Learning from the best has no gender

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Published Date 6/22/2022

If you’re a woman, chances are good that you know few, if any, female contractors. Domino’s Lydia Giesel tells the story of how Gabriella Ainslee, a Texas woman, began looking around for someone to haul off a tree that had fallen during subfreezing temperatures in 2021 (among other projects that needed to be done), when she had had an unsettling realization. Between her and her husband, she was the one who got things done. But she felt she would have a better comfort level with females for these jobs. So she called up her old college friend and former colleague in Philadelphia, Lacey Soslow, who had been remodeling homes for years, and asked how she could find female contractors to do the work. “It wasn’t as simple as a quick Google search, she learned,” says Giesel.

Soslow somehow found an entire community of female individuals that were tile installers, electricians, and adept at all kinds of other trades. “Thing is, everything was so decentralized,” says Soslow. “We felt like, wow, it would be really cool if we could bring all of these people together.” That’s when the idea for Matriarchy Build was created.

Giesel describes how the two created a website that features a curated directory of pros, ranging from general contractors to carpenters to handywomen who are available for one-on-one consultations and any necessary follow-up sessions. So far, Ainslie and Soslow have seen both single women and couples booking sessions. Many are interested in learning more about what they should expect before they hire an architect or builder. And shockingly, “we’ve also gotten a lot of requests for help with IKEA hacks,” shares Soslow. And for DIYers out there, they also put together a platform where you can learn things like the difference between a drill and an impact driver or the ins and outs of applying siding to your home.

Giesel asked some of Matriarchy Build’s vetted professionals about the types of tasks you should definitely be trying as well as what to keep in your toolbox. General contractor Monica Miraglilo says there is no question that you can tile a backsplash on your own. “As long as you have a plan and are organized, you can do it,” she says, and goes on to recommend keeping a tape measure handy at all times to ensure you are accurate in ordering products and making the proper cuts. Miraglilo’s favorite renovation so far was when she completed a project where her clients gave her free rein. “It allowed me to push myself outside of my comfort zone by taking on the role of general contractor, designer, and decorator.” She recommends doing your homework building conservative cost and materials estimates by adding 10 percent to avoid surprises down the road.

Another Matriarchy star is carpenter DIYer Anika Gandhi, who advises her clients to pick a simple project with basic tools and get their hands dirty. “It will give you the satisfaction and the confidence boost of a finished project. Plus you can slowly work up to trying more complicated ones,” she says, adding that you can totally paint walls and cabinets, install baseboards, and even accent walls using trim. Key tools include a miter saw (a circular saw or jigsaw will work, as well). “Getting accurate cuts takes the frustration out of any project that involves wood boards.”

General contractor Gabriela Narvaez earned her Ph.D. in home improvement by remodeling her own home. “You learn from those mistakes. The trick is to keep going even when you mess up,” she says. She says a good place to start is to change out a bathroom vanity on your own. “If you’re going to replace a vanity with the same size vanity, the only thing you need to think about is unhooking the existing plumbing and hooking the new plumbing back up. The same goes with replacing a toilet.”

Tile setter Chris Ford suggests first finding your niche. “Some people love to do big commercial jobs. Others, like myself, prefer to work directly for homeowners and like difficult, creative, and artistic jobs.” She says good tools for a DIY newbie would be a tile saw (or wet saw) and a good diamond blade. “That may sound expensive and daunting, but you can get a reasonable tabletop tile saw from a big-box store for around $100” she says. If you prefer to hire out, she recommends seeing what your contractor’s online presence is. “Do they have reviews? Is there a license for their trade, and if so, do they have one? Do they carry insurance and workers compensation if they have employees? Hire the most qualified person for the job, not the cheapest. The lowest bidder can end up costing you thousands more if the job has to be redone,” she advises.

Hire someone to change out a light fixture? No way, according to electrician Ally Heisler. She says to get your hands on a volt tick or voltage tester to determine if the power is on or off. Also pay attention to the kind of bulbs you’re installing. LED bulbs will pay off in energy savings in the long run.

Domino, MatriarchyBuild, TBWS

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