First contracting job start to finish as a woman.

[I Am Paula]

A while back I decided to go back to work, as the life of a retired musician leaves too much idle time. My fall back job, of renovation contractor beckoned.
I just finished (noon today I packed my tools) a high end 2 bedroom, bath, kitchen, laundry, living, wine cellar, complete rip it out to the studs reno. My first time acting as general contractor since going full time. I had to deal with all the trades, inspectors, architects, the lot. I have never been a stand there with coffee by the blueprint table kind of boss. If I want good work out of carpenters, I'm in there framing, if I'm on a deadline, I'll drywall, roof, or sweep floors. I'll also do the coffee run, or haul garbage.

A few observations.

The trades can still be sexist rude pigs. Comes with the territory. I just laughed along with their crude remarks. Not one mention of my trans status, that didn't even phase them, just boob and blow job jokes. Only one that hurt a bit was, they saw me vacuuming today, and said that I had found my calling. Sexist. I also discovered that a girl with big fake boobs cannot carry a tube of silicone anywhere. Please no offence to anyone in construction trades-I love you all.

In dealing with inspectors, permit people, and the good folks at Home Depot. I got condescended to, spoken down to, ignored, and patronized. It's tough for a woman in construction! Nobody would take me seriously. I was standing in home Depot in full work mode, my makeup a bit messy from sweat, and my tape measure still on my belt, and I asked a middle aged SA for some paslode cartridges. He said, 'do you know what model nailgun your husband uses, it can get confusing'. If I had my nailgun with me I would have nailed his foot to the floor. Inspectors walked onto the job site, and started asking questions to any MALE nearby, when I said I was in charge, they asked when my boss would be back. Once again, where's my nailgun?

It was an interesting two months. My first real insight into how the other half sees us. I did break a nail, but I'll still do it again. In fact the same client asked me last night if I'd do his office.
Next time I'll wear a sheriffs star, show a little cleavage, and never ask an electrician if he needs some help pulling wire.

[Rogina B]

Did you come out ahead?

[stefan37]

That has not been my experience at all. i have been treated with respect on any of the projects we have done since I went full time. I was looking at a plumbing project yesterday and when the job super cursed, hewould look at me and apologize. Maybe its my confidence or the area i work. So far i have nothing but positive experiences

[Marleena]

I gotta tell you I like your attitude Celeste. Good for you even with all that B.S. going on!

[michelle2020cd]

the inspections are condescended to us men also, love your post

[Anne Elizabeth]

I took a part time job at Menards(a home depot like chain) in order to spend more time creating my art. I spent 3 years working for a contractor building high end houses. I was chatting with him a few months ago when I delivered some air return grills that I custom make for him. He said to me. "Don't spend much time at Menards you have too much talent to waste your time with them." Every once in awhile I think maybe i should do the same as you Tgirlceleste. I need a full time income in order to do what I have to do to make my life right.

Anne Elizabeth

[AlexisWest]

I went to Home Depot today to get some roll roofing, I had a very helpful cashier and I got cordial help when I asked for clear silcone. However, the other patrons and even some of the employees had to stare and look away. I was wearing jeans, flats w/hose and a dressy blouse. My eye make-up needs help so maybe that's where the looks come from. But I think the construction industry like to look down on women in general. Of course there are exceptions. Just my two cents worth.

[Persephone]

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Hugs,
Persephone.

[Angela Campbell]

I wish I had the kind of strength you have Celeste.

[thechic]

Congrads,yep the Trades are pretty sexist ,I've found that out in my trade, men tend to think that you are incapable of doing the job, often because they think you lack the strength, but in most cases you don't need strength you just need know how, any way girls do a better job and can multi task. Good Luck

[Kaitlyn Michele]

It could have been much worse frankly, and there are success stories too!

I wish you all the best.. I don't think you can overestimate how tough it is to do what you are doing!!!

[I Am Paula]

Kaitlyn Michele- This was a success story. In my experience, a triumph! Into every life some sexism must fall, so I just learn to deal with it. Some things ain't going away.
Geneva- I have learned to compensate. I haven't use a hammer for anything other that pinning notes to a door in years. The hardest job is lifting my toolbox.

Home Depot has, in general, very good and competant staff. My comment was just an anecdote. This guy was just a condescending idiot. There's one in every crowd. I will still shop there every day.

[kimdl93]

Well done, Celeste's...but I have to ask....does Holmes on Homes have a little secret he might like to share? I've noticed that earring....