Utah Home Highlights Women in All Stages of the Construction Project
The Utah chapter of the National Home Builders Association Professional Women in Building Council is designing and constructing a home led by a female skilled labor team in Saratoga Springs, Utah. The 3,200-square-foot home, "The House That SHE Built," is slated to be unveiled at the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes June 3 to 19.
Skilled tradeswomen from the home building industry, including women-owned construction companies, engineers, designers, architects and skilled labor teams are providing and installing the materials and labor needed for the home, most of which has been donated or provided at cost. The goal for this home is to highlight and utilize women professionals, skilled tradeswomen and women-owned companies for all stages of the project.
"What started out as a local project has grown into something much larger than what we expected," says Kristi Allen, project general contractor. "We have women from all across the country who have taken time off of work, who have taken time away from their own businesses, just to be a part of this special project."
The project also highlights the skilled labor shortage that is facing the nation. According to NAHB data, 65 percent of builders surveyed in December 2020 said they faced an issue with the cost/availability of labor. In that same survey, 71 percent of builders said they expect to face an issue with the cost/availability of labor in 2021.
"I am proud to see the accomplishments made by women in the industry," says Karen Schroeder, NAHB PWB chair. "Kudos to all involved in this worthwhile project."
Proceeds from the sale of the home will be divided between scholarships for women pursuing construction management or trade programs, women-run charities including a local domestic abuse shelter, educational events to help teach young girls about opportunities in home building, and similar projects in the future.
The project has also inspired a book, The House That She Built, that aims to educate children on the home building industry and elevate women in the industry. The book is scheduled for release in September 2021.
