News
New CA Court of Appeal Case Helps Determine Cessation of Work in the Absence of Recorded Notice
In California, a prime contractor is required, under Civil Code section 9550, to post a payment bond for any public works project larger than $25,000. A payment bond guarantees that funds will be available to pay for labor or materials furnished on a project. Since mechanics liens cannot be asserted against public property, public works subcontractors have few options for recovery if the prime contractor fails to pay. In many cases, a subcontractor’s recourse for collection of sums due is to file a stop
Getting Paid for Costs of the Government Shutdown
Now that Congress has passed a budget ending the government shutdown, contractors are left wondering how and when they will be compensated for costs incurred due to the government shutdown. This post explores how government contractors can recover not only the cost of work performed during the government shutdown, but also additional costs arising specifically from the shutdown. In order to get paid for impacts, contractors must understand: Shutdown Basics and Delayed PaymentPartially Funded
Accounting for Tariffs in Construction Contracts
President Donald Trump has implemented his “America First” trade policy throughout 2025 by implementing a sweeping set of tariffs aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on foreign goods. The tariffs, which have fluctuated since January, have included threats of a 145% tariff on goods imported from China, a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, and a 10% universal import tariff on all goods entering the U.S. With the proposed tariffs constantly fluctuating, the impact has quickly rippled through the construction
Thank You to our 2025-26 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners!
We want to express our deep gratitude to our wonderful 2025-26 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners! Their generous support of our signature publication made this edition possible - and our best yet! Your partnership is instrumental in supporting our local building community and connecting with Marin County homeowners preparing to undergo their next home improvement project.Celebrating in alpha order:A and P Moving, Inc.Aaero Heating & Sheetmetalbuilding LabCanty Real Estate Group, IncCentral Valley
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Lien Protection Checklist - SUBCONTRACTOR
Click here for Subcontractor Lien Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Dan McLennon of Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP.Reviewed and Updated February 2024
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Lien Protection Checklist - GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Click here for General Contractors Lien Rights Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Board member Dan McLennon.Reviewed and Updated February 2024