Marin residents pride themselves on living in an attractive place. So it’s only natural that they’d want their homes to reflect that pride. Good thing there are so many businesses here providing services that help keep homes clean, safe, furnished and beautiful.
Home Improvement
Local Trust
It’s refreshing to find a landscape company run by a “local guy.” Eric Rayner, president and founder of Rayner Landscaping, chosen as this year’s Best Landscape Design Company, fits that description. An avid gardener for 25 years, Rayner knows his stuff. He’s certified in water-efficient landscaping by the Marin Municipal Water District, and he’s also a semi-professional magician. Rayner’s supporters might even say that he performs magic on their outdoor spaces. Rayner Landscaping services include choosing plants and flowers to beautify the outside areas of homes, and tasteful placement of fountains and lights for special effects. Rayner personally oversees every project, and the company’s design philosophy is simple: They aim to translate desires and needs into a beautiful landscape plan.—Lily O’Brien
19 Digital Dr., Suite U, Novato; 415.279.9661.
Lock it Up
Transbay Security Service, this year’s favorite for Best Locksmith, can really help get you out of a jam. In San Rafael since 1964, Transbay provides commercial, residential and automotive security services all over Marin County, and mobile units are ready to come right to your door—or wherever you may be. If the fence around your estate is starting to crumble, Transbay can install a high-security system or an electronic and mechanical access system. And the company even carries a large selection of safes for stashing valuables and secret papers. From installations and repairs to key duplication, Transbay is a one-stop destination for peace of mind.—L.O.
2018 Fourth St., San Rafael; 415.456.3860.
Gimme Shelter
Those of us lucky enough to have a roof over our heads may think of a roof purely as a practical necessity, and not as a reflection of our personal taste. After all, a roof is a roof, is a roof, right? Well, not exactly. McLeran Roofing, Marin’s Best Roofer, shows us that there’s a lot more to roofing than one could ever imagine. Who knew that there were so many parts to a roof? If you speak roof fluently, terms like cornice, frieze board, joist and counterflashing should roll right off the tongue. The company, founded in 1929 by Charles McLeran, who passed his knowledge and expertise on to his son, Brian, prides itself on high-quality products. The attractive styles for tile roofs alone, with brand names like Capistrano, Malibu and Ponderosa, provide completely different but equally beautiful statements to top a house.—L.O.
1945 Francisco Blvd. E., #38, San Rafael; 415.456.7663.
Garden Glory
Spring is here, and everything is blooming—time to fix up the garden! Questions about the types of plants to get, the kinds of tools needed and what plants will work best in what climate are welcomed with professionalism at Sloat Garden Center. Family-owned for 60 years, it’s the pick this year for Best Nursery/Garden Center. With four locations in Marin (San Rafael, Mill Valley, Kentfield and Novato), you don’t have to go far to find one. Succulents, flowers and trees are available, as well as unusual finds like summer chocolate mimosa, weeping Japanese maple and cotton candy hummingbird mint. Sloat also offers workshops and seminars that include “Make a Planter for Mom,” “Worms & Bugs!” and “Peppers 101.” If you need assistance, consultants will help design gardens and make custom planters.—L.O.
sloatgardens.com.
Full List of Best of Marin 2018 Home Improvement Winners
Best Appliance Repair
Martin & Harris
Best Architect
Crome Architecture
Best Carpet Cleaning
Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning
Best Carpeting/Flooring
Ken’s Carpets & Flooring
Best Cleaning Service
Molly Maid of Marin
Best Computer Repair Service
Northbay Computer
Best Contractor (commercial)
Dan Young Construction Inc.
Best Contractor (residential)
Tim Walsh Builders
Best Deck & Fencing
Clough Construction
Best Electrician
Norcal Divine Electric
Best Hauling
1-800-GOT-JUNK?
Best Home Furnishings
Sunrise Home
Best Home Improvement Store
Jackson’s Hardware
Best Home Organizer
Changing Places
Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler
Kitchens and More
Best Landscape Design Company
Rayner Landscaping
Best Locksmith
Transbay Security
Best Moving & Storage
Johnson & Daly
Best Nursery/Garden Center
Sloat Garden Center
Best Paint Supplier
Tamalpais Paint & Color
Best Painting Contractor
McCarthy Painting Co.
Best Plumber
Ongaro and Sons
Best Real Estate Brokerage
Bradley Real Estate
Best Roofer
McLeran Roofing
Best Self-Storage
Bellam Self Storage & Boxes
Best Solar Supplier
SolarCraft
Best Tree Service
TREEMASTERS
Best Window Cleaners
Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning
