Cards | Mobile & Online Banking 19 Locations to serve you in addition to 30,000 fee-free ATMs If you own a business, live or work in the 7 North Bay counties or San Francisco, you can switch & benefit from Redwood Credit Union! 19 locations throughout the North Bay & SF to serve you + 30,000 fee-free ATMS and extended hours Monday through Saturday! Deposits federally insured by NCUA, a U.S. government agency. We look forward to serving you!
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Diane Borden Woodruff-Sawyer & Co
Does Your Personal Insurance Coverage Need Some Spring Cleaning?
S
pring, it brings to mind fresh air, beautiful blooming flowers, and sun-filled days. It is also one of the best times to begin spring-cleaning your home. Whether it is a deep cleaning of the interior and exterior, upgrading your landscaping, revamping how you use your garage, or redecorating, these tasks can be daunting. Ultimately, the end result will be well worth the effort. By reorganizing and ridding your home of excess clutter, you’ll have a fresh start for the spring and summer. Shouldn’t you take the same fresh approach to understanding your personal insurance coverage? You’ve worked hard to obtain your home and personal property, and these assets should be protected to meet the needs of your family. Unfortunately, this insurance review is often not thought about until after there is a loss and coverage is no longer available. When was the last time you spoke to your agent about your personal insurance program or asked for a second opinion of your coverage and pricing? Has your
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insurance continued to renew as is, without any discussion on your home upgrades, lifestyle, or liability risks? Does your agent partner with multiple carriers so you are sure your program is competitive and has the coverage you need? If you are like most people, this hasn’t been done for some time. I urge you not to wait any longer. Take the time to go through this review so there are no surprises at the time of a loss. Ask yourself, are the limits shown on your home and personal property still adequate today? Have you taken pictures or a video of the interior contents of your home? At the time of a loss your insurance carrier will want to have proof you possessed the property you lost. Receipts and credit card statements are good to have, but very few keep this information in the long term. Taking pictures or a video of personal property in each room will help immensely when settling any loss. It will also help you remember what you had if there was a fire and all was lost. Is your jewelry, fine art, wine, or memorabilia covered properly?
There are limitations in coverage on most standard home policies if they are not scheduled separately. Depending on the value of your property, this endorsement is a nominal cost in comparison to the cost of not having comprehensive coverage. If you’d like to get a second opinion of your personal insurance portfolio, it would be my pleasure to help you. Woodruff-Sawyer partners with several insurance carriers and appraisal resources to make the review process effortless. Like a good spring-cleaning, ensuring your home and personal property have the highest quality coverage will provide peace of mind and a fresh start. This year, make reviewing your insurance a priority for you and your family. Your home is worth the time! Marin Home Magazine also shares several resource companies that can provide assistance with your spring-cleaning tasks.
Learn more about MBA member Woodruff -Sawyer & Co at marinba.org/directory
However you define value, we will help protect it.
Private Client Advisors: Securing Your Success For those of us with more to protect, premium insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Woodruff-Sawyer’s Private Client Advisors group helps you assess your risks and create a custom program that keeps your life simple while protecting your family, preserving your assets, maintaining your lifestyle and safeguarding the possessions you cherish most. Whether you need automobile, home, watercraft, special collections or umbrella liability insurance, we work diligently to find the company and products that best suit your specific needs. We proudly represent our clients by delivering outstanding service, highly rated products and program flexibility.
For more information, please contact Diane Borden at 415.878.2484 or dborden@wsandco.com.
Personal Insurance Services, Risk Management, Life Insurance Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. 50 California Street, Floor 12 San Francisco, CA 94111 Additional office locations in Novato, Irvine, Sacramento and Portland, OR. CA License 0329598 OR License 0100167994 AN ASSUREX GLOBAL & IBN PARTNER
www.wsandco.com/pca
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Beckie Menten Marin Clean Energy
Take Your Home from Yesterday to Tomorrow Switch on savings with home energy upgrades and low monthly payments.
T
he value of real estate in the Bay Area is finally on the rise again. So whether you’re planning to sell or simply looking forward to many more years in a more comfortable, more affordable, more valuable home, now is the perfect time to invest in energy upgrades—with a little help from this uniquely affordable home loan and some generous California energy rebates. Marin Clean Energy and First Community Bank have teamed up to create an innovative Green Home Loan program for projects up to $30,000, available to homeowners in Marin and Richmond. Qualifications for homeowners are easy, and the loan is both lowinterest and unsecured. Repayment goes directly through your PG&E bill, so it’s quick and easy to remember. And California is offering rebates up to $4,500 for qualifying projects. Home Energy Assessments A home assessment is the first step toward knowing the best ways to raise your home’s comfort and lower your energy costs. An energy professional will work with you to determine how much energy you use month to month, and to identify home saving and rebate opportunities. After receiving a full report from your energy
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professional, you’ll be able to use this information to take action, and you can earn rebates up to $300 to cover the cost of the energy assessment. To find a contractor and schedule your energy assessment today, call a home upgrade advisor at (866) 878-6008 or visit www.bayareaenergyupgrade.org. Choose Your Home Upgrade Projects Select the energy upgrade projects that are the most valuable and desirable to you. You can even use 30% of your Green Home Loan for non-energy projects on your wish list, like new counters or flooring. Get Loan-Qualified Qualification for the loan is quick and easy. If you’re a homeowner in Marin or Richmond with a FICO score of 640 or higher, with property taxes up-to-date and without liens or defaults, you’re definitely in the running.* The application process is easy, interest is low (varying from 6.931% to 7.871%), and the loan is unsecured. Once the loan is finalized and work begins, you repay the loan on your PG&E bill every month—so there’s no separate paperwork to keep track of.
A Host of Benefits Making home energy improvements is easier and more affordable than ever with Marin Clean Energy’s Green Home Loans and California energy rebates. Get free, expert energy advice, personalized customer support, and access to qualified contractors. Best of all, your home is more efficient. It’s more comfortable. It’s more valuable. It’s a place for your family to enjoy and treasure for years to come. Or to profit by, if selling is in your future. One thing is certain: there will never be a better—or more financially advantageous—time to upgrade your home’s energy systems.
Discover more about Marin Clean Energy at marincleanenergy.org
*Loan requirements: minimum FICO score of 640; proof of homeownership; property taxes current; no liens, judgments, notice of default, or other notices filed against the property being improved.
Upgrade your Home and Add Value
“Energy rebates AND a low-interest loan? I even got new counters!� Wish your home was more comfortable, valuable, affordable and efficient? It can be with our easy Green Home Loan and California energy rebates. For loans up to $30,000 and rebates up to $4,500, simply: n Get an in-home assessment from an energy expert n Pick your favorite projects n Qualify for your loan with a 640+ credit score*, then repay on your PG&E bill n Use up to 30% of your loan for other home projects of your choice Homeowners, get started today by calling your Home Upgrade Advisor. 1 (866) 878-6008 | mceCleanEnergy.org/home-loans
* Minimum FICO score of 640 plus: proof of homeownership; property taxes current; no liens, judgments, notice of default, or other notices filed against property being improved
home with Norman Charles Construction
www.normancharlesconstruction.com
For over 30 years, Norman Charles Construction has been dedicated to building some of the finest homes in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area. With the principle working directly on your project, NCC provides a personal service unmatched by larger, crowded firms.
Custom Cabinetry
Bathroom Sanctuary
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Open & Airy
Stunning Stairway
Well-Lit Well Lit Kitchen Kitchen
Architectural Details • Cabinetry • Fine Furniture Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish—online or from a mobile device.
Best of houzz 2014 - Client Satisfaction
TheLastInch.org
Wine Library
Get inspired. Find Marin Home on Houzz at houzz.com/pro/marinhome and Norman Charles Construction at houzz.com/pro/normancharles
photography provided by Norman Charles Construction
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MBA BULLETIN
MBA MEMBER MIXER At Big 4 Party Mixing it up with fellow MBA members and guests. Don’t miss the next opportunity. Visit marinba.org to learn more about our members, and check out the calendar for the next Marin Builders Association mixer.
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Clare Michael, Cari Pace Chuck Bradley, Suzie Weir, Linda Bradley Nicholas, Kevin Kearney Barbara Jones, Paula Krause Emily Wallace, Suzie Weir, Connie Slykas, Kim Roberts, Vanesa Beck, Rob Roberts Cody Hampton, Dan Walters, Stephen Craford J.C. Krause, Rena Barnett, Sam Barnett, Sean Maloney
photography by Trevor Henley
DESIGN/BUILD
ADDITIONS
REMODELS
NEW CONSTRUCTION
World-Class Craftsmanship since 1983. For 30 years we have brought together clients and superior craftsmen to turn vision into reality. We are platinum award winning green certified. Kerr Construction firmly believes proper planning prevents poor performance. Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Lic.# 615587
San Rafael | 15 Woodland Ave, Ste F | 415.456.5300 | kerr-construction.com
Whether you own a single family home, condominium, townhome or apartment complex, you can turn to PRANDI Property Management, Inc., CRMC® for over 30 years of experience. Consistently offering
Quality Craftsmanship and Superior Finishes CSLB #619941 B, C33
professional residential leasing and full-time property management services.
1321 Third Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 • (415) 482-9988 CalBRE# 00980159
415-892-8989 www.anellopainting.com 701 Delong Avenue, Ste. I, Novato, CA 94945
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MBA BULLETIN
MBA ANNUAL CRAB FEED At Margaret Todd Senior Center MBA members and local community leaders enjoyed a fun-filled evening while raising funds for the scholarship program. MBA has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since its inception. photography by Trevor Henley
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THANK YOU! HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Allied Administrators Bob Kunst Painting Cal West Rentals Ceramic Tile Design Dan Young Construction Golden State Lumber Heffernan Insurance Marin Color Service
Marin Roto-Rooter Marin Sanitary Service Mertel Carpets RPM Mortgage Schalich Bros. Construction Supervisor Steve Kinsey W.R. Forde
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SPECIAL SECTION LEFT: 1962 - Don Presco, MBA Founding President; Doug Roberts, Manager; John McInnis, Mayor of San Rafael; Walter Castro, Chairman Marin County Supervisors; Felix Warburg, Architect; Walt Meinberger, Contractor; Clyde Jones, Rafael Floors. RIGHT: Klif Knoles, former Executive Director of Marin Builders Association
BUILDING MARIN Marin Builders Association’s Executive Director Klif Knoles retires
I
n January 2014, after 16 years of service with the Marin Builders Association (MBA), 8 years as a board member and 8 years serving as Executive Director, building industry veteran Klif Knoles announced his retirement. The MBA’s recent history can be closely aligned with Klif’s participation in the organization.
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The MBA began on May 1, 1958, when the North Coast Board of Directors approved the Marin Membership’s request to form its own association. The keys to the original office at 35 Jordan Street in San Rafael were turned over, and the bylaws for the new organization were soon developed. The first Annual Meeting was held on June 11, 1958, with beer and pretzels on the house. Klif’s father was one of the charter members of the MBA, and Klif joined the MBA while working in the family construction business at the age of 18. In 2004, while serving as Board President Klif lead the MBA in the decision and purchase of a new building at 660 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael. The building was extensively remodeled into a state-of-the-art headquarters for the MBA, which includes an online planroom, training facility, Wi-Fi, and private offices for members. In August 2005, after more than 30 years in Marin County construction, Klif was
appointed Executive Director of the MBA. As Executive Director, Klif contributed to the development and implementation of the BERST collaborative, a Green Building Ordinance of Marin County, which raised the standard for sustainable construction. He also forged direct partnerships with the California Contractors State License Board and the Marin County District Attorney to curb unlicensed operators in an effort to protect Marin residents and their construction projects. Additionally, through collaborations with the Marin County Office of Education and the MBA’s own high school scholarship program Klif and the MBA invested in the future of our youth by awarding scholarships and encouraging apprenticeships with MBA members. Klif leaves behind a legacy of service to the MBA members and the Marin County community. The MBA’s future is bright as a result of its strong foundation.
Dreaming of a new deck? Take advantage of our fast approvals and competitive rates for Home Equity Lines of Credit. Now may be just the time to tap into the equity of your
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bankofmarin.com
MARKETPLACE
welcome to
MBA Marketplace
The Go-to Resource for the Home and Garden
Now it is even easier to find the right MBA member for your next home-improvement project. The MBA Marketplace highlights favorite projects from our members to help you envision your new and improved abode. It’s your go-to resource for all things home!
SPOOR MASONRY
415.457.3321 www.spoorstone.com 3095 Kerner Blvd., Ste W, San Rafael
REMPE CONSTRUCTION
415.897.9126 www.rempe.com 1020 Railroad Ave, Suite E, Novato
LANDMARK BUILDERS
NATAL MODICA CONSTRUCTION, INC.
FLOYD CONSTRUCTION, INC.
SPECIAL SECTION 64 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
415.883.5410 www.lmbuilders.com 42 Digital Dr. Ste 11, Novato
415.382.6554 www.nmodicaconstruction.com 25 Commercial Blvd. Suite J, Novato
415.485.0645 www.floydconstructioninc.com 714 C Street #207, San Rafael
ROSS PAINTING
BOUCHE PAINTING
WILKINSON DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
415.455.0766 www.rosspainting.com 4316 Redwood Hwy 200, San Rafael
415.933.2677 www.bouchepainting.com
415.785.7961 www.wilkinsondesign.net 72 Clayton St., San Rafael
MICHAEL REX ASSOCIATES
DAN YOUNG CONSTRUCTION, INC.
415.331.1400 www.michaelrexassociates.com 1750 Bridgeway, Suite B211 Sausalito
415.457.6797 www.dycmarin.com 1945 E. Francisco Blvd. #40, San Rafael
LAMPERTI CONTRACTING & DESIGN
415.454.1623 www.lampertikitchens.com 1241 Andersen Dr., San Rafael
SPECIAL SECTION MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 65
Your Local Plumbing Contractor For All Your Plumbing Needs Serving Marin County & Beyond for Three Generations
Service & Repair Drain Cleaning Line Locating New Construction/ Remodels Leak Inspection Sewer Video Inspection Backflow Testing
Free Estimate Available
(415) 479-0110
mba member | www.miketestaplumbing.com | lic. #519618
MLC MCLENNON LAW CORPORATION Counsel to the Construction Industry
– OVER 70 YEARS’ COMBINED EXPERIENCE – > CONSTRUCTION > INSURANCE > EMPLOYMENT Call
415.394.6688
> REAL ESTATE > CONTRACTS > MEDIATION > ARBITRATION > LITIGATION
275 Battery Street, Suite 1300 San Francisco, CA 94111
WWW.MCLENNONLAW.COM
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HOME RESOURCE GUIDE
The Marin Builders Association is proud of our publication Marin Home magazine — the essential home resource.
For more detailed information and member profiles go to: marinba.org/directory OR scan code.
We thank our members and business associates for advertising in our magazine and making this an informative tool for you and our community. Each issue includes qualified contractors, materials suppliers and service providers who are MBA members. This home resource guide is a useful tool to help with your home and professional needs. Look for it in each edition of Marin Home!
California Contractors State License Board License Classifications & Descriptions A General Engineering Contractor B General Building Contractor C Specialty Contractor (“C” Categories of C Classifications) C-2 - Insulation and Acoustical Contractor C-4 - Boiler, Hot Water Heating and Steam Fitting Contractor C-5 - Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor C-6 - Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor C-7 - Low Voltage Systems Contractor C-8 - Concrete Contractor C-9 - Drywall Contractor C10 - Electrical Contractor C11 - Elevator Contractor C12 - Earthwork and Paving Contractors C13 - Fencing Contractor C15 - Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors C16 - Fire Protection Contractor C17 - Glazing Contractor C20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor C21 - Building Moving/Demolition Contractor C23 - Ornamental Metal Contractor C27 - Landscaping Contractor C28 - Lock and Security Equipment Contractor C29 - Masonry Contractor C31 - Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor
marinba.org/directory
C32 - Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor C33 - Painting and Decorating Contractor C34 - Pipeline Contractor C35 - Lathing and Plastering Contractor C36 - Plumbing Contractor C38 - Refrigeration Contractor C39 - Roofing Contractor C42 - Sanitation System Contractor C43 - Sheet Metal Contractor C45 - Sign Contractor C46 - Solar Contractor C47 - General Manufactured Housing Contractor C50 - Reinforcing Steel Contractor C51 - Structural Steel Contractor C53 - Swimming Pool Contractor C54 - Ceramic and Mosaic Tile Contractor C55 - Water Conditioning Contractor C57 - Water Well Drilling Contractor C60 - Welding Contractor C61 - Limited Specialty ASB - Asbestos Certification HAZ - Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
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HOME RESOURCE GUIDE
Licensed Contractors, Materials Suppliers & Associated Services ACCOUNTING
ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS
Account Works 415.472.3946
Petersen Design Associates, LLC 415.883.3816
April 1st Design
BANKS & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
petersendesign.net Bank of Marin
510.502.4164
Art Wasserman & Company
Bilgart Design
Polsky Perlstein Architects
707.778.1320
415.847.3585
415.927.1156
wkcpas.com
bilgartdesign.com
polskyarchitects.com
Crossland Construction Accounting
Brock Wagstaff Architects
Spacial Design
559.281.6979
415.383.2160x102
spacialdesign.com
Eckhoff Accountancy Corp.
Studio Snaidero Bay Area Janus Design Consulting
415.332.1745
415.499.9400
415.456.1366
snaiderokitchens.com
eckhoff.com
bankofmarin.com
707.664.1900
rccabinetsandclosets.com
presidiobank.com Steinbach Cabinet Shop Redwood Credit Union
lic. 694518 C6
707.576.5276
415.453.7322
redwoodcu.org The Last Inch, Inc. Union Bank
lic. 980565 C6
415.446.1859
925.788.0806
unionbank.com
thelastinch.org
CONCRETE, ASPHALT, GRAVEL & SAND
415.956.4472
415.456.3939
415.459.1249
kenkaysf.com
sunrisehome.com
BLUEPRINTS
Kitchens By Ken Ryan
AUDIOVISUAL & LOW VOLTAGE
Northbay Reprographics
mahercpa.com
kitchensbykenryan.com
The Accounting Specialist
Lilypad Homes 415.250.9317
lic. 814767 C7
lilypadhomes.com
415.499.1400
highdefinitionhome.com
510.507.0313
Michael Rex Associates
APPLIANCES
martin-harris.com Standards of Excellence
lic. 984434
CABINETRY
707.291.4334
Aurora Cabinets & Countertops, Inc.
C.L.Y. Incorporated
lic. 288206 D12,D24
707.763.6981
lic. 690380 C8,B,A
SRS Custom Integration
415.472.4171
michaelrexassociates.com
lic. 815490 C7
auroracabinets.com
De La Montanya Trucking
415.446.4119
Neumann Sloat Blanco Architects, LLP
srscustomintegration.com
California Space Organizers, Inc.
707.765.0725
415.578.4800
SoundVision Systems
lic. 866993 D34
nsbllp.com
lic. 795575 C7
415.454.7477
Deluxe Shotcrete & Concrete Construction
415.456.7000
calspaceorganizers.com
lic. 808915 C8,A
415.453.6070
standardsofexcellence.com
Able Concrete Pumping
415.331.1400
Martin & Harris 415.454.2021
415.491.1112
northbayrepro.com High Definition Home Inc.
paychex.com
RC Cabinets & Closets
415.456.6000
Maher Accountancy
415.899.0203 X 30485
integraldesignwoodworking.com
lic. 985074 C6
Sunrise Home
415.897.3800
415.454.5025
Presidio Bank
Ken Kay Associates
Paychex
lic. 537763 C6
415.485.2265
415.457.3195
wagstaffarchitects.com
Integral Design
Pedersen Assocs. Landscape Architects 415.456.2070
svsf.com
707.568.1200
Gaidmore Furniture
deluxeshotcrete.com
415.884.2939
pedersenassociates.com
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marinba.org/directory
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE
707.546.3113
CONSTRUCTIONMANAGEMENT SCHEDULING & ESTIMATING A. Whitehill & Son
Mill Valley Refuse Service, Inc.
hannibalsinc.com
Dutra Materials 415.258.6876
415.999.1477
415.457.9760
I. Cannan Electric
millvalleyrefuse.com
lic. 736435 C10
Devincenzi Concrete Construction lic. 326998 C8
dutragroup.com
Marin Sanitary Service
Hannibal’s Inc. Electrical Construction
Royal Wholesale Electric
415.456.2601
marinsanitary.com
lic. 689576 C10
royalsr.com
415.457.4044
Dibble & Company Imbimbo Concrete, Inc.
415.488.4017
RV Stich Construction, Inc.
Pound Management Inc.
lic. 530135 A B,C21
510.653.0800
510.412.9070
lic. 638907 A,C8 650.991.3384
Marin Landscape Materials
poundmgt.com
415.897.1337
Ross Construction Services
Marelli Drywall
415.261.1590
lic. 705813 C9
cldrgravel.com
DRYWALL
Rich Readimix Concrete, Inc.
VHS Associates, Inc.
415.924.1040
415.256.2400
415.472.0967
vhsinc.com Shamrock Materials, Inc. 415.455.1575
shamrockmaterials.com
CREATIVE SERVICES, MARKETING & PR
Trush Construction Company, Inc.
And Them Design
lic. 514199 A,B
415.747.4345
415.331.0500
andthemdesign.com Paganini Enterprises
Van Midde & Son Concrete
Strom Electric, Inc. lic. 480976 C10,C36 415.453.1200
415.596.3676
Synapse Electric
icannanelectric.com
lic. 828101 C10 415.819.0668
synapseelectric.com Idex Global Services Inc. lic. 745981 C10
W. Bradley Electric, Inc.
415.482.4242
lic. 390741 C10,B,A,C46
idexglobal.com
415.898.1400
wbeinc.com Independent Electric Supply, Inc.
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
707.577.7900
North Bay Drywall & Plastering, Inc.
iesupply.com
lic. 292745 C9,C35,B
Johnson Electric
Arthur J. Lang Associates, Inc.
707.763.6819
lic. 899161 C10
415.883.3577
415.453.2325
Pat Trainor Drywall, Inc. lic. 795763 C9
trushconstruction.com
415.453.3570
415.456.3550
Buel Engineering MacQuarrie Electrical Services
415.491.0600
lic. 870994 C10
ILS Associates, Inc.
Sessi Drywall
707.260.4544
415.883.9200
lic. 541472 C9
macquarrieelectricalservices.com/
ilscels.com
415.472.6373
John C. Hom & Associates
415.897.7088
paganinienterprises.com
ELECTRICAL
Maltby Electric Supply Co.
DEBRIS BOXES, HAULING DEMOLITION
Artistic Lighting & Electric
415.453.8300
415.382.9500
Mike Brown Electric Company
Audac
lic. 306767 C10
510.215.0800
Grange Debris Box Service & Wrecking Co.
lic. 445578 C7
707.792.8100
vikingpavers.com
lic. 257220 C21
415.459.3095
mbelectric.com
415.456.2712
audacsystems.com
Project Management Services, LLC
Mike Mariani Electric, Inc.
415.827.1272
Decker Electric
R.W. Davis & Associates, Inc.
lic. 676584 C8 415.459.2530
vanmiddeconcrete.com
Whiteside Construction Corporation
grangebox.com
lic. 577719 A,B,D06
Industrial Carting
lic. 3779 C10
lic. 513657 C10
510.234.6681
707.585.0511
415.552.1522
415.485.0631
whitesideconstruction.com
deckerelectric.com Kies Strategies 415.209.0321
L.A. Stevens & Associates, Inc.
lic. 380928 C10
Viking Pavers, Inc. lic. 970281 D06
415.258.9027
415.382.7713
lastevensinc.com
415.883.9099
Redwood Electric Electrix
lic. 870103 C10
lic. 677633 C10
415.892.4900
rwdavis-survey.com
415.485.0777
eltrx.com
marinba.org/directory
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 69
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Ray Wrysinski, Civil Engineer
Portico Wealth
415.892.4874
porticowealth.com
415.925.8700
GARAGE DOORS & GATES Door Pros
Alan Taylor, General Contractor
Asbestos Control Center
lic. 451856 B
415.883.7856
415.892.8475
asbestoscontrolcenter.com
lic. 590867 A,B,HAZ,ASB
Via-Engineering, Inc.
Smart Receivables
lic. 958861 D28
415.774.6776
415.388.3990
415.717.7015
Allen Enterprises
B Street Builders
via-eng.com
smartreceivables.com
marindoorpros.com
lic. 881441 B
lic. 920746 B
415.671.9767
415.485.4400
Weir/Andrewson Associates
FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS
FENCING, DECKING & SIDING
Allied Restoration Co Inc
bstreetbuilders.com
lic. 345502 D28
lic. 969355 B
Empire Floors
415.897.2371
415.529.4001
Ballard Inc. dba Inspired Environments
lic. 504918 C15
jonesdoor.com
floodrepairmarin.com
lic. 513959 B
Northgate Garage Door, Inc.
Alten Construction, Inc.
415.485.9797
waassoc.com
Jones Garage Door Co., Inc.
707.525.1204
415.454.8000
inspired-environments. com
Clough Construction
Eureka Valley Floor Company
lic. 627224 D28
510.234.4200
lic. 516987 B
lic. 397118 C15
415.472.6004
altenconstruction.com
415.444.5554
415.479.1676
northgategaragedoors.com
Bay Area Moisture Control, Inc.
Altius Construction
lic. 726300 B
Floortex Design
GENERAL BUILDINGRESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, NEW & REMODEL
lic. 914976 B, C9, C35
415.884.0500
415.847.5304
altiusconstruction.com
bayareamoisturecontrol. com
Anthony Love
Bay County Builders, Inc.
lic. 970424 B
lic. 700683 B
38 Degrees North Latitude Builders, Inc.
415.686.8139
415.457.9962
lic. 838178 B
Anthony Vitale, General Contractor
Better Built Construction
lic. 515092 B
415.451.4786
415.455.9927
bbcconstruction.net
Antonis Construction Building & Painting
BG Construction
lic. 940470 B,C33
415.884.2180
cloughconstruction.com Kevin Marcinek, General Contractor
lic. 534583 B,C15
lic. 620203 B
floortexdesign.com
415.924.6545
415.898.9510
Giuliani Flooring, Inc. Marin County Sidewall
lic. 951628 C15
lic. 831184 D41
415.459.3276
707.778.8858
marincountysidewall.com
Mertel Carpets
415.459.1995
lic. 414490 C15
FINANCIAL & MERCHANT SERVICES
415.479.2180
A.E. Nelson Construction
mertelcarpets.com
lic. 364212 B,C36 707.636.1750
Pacificontract Advance Business Services
lic. 682766 C15
415.203.4247
pacificontract.com
415.258.9966
aenelsonconstruction.com Abacus Group Builders, Inc.
lic. 705713 A,B
lic. 800744 B
lic. 676193 B
707.280.5740
antonisconstruction.com
lic. 522340 B
BHM Construction, Inc. lic. 903191 B
California Mortgage Advisors, Jeff Grady
Pengelly Flooring
415.927.0667
Aquatech Consultancy, Inc.
707.643.4580
lic. 849856 C15
abacusgb.com
lic. 809853
bhmconstruction.com
415.451.4888
415.272.0585
B,C39,C15,C33, D51 415.884.2121
Bruce F. Goudie
noleak.com
lic. 498165 B
Rafael Floors
Advanced Engineering Sales, Inc. dba AES Construction
lic. 178605 C15
lic. 775170 2/28/14
Arntz Builders, Inc.
David White & Associates
415.456.3656
415.507.9373
lic. 727072 B,ASB
Build It Construction
925.277.2600
rafaelfloors.com
advengr.com
415.382.1188
lic. 720386 B
arntzbuilders.com
415.378.0793
bcpfloors.com Christopher Harney 925.979.2325
dwassociates.com
415.453.3863
Richard Tourte
Adventures In Production
James L. Arrigoni
lic. 651671 C15
lic. 943457 B
Arrington Construction
Burns Builders
415.847.3131
707.664.8137
415.602.4742
lic. 810317 B
lic. 871010 B
aipgc.com
415.460.1607
415.272.7751
70 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
marinba.org/directory
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Cal-Custom Construction
Creatively Built, Inc.
Hayes & Associates
lic. 977600 B,C36
Diego Quality Construction
Gaetani Construction
lic. 375536 B,ASB
lic. 490550 B
lic. 817836 B
415.897.8445
707.781.9702
lic. 544509 B
415.332.2857
415.892.3464
creativelybuilt.com
707.765.6169
Caletti Jungsten Construction
Gazzoli Construction Crescent Builders
DNL Builders
lic. 922738 B
Hennessey Construction, Inc.
lic. 549463 B
lic. 822594 B
lic. 872590 B
415.847.1811
lic. 727282 B
415.381.3162
415.454.1313
707.495.2950
gazzoli.biz
415.459.6497
calettijungsten.com
buildwithcrescent.com
dnlbuilders.com German Construction
hennesseyconstruction. com
Cartwright Construction
Cypress Homes Inc./ H-Y-H Corporation
Doug Monti Construction
lic. 836405 B
lic. 626464 B
lic. 387703 B
415.937.5672
415.453.7651
lic. 974792 B
415.453.1380
info@germanconstruction. biz
415.383.1848
CDK Builders Inc.
Dreamline Builders D&H Construction
lic. 944848 B
415.497.6317
lic. 693883 B
415.320.4358
Glen Rupiper Construction
510.237.7883
dreamlinebuilders.net
lic. 432984 B
dh-construction.com
billhitchcockconstruction. com
707.849.2096
Hoffmann Construction, Inc.
Elmack
lic. 401466 B,C10,A
lic. 396116 B 415.602.8464
lic. 644649 B
CF Contracting
Hitchcock Construction Co.
415.721.7160
D&R Construction
lic. 472841 B
Global Modular
lic. 414423 B
cfcontracting.com
lic. 533707 B
415.388.1293
lic. 837357 B
415.897.7263
707.792.0818
elmackcabinetry.com
559.665.5800
Dan Young Construction, Inc.
Envision Builders, Inc. lic. 736487 B
Gordon Walker Builders
707.766.9466
lic. 760173 B
415.453.2370
lic. 562356 B
horickbuilders.com
415.457.6797
envisionbuilders.com
415.457.1184
Daniel Holleran
ESM Enterprise General Contractor
Gubbins Building Company, Inc.
lic. 351427
lic. 352891 B
lic. 788512 B
Cherokee Construction
A,B,C10,C20,C36
415.383.9698
415.457.1576
lic. 427589 B
415.897.2322
bathroomsandkitchenstoo. com
Hoytt Inspection Services Inc.
Hal-Co, Inc.
lic. 493676 B
lic. 714971 B
415.897.9517
Fairway Design & Construction, Inc.
415.254.6822
hoyttinspect.com
Chalstrom Builders Inc. lic. 602728 B 415.461.2912
Charles Melin, General Contractor
lic. 825511 B
Howard Scanlan
dycmarin.com
lic. 311858 B 415.461.2416
Horick Builders, Inc.
gdvi.net
510.222.1689
Dennis Webb Construction
lic. 402434 B 415.488.4037
Christopher Clark Contracting
lic. 821554 B
lic. 373692 B
denniswebbconstruction. com
lic. 923234 B
Hammond & Company
415.328.3272
415.455.2468
lic. 657344 B
Huts and Castles a Construction Co. Inc.
707.795.6045
lic. 703981 B,C36,A
Conroy Builders
Desmond & Wallace Inc.
Floyd Construction, Inc.
hammondfinehomes.com
415.883.9209
lic. 867185 B
lic. 782179 A,B
lic. 365653 A,B
415.577.9064
707.795.7443
415.485.0645
conroybuilders.com
desmondwallace.com
floydconstructioninc.com
415.505.3562
hutsandcastles.com Harte Building & Design, Inc.
Imperial Contracting
lic. 776625 B
lic. 830273 C33,B,ASB
415.381.6068
415.798.3911
Contra-Spect, Ltd.
Diego Brothers, Inc.
lic. 491125 B
lic. 419030 A,B
Fontana Construction Inc.
707.762.3302
415.472.5967
lic. 487928 B
Hartnett Construction
diegobrosinc.com
415.457.1290
lic. 888773 B
fontanaco.com
415.816.5046
Crabtree Construction
icppa.com J.W. Tuttle Contractor Inc.
lic. 693280 B
lic. 983150 B
415.640.8617
310.850.4139
marinba.org/directory
MARIN HOME  S P R I N G 2 0 1 4  71
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Jack Mosher Construction, Inc.
JW Rigney Construction Inc.
Lucas Valley Designs
Meylan Construction, Inc.
Pete Niederberger & Sons
lic. 645290 B
lic. 490355 B
lic. 590486
415.225.8230
lic. 680456 B
415.924.4170
415.457.0713
415.609.0773
jwrigney.com Jamba Construction, Inc.
lic. 524069 B
415.256.1620
MW General Contracting
meylanconstruction.com
lic. 740644 B
Plath & Co. lic. 395458 B
lic. 897278
Karkabi Construction
415.383.0667
Michael L. King
415.460.1575
415.435.4481
lic. 593092 B
mwgc.com
lic. 544919 B
plathco.com
jambaconstruction.com
415.459.2401
James E. Wilson Construction
Kasten Builders
Maloney Construction, Inc.
Mill Valley Builders, Inc.
lic. 797313 B
lic. 362773 B
lic. 959104 B,A
lic. 957090 B,C17,D24
415.446.0188
lic. 449978 B,A
415.897.4500
415.277.5977
415.332.6035
415.883.2969
kastenbuilders.com
maloneyconstruction.net
millvalleybuilders.com
Precision General Commercial Contractors
James G. Lino Construction
KCK Builders, Inc.
Mariner Homes, Inc.
Mondot & Co.
lic. 790153 B
lic. 810315 A,B
lic. 905103 B
lic. 662970
415.332.8390
lic. 442777 B
415.559.9312
415.789.5846
415.279.5007
precisiongc.com
Kelly Pacific Construction
415.924.9746
Powerhouse Building, Inc.
415.663.1939
Radco & Associates Inc.
lic. 346196 B
Mariposa Contractors Inc.
Murray Building
James S. Young Construction
lic. 646709 B,A, LEED AP
lic. 410936 B,A
415.464.0900
lic. 831986 B
707.939.9001
415.924.6105
lic. 703863 B,C6
kellypacific.com
415.431.3000
415.717.6061
James W. Josephs & Company
Kerr Construction, Inc. lic. 615587 B
Massa Construction Company
415.456.5300
lic. 359012 B
kerr-construction.com Kor General Contracting
radcoandassociates.com Natal Modica Construction, Inc. lic. 844317 B
Ravano & Cooney Construction
lic. 344050 A,B
415.382.6554
lic. 689239 B
415.459.0400
nmodicaconstruction.com
415.431.3000
Max Design & Construction
New Dimension
Rempe Construction
lic. 351692 B
lic. 791439 B
lic. 453554 B
415.454.2461
lic. 720207 B
415.381.5485
415.897.9126
415.883.6291
ndmarin.com
rempe.com
McDevitt Construction Partners Inc.
Nichelini & Sons, Inc.
Rivas Building Group
415.420.3185
lic. 339365 B
lic. 699671 B
Jeffrey Novak General Contractor, Inc.
kunstbaukdb.com
lic. 969483
415.485.6791
415.999.5927
707.763.3000
nichsons.com
lic. 508578 B
Lamperti Contracting & Design
mcdevittandmcdevitt.com
lic. 600412 B
415.454.8499
jamesjosephs.com Jeff Hicks Construction lic. 345479 B 415.383.2080
Kunstbau & Kids
jeffhicks.com
lic. 896053 B
415.892.7713
John A. Young, Builder
415.454.1623
McGuire & Sons Construction
lic. 288052 B,C10
lampertikitchens.com
lic. 346397 B
415.488.4971
Land Construction John C. Hill Construction
lic. 790903 B
lic. 851479 B
415.457.2335
Robert Curry Construction O’Rielly Construction
lic. 663287 B
lic. 459037 B
415.898.2243
707.933.8131
Robert E. Randig
415.454.2719
Pagan Construction, LLC
lic. 506873 B
mcguireandsonsconstruction.com
lic. 464896 B
415.479.3163
415.457.4170
paganconstruction.com
Landmark Builders
Merritt-Nelson Custom Builders
John Pope, Inc.
lic. 474421 B
lic. 672337 B
Pennypacker/Drake Home Building Inc.
lic. 467171 B,A,ASB
415.883.5410
707.584.1813
lic. 754794 B
415.497.5948
lmbuilders.com
415.215.9188
72 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
Rodoni Construction lic. 410338 B 415.663.9223
415.488.0647
marinba.org/directory
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Rogers Remodel, Inc.
Stroub Construction
Von Der Werth, Inc.
Wyatt Construction
Harris Environmental
lic. 839810 B
lic. 489037 B
lic. 330299 C13,B
lic. 825045 B
lic. 359130 A,B
415.328.0047
415.331.0621
415.388.7516
415.577.3999
415.868.9669
rogersremodelinc.com
stroubconstruction.com
RPB Construction, Inc.
Structural Integrity
lic. 570798 B
lic. 504423 A,B,ASB
lic. 578269 B
415.457.3706
415.331.2226
415.730.8985
shidelerskyvara.com
rpbconstruction.us
structuralintegrity.biz
S.L.M. Builders
T.H. Eller Construction
lic. 354958 B
All Terrain, Inc.
lic. 876587
lic. 718948 B
lic. 579465 B
415.435.8182
lic. 827896 A,B
A,C21,ASB,HAZ
707.795.4177
415.488.9865
415.459.1488
415.460.2100
wyattconstruction.com W.M.S. Construction
Hillside Drilling, Inc.
GENERAL ENGINEERING, GRADING, PAVING & UNDERGROUND
Weiss Company, Inc.
West Bay Builders, Inc.
slmbuilders.com
lic. 399932 B
Tembrock-Ingrassia Builders dba Bayside Builders
707.795.6595
lic. 957514 B
S.R. Allied Builders, Inc.
westbaybuilders.com
510.234.6532
hillsidedrilling.com JS Company
allterraininc.com Lee Mechanical, Inc.
lic. 626859 B,A,C17 415.456.8972
lic. 478991 A
Central Valley Environmental
lic. 571894 A 415.883.4450
lic. 913083 A,B
415.884.8078
Whitcomb Construction
707.584.1900
Sandra Bird Custom Kitchens
bayside-builders.com
lic. 690549 B
cvalleyenvironmental.com
lic. 460795 B
Tim Walsh Builders
415.927.1171
lic. 350371 B
sandrabird.com
415.381.9806
lic. 477476 A
415.382.0687
whitcombconstruction. com
Linscott Engineering Contractors Inc.
Farallon Company
415.492.1755
lic. 827633 A,B,C33
linscottinc.com
415.892.7760
timwalshbuilders.com
Wick Brothers Construction
faralloncompany.com
Schalich Bros. Construction Inc.
Maggiora & Ghilotti, Inc.
Tom Ganley Construction
lic. 481077 B
lic. 514664 B
415.488.9581
Forster Pump & Engineering, Inc.
lic. 226767
lic. 497493 B 415.382.7733
415.444.5548
lic. 426152
415.459.8640
Wilkinson Design & Construction
A,B,C27,C55,C57
maggiora-ghilotti.com
lic. 564598 B
forsterpump.com
Michael Paul Company, Inc.
schalichbrosconstruction. com
Tom J. Collins Construction
A,B,C8,C12,C21,42,32,34
415.459.4770
Scott Kaplan
lic. 499170 B
415.786.7961
lic. 467868 B
415.925.4000
wilkinsondesign.com
Gannett Fleming Project Development Corp.
lic. 386001
Tom Redmond Construction Inc.
William G. Taylor Construction Corp.
lic. 783100 A,B
707.769.1006
lic. 434609 B
lic. 853924 B
gfnet.com
415.892.9918
415.407.1764
415.453.8582
Steere Building & Woodworking lic. 744002 B
415.384.0822
Nerviani Paving, Inc. lic. 564392 A
Ghilotti Bros., Inc.
415.388.4616
A,B,C12,C34,C42
415.454.2662
Wine Country Builders, Inc.
lic. 132128
Sterling & Company
Tomrose Construction, Inc.
lic. 763980 B
A,C8,C12,C21,C42,HAZ
Redwood Engineering
lic. 353136 B,C2,C17
lic. 605439 B
707.935.7474
415.454.7011
lic. 456790 A,HAZ
415.459.1511
707.763.4001
ghilottibros.com
415.435.0768
sissco.com
tomroseconstruction.com
Wintergreen Enterprises, Inc.
Travis Remodeling
lic. 338175 B
Ghilotti Construction Company
Robison Construction
Steve Moylan Construction
lic. 493670 B
415.435.5200
lic. 644515
707.769.4747
lic. 380100 B
415.883.8177
villadorohomes.com
A,C8,C12,C21,C42,HAZ
707.538.4676
travisremodeling.com Womack Construction lic. 478379 B
lic. 701379 A
707.585.1221
Sunshine Construction
ghilotti.com
lic. 315245 A,C21,C27 415.479.5566
415.898.3151
marinba.org/directory
MARIN HOME  S P R I N G 2 0 1 4  73
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Team Ghilotti, Inc. lic. 895384 A,HAZ
Allen Heating & Sheet Metal
707.763.8700
lic. 211831
teamghilotti.com
C2,C20,C43,D35
Thornton Paving Inc.
Sander, Jacobs Cassayre Insurance
Irrigation Repair Service
707.254.4840
415.924.4126
lic. 328638 C27
sanderjacobs.com
415.924.2425
George Family Enterprises Inc.
allenheating.com
lic. 634157 B,C2
Wise Insurance Agency
lic. 814207 C27,A
415.884.0399 ext. 230
415.258.9912
707.588.8677
gfeinc.com
wiseinsuranceagency.net
lic. 382817 A 415.453.2324
INSULATION ACOUSTICAL
Bay City Mechanical, Inc.
Neary Landscape
Tuatagaloa Contracting
C20,C43,C36,C4
SDI Insulation
Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.
North Bay Landscape Management, Inc.
lic. 699547 A,HAZ
510.233.7000
lic. 607274 C2,D65,D34,B
415.878.2466
lic. 723370 B,C27
866.824.8077
baycitymech.com
650.685.5500
wsandco.com
707.762.3850
lic. 645126
sdi-insulation.com Turbin Design Associates 415.373.9472
Bayside HVAC Products LLC
wtdastructural.com
415.333.5099
baysidehvac.com Valentine Corporation 415.453.3732
Downing Heating & Air Conditioning
valentinecorp.com
lic. 644720 C20
lic. 229225 A,B
northbaylandscape.com
LANDSCAPING INSURANCE Bolds Insurance Brokerage
Outdoor Environments Anthony Bertotti Landscaping Inc.
lic. 707006 C27
lic. 373488 B,C27,A
outdoor-environs.com
707.795.0605
415.485.1700
707.559.7077
bolds.com
bertotti.com
415.485.1011
Craford Benefit Consultants
Bauman Landscape & Construction
415.328.4649
Fitzpatrick’s Heating & Air Conditioning
415.456.9790
lic. 372478 A,C27
The Land Collaborative
A,C12,B,C8,C21,C42
craford.com
415.447.4800
lic. 954204 C27
707.763.2407
lic. 371959 C20
baumanland.com
415.472.5500
wkmclellan.com
415.457.0607
W.K. McLellan Company lic. 240701
Salazar Cal Cities lic. 820057 C27
Don Ramatici Insurance, Inc.
Bortolussi & Watkin, Inc.
thelandcollaborative.com
LATHING & PLASTERING
W.R. Forde Associates
Kelly Company
707.782.9200
lic. 962905 C27
lic. 814744 A,B,C21
lic. 521529 C20
ramaticiins.com
415.453.4675
510.215.9338
415.258.0757
Ongaro & Sons
George Petersen Insurance Agency
Dan Fix Landscape Construction
Frey Plastering, Inc.
Westward Builders Inc. lic. 327365 B,A
lic. 215233 C36,C4,C20
707.360.4117
lic. 553804 C27
415.897.4510
415.459.2130
415.454.7400
gpins.com
415.453.1604
ongaroandsons.com Wildcat Engineering
danfixlandscape.com
lic. 951203 A
Patriot Mechanical Inc.
Heffernan Insurance Brokers
707.763.3001
lic. 774738 C20,C43
wildcateng.com
415.444.0888
lic. 324866 C9,C35
Weber Plastering, Inc. lic. 194445 C35 415.459.4707
707.789.3072
Efrain’s Landscape Construction
heffins.com
lic. 785310 C27
LEGAL
415.472.2496
HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & SHEET METAL
Simpson Sheet Metal, Inc.
Herb Moran
lic. 416913 C20,C43
415.613.5770
707.576.1500
simpsonsheetmetal.com Aaero Heating & Sheetmetal
Trahan Bros. Inc.
lic. 278370 C20,C43
lic. 774154 C20,C43
415.897.4187
J.B. Shea Insurance Agency
efrainslandscape.com
Flynn, Riley, Bailey & Pasek, LLP
Forster & Kroeger Landscape Maintenance
415.461.1000
flynn-williams.com
lic. 748791 C27
H. Lee Evans
415.661.4777
415.456.6684
415.457.5541
John Reuscher, ChFC Foothill Securities
Frank Bidaurreta Landscape Contractor
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Verde Metals Inc.
415.892.9500
lic. 446356 C8,C27
415.925.8400
lic. 635429 C43,C20
reuscher.com
415.459.6429
hansonbridgett.com
aeroheating.com
707.996.9238
415.454.9007
74 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
marinba.org/directory
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE James D. Rohde
DHC Supplies Inc. 707.588.9406
London Chimney Services, Inc.
Pacific Gas & Electric
415.472.4140
415.264.4005
Novato Chamber of Commerce
dhcsupplies.com
lic. 500490 D34
pge.com
415.897.1164
PG&E
Redwood Empire Chapter
209.932.2518
707.765.1050
pge.com
necanet.org
415.519.2510
Ross Valley Maintenance and Supply
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
415.939.1669
415.454.4163
MOVING & STORAGE
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
Kate Warner; Construction Lawyer
415.380.0330
Fairfax Lumber & Hardware Company
londonchimney.com
lic. CA BAR 112167 415.457.7977
415.453.4410
Marshall Foster Masonry
katewarnerlaw.com
fairfaxlumber.com
lic. 277004 C29
Law Office of Daniel Gamer
Golden State Lumber Inc. 415.454.2532
Petty Masonry Inc.
415.472.6655
goldenstatelumber.com
lic. 416140 C29
Mark J. Rice, Esq. 415.472.3434
Goodman Building Supply
msrwlaw.com
415.388.6233
415.898.2200
McLennon Law Corporation
goodmanbuildingsupply. com
Spoor Masonry & Tile, Inc.
Farnsworth Mayflower
lic. 387721 C54
415.459.6683
415.457.3321
farnsworthmayflowermoving.com
spoorstone.com
415.394.6688
Jackson’s Hardware, Inc.
mclennonlaw.com
415.454.3740
Castaneda Iron Works
Ferguson Safety Products
415.924.7144
lic. 964236 C23
Marin Building Supply
831.458.0202
fordestorage.com
510.234.4734
415.472.1410
fergusonsafety.com
The Garber Law Firm garberlaw.com The Nelson Defense Firm
Mead Clark Lumber Co., Inc.
Post Street Occupational Medicine
707.576.3333
415.945.1304
meadclark.com
poststreetoccmed.com
415.388.4606
nelsondefense.com
Rafael Lumber Company
castanedairon.com
NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING
Onspot Welding & Design, Inc.
Marin Independent Journal
lic. 620205 C60
415.382.7297
onspotwelding.com
415.382.1091
MISCELLANEOUS
marinij.com
Energy Calc Company
ORGANIZATIONS
Sun Iron Works, Inc.
415.453.3043
LOCK & SECURITY Marin Lock and Safe lic. 550775 D16
ORNAMENTAL & STRUCTURAL STEEL
Forde’s Larkspur Self Storage
Parton/Sell/Rhoades
510.588.7550
smw104.org
MEDICAL - SAFETY
jacksonshardware.com 415.258.9700
707.763.6676
MASONRY, FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS
415.457.0990
energycalcco.com
415.453.7562
Carpenters Local #35
sunironworksinc.com
415.453.9236
Gary Frugoli
415.456.4346
lic. 231854 C60,C51
PAINTING, DECORATING, & WATERPROOFING
415.717.1160
Redwood Security Systems, Inc.
Bay Heritage Home Improvement, Inc. dba Hearth & Home of Marin
Marin City Community Development
Indian Valley Golf Club
415.339.2837
lic. 426887 C7,C10
lic. 827357 B,C33,D34
415.897.1118
marincitycdc.org
415.388.5355
415.479.2876
ivgc.com
Anello Painting and Construction
redwoodsecurity.com
hearthandhomeofmarin. com
Marin Country Club
lic. 619941 C33, B
Lynch & Sons
415.382.6712
415.892.8989
415.459.9823
marincountryclub.com
anellopainting.com
Manuel Vasquez Landscaping
North Bay NARI
Bob Kunst Painting, Inc.
415.258.2873
lic. 346191 C33
415.499.0419
northbaynari.org
415.457.0100
LUMBER, HARDWARE, & TOOLS
Jim Nichelini Masonry lic. 302025 B,C29 415.897.7543
Adobe Lumber, Inc. 707.647.2100
Joe J. Pedroli & Son, Inc.
adobelumber.com
lic. 396345 C29
bobkunstpainting.com
415.459.6475
marinba.org/directory
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 75
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE PLAYGROUNDS
Grier Argall Plumbing, Inc.
415.479.7773
Community Playgrounds, Inc.
lic. 736901 C36
lic. 362950 A,D34
lic. 550449 C33
Perpetual Motion Painting, Inc.
415.892.8100
Hardiman Construction
415.898.3452
lic. 659640 C33
communityplaygrounds. com
lic. 611970 A
PLUMBING & FIRE PROTECTION
Harry Lee Plumbing
Boeck & Associates Painting Company
J&R Thompson, Inc.
Pallavicini Painting
lic. 736414 C33
lic. 722069 C33
lic. 531284 C33
415.892.6030
J.B. Markel Painting
415.491.1702
boeckpaint.com Bouche Painting lic. 937683 C33 415.933.2677
bouchepainting.com
415.897.8974
Jerry Thompson & Sons Painting, Inc.
perpetualmotionpainting. com
lic. 684610 C33,B
Brescia-Stone Painting, Inc.
415.457.0748
415.847.0010
lic. 430685 C36
415.454.1500
Robert Walther Painting
jtspainting.com
lic. 910245 C33
ASAP Plumbing, Inc.
415.482.6679
lic. 676623 C36
Marin Mechanical, Inc.
415.492.8769
lic. 749299
lic. 830454 C33
415.479.1854
415.898.0388
John Seidler Painting
bsptg.com
lic. 699739 C33
Ross Painting
415.328.0069
lic. 526659 C33
B&W Plumbing, LLC
415.455.0766
lic. 411936 C36
rosspainting.com
415.868.9641
707.795.4955
Sequoia Painting Inc.
Baswell Plumbing
415.479.0110
kbipaint.com
lic. 859331 C33
lic. 433698 C36
miketestaplumbing.com
415.310.1269
415.897.7977
Kelly-Moore Paint Co., Inc.
Tamalpais Paint & Color
Burkell Plumbing, Inc.
lic. 983208 B, C20, C36
415.897.5151
415.924.7321
lic. 417360
415.578.2172
DeGregory Painting and Decorating
kellymoore.com
tamalpaispaint.com
C16,C36,C4,C20
oconnellplumbing.com
lic. 576764 C33,B
Kunst Bros. Painting Contractors, Inc.
Tim Kerrigan Painting
lic. 256121 C33
415.898.4911
Cap’s Painting Company lic. 430041 C33
KBI Painting, Inc.
415.243.8242
lic. 944475 C33
David Freeman Painting lic. 503987 C33 707.996.3199
davidfreemanpainting.com
415.456.9889
C36,C4,A,C46,B 415.485.4472
Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. lic. 519618 C36,C16
O’Connell Plumbing
415.332.3091
burkell.com
lic. 715319 C33
Pace Supply 415.454.8282
City Front Plumbing
pacesupply.com
Division 7
415.456.4044
lic. 594303 B,C33
kunstbros.com
Universal Protective Coatings
415.454.6737
Pedro Femenia & Sons, Inc.
Marin Color Service, Inc.
415.457.9800
universalprotectivecoatings.com
Denny’s House of Plumbing
lic. 392227
415.453.4065
lic. 504967 C36
415.383.7473
707.769.7771
division7waterproofing.com Gaidano & Sons Painting & Decorating
marincolor.com
lic. 833585 B,C33
Mikkelsen Painting
415.482.6055
lic. 645552 C33
gaidanopainting.com
415.382.3300
Giampolini & Company
lic. 443156 C36
415.479.1655
PEST CONTROL
Ferguson 415.924.3200
North Marin Painting, Inc.
lic. 920570 B
415.673.1236
lic. 702759 C33,B
marintermite.com
lic. 650541 C33
Naturworks Pest Control
Pac West Painting Inc.
grantpainting.com
lic. 460208 C36
R.H. Hydronics lic. 951610 C4
Fire Technologies
415.250.8133
lic. 570216 C16,C36
greenheating.us
415.457.6805
Roman’s Plumbing
415.460.6900
415.458.2956
Plumbing Repair Specialists 415.453.6682
415.456.9620
415.892.0199
northmarinpainting.com
dennyshouseofplumbing. com
Marin Termite Control Co. Inc.
lic. 322282 C33,C35,C9
Grant Painting
C4,C16,C20,C36
lic. 952842 C36
lic. 848109 C33,B
Gotelli Plumbing Company
415.457.0724
lic. 254603 C36,C16
romansplumbing.net
707.971.0353
415.457.1145
gotelliplumbing.com
76 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
marinba.org/directory
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Roto-Rooter Plumbers lic. 288461 C36,C42 415.898.2700
rotorooter.com Roy’s Sewer Service, Inc.
REAL ESTATE, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
Samsons Enterprises
McLeran, Inc.
Davis Sign Company, Inc.
415.883.5527
lic. 474230 C39
lic. 831319 D42
415.456.7663
415.457.4091
Seadrift Realty
dscsigns.com
415.868.1791
Morris Roofing Company lic. 259426 C39
Ares Commercial Properties
seadriftrealty.com
lic. 491815 C42 415.892.5480
415.899.1590
Vincent Sheehan / Remax Vision
morris-roofing.com
Rubenstein Supply Company
Cal Pox, Inc.
BRE 00572798
415.457.8850
415.899.9990
Northbay Roofing & Gutters, Inc.
therightbroker.com
lic. 834387 C43,C39
415.454.1174
rubensteinsupply.com
Caro Asset Management, Inc.
Todd Morris Fire Protection
415.899.1500
lic. 978422 C16
Carol Munson / Alain Pinel
415.454.7919
toddmorrisfireprotection. com
DRE 02046676 415.286.0120
SOLAR
415.454.6066
RGS Energy lic. 976876 C46, B 415.295.4950
rgsenergy.com
707.529.7774
Solarcraft
Wendy Aronson Property Management
northbayroofinggutters.com
lic. 497797 B,C10,C46,
415.730.4455
Northern Pacific Roofing
415.382.7717
lic. 812250 C39,B
solarcraft.com
RENTAL, EQUIPMENT & EVENTS
C35
415.456.3482
northernpacficroofing.com
Sun First, Inc. lic. 669250 B,C46
Steve Janney Roofing, Inc.
415.458.5870
Big 4 Party Rentals
lic. 511545 C39,C33
sunfirstsolar.com
415.258.9676
apr.com Water Components & Building Supply, Inc.
DMH Land Use Planning
415.927.9100
415.451.1780
415.457.0525
big4party.com
STAFFING & HUMAN RESOURCES
Cal-West Rentals Inc.
Wilson’s Plumbing
Hendrickson Development Inc.
Superior Roofing & Gutter Co.
707.763.5665
lic. 956499 B,C39
CLP Resources, Inc.
lic. 623217 C36
415.507.0752
calwestrentals.com
415.491.1144
415.446.7000
roofingmarin.com
clp.com
watercomponents.com
415.457.6941
wilsonsplumbing.info
Jeremy Forcier Guaranteed Rate Mortgage
ROOFING Wedge Roofing, Inc.
Larry C. Levy, Consultant
PRINTING
707.789.9023
Allied Building Products
lic. 416737 C39,C2,C43,B
415.892.1497
707.584.7599
888.763.7663
Unicorn Group
guaranteedrate.com/ jeremyforcier
alliedbuilding.com
wedgeroofing.com
employeerelationsmanagement.com
MacPhail Properties, Inc.
Brandon Riedel Roofing
SCAFFOLDING
SWIMMING POOL
415.482.1604
lic. 878480 C39
M.J. Buttler Incorporated lic. 674446 B,D39
Herb’s Pool Service & Construction, Inc.
415.457.3917
lic. 273969 D35
415.492.2222
unicornprintmail.com
PROPANE & BUTANE De Carli’s Petaluma Butane Distributor
415.320.0647
Melissa Bradley Real Estate
De Mello Roofing
415.531.3567
lic. 290726 C39,D41
bradleyrealestate.com
415.456.0741
demelloroofing.com
707.762.4511
Nancy M. Marion McPhail Fuel Co.
415.485.3760
herbspoolservice.com
TILE & STONE
Henris Roofing Company lic. 220964 C39
Bruce Enterprises
Ceramic Tile Design
Rockport Land Corp.
707.763.1535
lic. 742358 C32
415.485.5180
707.775.4554
henrisroofing.com
707.781.9686
ceramictiledesign.net
707.285.3525
mcphails.com
415.479.4040
SIGNAGE & PARKING AREA STRIPING
bruce-enterprises.com RPM Mortgage
Herb Dorzynski/Johns Manville
CTW Designs
415.381.5550
rpm-mtg.com/dpomilia
925.301.5535
ctwdesigns.com
415.883.8861
jm.com
marinba.org/directory
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 77
HOME RESOURCE GUIDE Galliani Tile Company lic. 651146 B,C54
Pat Lepe’ Custom Interior Sewing
Mueller Mirror & Glass Inc.
415.798.0388
415.883.8200
lic. 462285 C17
patlepedesign.com
415.492.0234
415.451.6150
Shades of Marin
Novato Glass, Inc.
italics-stone.com
lic. 831573 D52
lic. 371442 C17
415.453.1518
415.897.5117
Italics
London Tile
shadesofmarin.com Old Town Glass
lic. 540433 C54
WINDOWS, GLAZING, & DOORS
lic. 736844 C17
Pacific Door & Hardware
415.482.8453
Andersen Windows & Doors
miconi.com
415.613.5955
707.773.3666
andersenwindows.com
pacdoor.net
Bergy Door & Window Company
Pacific Door Products, Inc.
707.584.7200
lic. 443074 D24
bergydoor.com
707.795.7777
415.389.0408
londontileco.com
otglass.com
lic. 509661 D28,C17
MLS Tile lic. 602910 C54 707.584.5476
Radiant Way Incorporated
pacificdoorproducts.com
415.839.6470
radiantwayinc.com
lic. 225824 C17
RD Enterprises
415.479.1274
415.258.0114
lic. 551058 C54
dottoglass.com
rdenterprises.biz
Glass & Sash Inc. lic. 173807 C17
West Coast Professional Door, Inc.
415.456.2240
415.246.2034
glassandsash.com
wcprodoor.com
Hudson Street Design of Marin
Window Worx
415.472.7105
marintrees.com
415.924.8300
415.451.4856
415.382.7550
TREE SERVICE
STATE Contractors State Licence Board www.cslb.ca.gov/
COUNTY OF MARIN www.marincounty.org/
CITIES & TOWNS www.cityofbelvedere.org www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us www.town-of-fairfax.org
Marin Tree Service lic. 648230 D49
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD
Dotto Glass
Tile West
tilewestinc.com
FEDERAL
415.897.0088
Miconi Marble & Tile lic. 604588 C54
Additional Resources
lic. 758998 C17
www.ci.larkspur.ca.us www.cityofmillvalley.org www.ci.novato.ca.us www.townofsananselmo.org www.cityofsanrafael.org
healdsburglumber.com
www.townofross.org
Marvin and Integrity Windows and Doors
www.ci.sausalito.ca.us
lic. 660226 D49 415.455.9933
925.286.0841
treemasters.com
bmdusa.com
WINDOW COVERINGS
McGovern Skylight Specialist
Treemasters Tree and Garden Care
www.ci.tiburon.ca.us
lic. 721229 B
Horizon Glass Tinting
707.292.4570
lic. 570209 C61,D52 415.457.2173
Mission Wood Products
horizontint.com
415.472.2280
missionwood.com
78 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
marinba.org/directory
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Before Hiring A Contractor
The Quick Facts
Financial Information •
Don’t pay in cash.
•
Stick to your schedule of payments and don’t let the payments get ahead of the completed work.
•
Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10% of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less.* (This goes for any home improvement project, including swimming pools.)
by CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD Department of Consumer Affairs
A free telephone call to CSLB or a few clicks on its website can help you verify that your contractor’s license is in good standing and that he or she has the skills to complete your project.
Check Out the License By law, anyone in California who contracts for or bids on a construction project valued at $500 or more (total labor and materials) must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). To qualify for a license, a contractor must verify four years of journey-level experience in the trade, pass both a trade and license law examination, and post a license bond. Since 2005, all new contractors are required to pass a background investigation that includes a criminal background check. Contractors are required, by law, to put their CSLB license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed operators are required to say they are not state-licensed in their advertisements.
•
•
•
Ask to see the contractor’s plastic pocket license and photo identification. Verify the license and make sure it is in good standing by visiting the CSLB website: www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling CSLB’s toll-free automated line: 800.321.CSLB (2752). Get at least three bids and ask for references on work the contractor has completed in the local area. View the contractor’s past projects in person.
Get It in Writing •
Make sure you have a written contract and don’t sign it until you fully understand the terms.
•
All changes to the contract, or “change orders,” need to be in writing and signed by both parties.
•
Keep a job file of all project papers and payments, and don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
•
Homeowners waive their three-day right to cancel if they sign a “service and repair contract,” which is different from a standard “home improvement contract.” (Service and repair contracts are usually for emergency repairs where the consumer initiated the contact and cannot wait.)
License History • •
If you want information about a contractor’s license history and pending or prior disciplinary actions, please call the appropriate CSLB Legal Action Disclosure telephone number: Northern Region: 916.255.4041 Southern Region: 562.345.7656
Complaint Forms If you have a complaint against a contractor, free forms are available at www.cslb.ca.gov or call 800.321.CSLB (2752) and ask for a copy of A Consumer Guide to Filing Construction Complaints and a complaint form.
* There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who have filed a blanket performance and payment bond with the Registrar. This information is noted on the contractor’s license detail page on CSLB’s website.
80 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT CHECKLIST 1.
Check the contractor license number at www.cslb.ca.gov to make sure it is current and in good standing.
2.
Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license and a current photo ID.
3.
Ask for a current list of contact information (telephone number and business address) for the contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers.
4.
Find out from your local building department whether your project needs a building permit, and confirm that your contractor will obtain all necessary permits.
5. 6.
Get at least three contractor bids and references, and check out, in person, recent projects by the prospective contractors that had similar specifications.
7.
Ask whether your contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance for employees.
8.
Make sure all project materials and expectations are spelled out and signed in a written contract, including clean- up, debris removal, and site security. Ask your contractor if he or she understands exactly what you want.
9.
Have a timetable for each phase of your project and the corresponding payment schedule spelled out in the contract. Do not let payments get ahead of the work.
10. Pay no more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.* 11. Never pay in cash. 12. Keep all of your project documents, including payments, in a job file. 13. Try researching your contractor’s name online for additional reviews—but consider the source. Protect yourself from
unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors.
Protect yourself from unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors. • •
• • •
Only hire state-licensed contractors. Any contractor performing $500 worth of work or more (including materials and labor) must be licensed by CSLB to work in California. Don’t rush into repairs, no matter how badly they may be needed. Don’t hire the first contractor who comes along or be caught up in high-pressure sales tactics. Ask to see the contractor’s “pocket license” or their representative’s “Home Improvement Salesperson” registra- tion. All contractors are issued pocket licenses that show the type of trade for which they are licensed, and the expiration date of the license. Ask to see a photo identification to confirm their identity.
MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 81
MEET A MEMBER
Painting Forward: John Busick of Bob Kunst Painting A father, philanthropist, and fifth-generation painter talks color trends and the family business. interview by Liz Savage / photography by Trevor Henley
Tell us about the biggest painting and color trends for this year. 2014 represents a “brighter” year. The largest trend in interior paint colors is in the coastal family. In fact, Benjamin Moore’s 2014 color of the year is “Breath of Fresh Air,” a light, beachy blue that they call “the new neutral.” Expect to see this color hit interior trims as well as other teals, sky blues, and seafoam greens. On the flip side, expect many exterior trims to be coated with a darker statement color—anything to bring in a dramatic contrast between the trim and the body. Describe your home design style. Classic contemporary meets traditional. My personal style— progressive sophistication, clean lines, and bold character— reflects who I am. That being said, my wife, Angi, has ultimate veto power on the home front! Luckily, we are usually on the same page. Best place in Marin to take out-of-town guests? I’m a water guy. On a clear day, ocean views from the top of Mt. Tam are a classic. And as a self-proclaimed beer connoisseur, I think Marin Brewing Company or Moylan’s for lunch are always good spots. What would people be surprised to learn about you? Outside of being a fifth-generation painter, philanthropy runs in my blood. My grandfather, Bob Kunst, taught me at an early age to give back to the community that supports you. I am an active board member with Down Syndrome Association North Bay, where we promote self-advocacy, raise awareness, further educational pursuits, and support inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the North Bay. These kids (and adults) continue to educate me in this classroom called “life,” and I am humbled.
82 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 MARIN HOME
You completed an ironman triathlon. Was that the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Physically, yes! The dedication it takes to prepare for a full ironman is exhausting just thinking about. However, watching my four-year-old son, Jack, battle leukemia has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced, both mentally and emotionally. I am forever grateful for the tremendous support from family, BKP staff, and our amazing community.
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MARIN HOME S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 83
SPRING 2014
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Marin Home is a quarterly publication published by Marin Builders Association
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