The world of new home construction has long been primarily a male domain – both from the builder's and the homeowner's point of view. Women in the business were usually in administrative positions, and women who were planning a new home were traditionally only consulted on "aesthetic" matters like interior and exterior paint colors or kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Welcome to a new world!

According to U.S. Census statistics, women accounted for 10% of the construction industry in 2004, up from just 6% in 1997. The numbers of women-owned construction firms grew by more than 30% in that same period. This trend is expected to continue over the next decade. Women builders are now widely recognized as qualified professionals with expertise in all aspects of the construction process.

Women in the 21st century also possess considerable collective buying power – and this extends to building new homes, making them a force to be reckoned with. No longer are the decisions they make confined to minor details – they are involved in every aspect of the construction process from the design and site plan phase to the final inspection walk-through.

Among the unique talents of women builders is the ability to understand and convey the practical aspects of building a new home – including designing plans that are livable and meet the needs of each individual's or family's day-to-day life, which is appreciated by all of their clients – both women and men!

Nancy Lisabeth is a licensed builder with over 15 years of experience in the construction field. She and her husband Victor own Grand Bay Building and Remodeling, located at 12719 S. West Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City, which specializes in custom-crafted homes, residential renovations, and design–build projects. For more information, phone 231.995.9057.