.Best of Marin 2018: Home Improvement

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

Pacific Sun
The Pacific Sun publishes every Wednesday, delivering 21,000 copies to 520 locations throughout Marin County.

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