Following up what we had discussed earlier, safety within construction projects is the number one concern right along with cost and schedule. Let’s face it we all need to trust those who enter our homes especially for an extended period of time such in the case of a home improvement project. Safety and security is the absolute first priority when it comes to a woman hiring a contractor. These modern times have shown that it’s women doing the hiring. I read some amazing statistics that should make the men in the contracting industry pay attention. 1 out of every 5 homes in the U.S. is owned by a single woman, that’s double the amount of single men. Gentlemen 31 million households are owned by single women. They have money and statistically spend 50% of their income on their homes. As opposed to men who tend to so called, “wander around” until they get married. The question now is, how fair are male contractors when dealing exclusively with women as opposed to a married unit or a man?
There’s an unfortunate and archaic tenor that still prevails to this day when it comes to the process of women hiring contractors. As recently as 1974 Congress amended the fair housing act to stop sex discrimination. In that time, it was hard for a woman to get a credit card in her name let alone a mortgage. A married women’s income was discounted due to the idea that it wouldn’t matter as soon as she had children. Remodeling professionals were taught never to spend too much time with a women unless both spouses. Sounds ridiculous but it’s true and very recent. Norma Tempel the president of the Professional Women in Construction was telling me about how, not to long ago, she was at a home improvement supplier with an employee of hers and the male salesperson would only direct answers to the questions she posed to him to the male employee. This continued on much to her chagrin until she firmly stated that she was the one doing the purchasing, not the employee who accompanied her. There are elements such as this that makes it evident of how much of a mistake it is not realizing the buying power of women.
Not all within the building industry follow this post war mentality. Owens Corning, a building materials manufacturer realized women’s influence with the dollar and reallocated their advertising budget from male dominated sporting events to cable TV shows and magazines dedicated to women. Home Builders have also taken heed to this notion and have been creating homes more specifically geared towards women’s needs. Homes with larger closets, homes that create a personal haven for women with bedroom suites that include whirlpool tubs and steam showers. Most importantly to women security features like open courtyards, and windows that ventilate but remain locked are just some of the examples of how women’s desires for a perfect home for them are met. Women are also more likely to purchase a system where as men are unit purchasers. That means they won’t just purchase some shingles but rather an entire roof and gutter system.
Statistically women purchase smaller homes than men an average of 1580 sq. feet as opposed to 2050 sq feet from married couples or single men. A smaller home doesn’t specifically mean smaller renovation. Women are more apt to renovate everything top to bottom. They know what they want and they get it. They want that special wood floors, stone work in the bathroom or kitchen etc.
Now assuming that women are naïve when it comes to renovation is just plain backward thinking, you know what’s said about assuming. . A woman may not feel at home marching up to a counter at a lumber yard but is extremely comfortable asking questions or researching on then internet. The internet is the library of today and contains up to the minute advice on every subject. Women take full advantage of this tool and are not only more likely to ask for directions but are far better suited to follow them. That’s why resources like Bidconstruction.com are a mainstay for women taking charge of their home improvement. We recognize this first hand professionally. At our trade shows 70% of the crowd engaged in conversation at our booth are women with questions and concerns about the reliability and reputation of contractors. At Bidconstruction.com we understand the concerns women have and will continue always to represent only the best and most experienced within the construction industry, by allowing homeowner s to review contractors first through our contractor profiles and posting jobs to only the most qualified of candidates for free.
Women do their homework. It’s just like the old idea of hunter/gatherer; well they’re gathering information from Bidconstruction.com. It’s also important to remember that women talk, so guys and gals, let’s not just get the job done but also get it.
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