The All-Women Team at Matriarchy Build Empowers People to DIY It All: Remodeling 101

There’s a moment in almost every home project when you’re standing in the aisle at the hardware store,
staring at 47 kinds of screws, wondering if you should just move instead of remodeling.
For decades, the answer to that “Who do I ask?” panic has usually been: a guy in dusty work boots who may,
or may not, talk to you like you’ve never seen a hammer before.

Matriarchy Build exists to blow that upin the best, dust-free way possible.
Co-founded by Gabriella Ainslie and Lacey Soslow, the all-women team behind this
platform is putting women and nonbinary trades experts front and center and giving everyday people
the confidence to DIY their homes without the condescension, confusion, or endless YouTube rabbit holes.

The original Remodelista “Remodeling 101” feature on Matriarchy Build introduced the idea:
a female-first, but truly everyone-welcome, hub where you can book one-on-one video consults with
electricians, plumbers, general contractors, and handy proswho all happen to be womenbefore you
swing the first hammer or swipe the first credit card.

Let’s walk through what makes this all-women team different, how their Remodeling 101 mindset works,
and how you can borrow their approach to plan smarter, spend better, and actually finish your projects
without swearing off renovations forever.

Meet Matriarchy Build: Built by Women, Built for Everyone

A platform born from “There has to be a better way”

Ainslie and Soslow both came out of the world of home, design, and retail. They loved beautiful spaces,
but they also saw how intimidating the construction side could beespecially for women.
So in 2022, they launched Matriarchy Build, an online platform that:

• Connects DIYers with vetted women and nonbinary trades pros for live video consultations
• Offers friendly, jargon-free answers for projects of every size
• Uses a distinctly female-first perspective while welcoming people of all genders
• Shines a spotlight on tradeswomen whose expertise is often overlooked

They describe the business as “queer, Latina, and woman-owned,” and their mission runs on two tracks:
help homeowners feel confident tackling projects, and help women in the trades get the visibility and
respect they deserve.

From virtual advice to real-world work

Matriarchy Build’s superpower is its virtual consults. You book time with a pro, hop on video, and walk
them through your stuck drawer, scary breaker panel, or half-demoed bathroom in real time. They’ll:

• Help you decide if a project is DIY-friendly or better left to a pro
• Explain tools and materials in simple, non-patronizing language
• Review contractor bids and scope so you don’t miss red flags
• Outline step-by-step plans so you know what to do first, second, and last

In Austin and Philadelphia, Matriarchy Build even offers on-the-ground handyman and small remodeling services,
so you can move from “I watched a video” to “Someone who knows what they’re doing is actually here” when needed.

The vibe is less “You should already know this” and more
“No worries, let’s start from the beginning and figure it out together.”
That tone matters more than most people realize.

Why an All-Women Remodeling Team Matters

Representation changes who feels “allowed” to DIY

Construction and remodeling have historically been male-dominated spaces.
Women make up a small percentage of licensed tradespeople, yet there’s growing interest as more women
look for stable, well-paid, hands-on careers. Platforms like Matriarchy Build, along with organizations
such as NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), highlight the work of female electricians,
plumbers, framers, and carpentersand that visibility quietly rewires expectations.

When a new DIYer logs on and sees a woman in work boots calmly walking them through wiring a light
or framing a wall, something powerful clicks: If she can do it, maybe I can too. That sense of “I belong here”
is the foundation of every successful home project.

Psychological safety is a remodeling tool

Many beginners avoid asking questions on job sites, in showrooms, or at the store because they don’t want
to feel talked down to. Matriarchy Build deliberately flips the script: questions are expected, and “basic”
questions are often the most important ones.

That psychological safety has real-world payoffs:

• Fewer expensive mistakes because you asked before you demoed
• Safer projects because someone walked you through permitting and code basics
• More realistic budgets because a pro helped you understand hidden costs
• Less burnout because you’re not white-knuckling your way through the unknown

Remodeling 101, the Matriarchy Build Way

While every project is unique, most beginner-friendly remodeling adviceon Remodelista, HGTV, This Old House,
and other reputable U.S. outletscomes back to the same core steps:
know your why, your budget, your scope, and your limits.
Here’s how that aligns with the Matriarchy Build mindset.

1. Start with your “why” and your wish list

Before you get lost in tile patterns, figure out what’s actually not working:

• Do you need more storage, better light, or an entirely new layout?
• Are you fixing safety issues, or mostly updating aesthetics?
• Are you remodeling to sell, or remodeling to stay?

Remodelers across the board recommend starting with goals, not products.
Once your “why” is clear, Matriarchy Build pros can help translate that into
a realistic project scope rather than a spinning Pinterest board.

2. Reality-check your budget (and add a cushion)

Most U.S. remodeling resources agree: projects rarely come in under budget.
Experts suggest:

• Listing all costs: materials, labor, permits, dumpster, clean-up
• Researching typical price ranges for your region and project type
• Adding 10–20% as a contingency for surprises

Matriarchy Build pros frequently act as a sanity check. They’ll tell you what’s feasible with your
budget and where you’ll get the most impactwhether that’s refacing cabinets instead of replacing them,
or choosing mid-range finishes where it won’t hurt resale.

3. Decide what’s DIY, hybrid, and hire-out

A lot of first-time renovators think the choice is all-or-nothing: either you gut the kitchen yourself
or you hand everything over to a general contractor. In practice, the sweet spot is often a hybrid:

• DIY-friendly tasks: painting, caulking, installing simple shelves, basic tiling
• Hybrid tasks: you demo, a pro does the technical work, you handle finishing touches
• Hire-out tasks: major electrical, plumbing, structural work, complex waterproofing

One of Matriarchy Build’s most useful roles is helping homeowners sort tasks into the right bucket,
so you’re not watching a risky “how to rewire your panel” video at 2 a.m.

4. Design and planning: mood boards, mockups, and measurements

Across home renovation blogs and magazines, there’s universal agreement:
rushing design is an express lane to regret.
Experts suggest:

• Creating mood boards or Pinterest collections to clarify style
• Planning storage, not just looks, in kitchens and baths
• Measuring three times before ordering anything custom
• Testing paint colors and lighting at different times of day

Many Matriarchy Build pros come from design-savvy backgrounds and can help bridge the gap between
“pretty inspiration” and “things a plumber, electrician, and building inspector will actually sign off on.”

5. Permits, codes, and safety (i.e., the unsexy but crucial stuff)

Multiple U.S. remodeling guides hammer home the same point:
if you’re moving walls, altering electrical, or touching plumbing, you must understand local codes
and permitting requirements. Skipping this step can affect insurance, resale, and your safety.

Matriarchy Build consultants don’t replace your local building department, but they can:

• Flag when a project clearly needs a permit
• Help you prepare questions for inspectors or contractors
• Explain basic code concepts in plain English

Think of them as your translator between “contractor-speak” and “normal human.”

6. Create a realistic timeline

Whether it’s a kitchen in Orange County, a bathroom in Philly, or a full-house refresh in Austin,
pros warn that timelines balloon when you underestimate lead times and decision fatigue.

A smarter approach:

• Sequence your trades in advance (demo → rough-in → inspections → drywall → finishes)
• Order long-lead items (windows, specialty tile, custom cabinets) early
• Schedule buffers between major milestones, not just at the end

A Matriarchy Build consult can help you map this out so you’re not trying to shower in the kitchen sink
for three months.

Beginner-Friendly Projects the Pros Actually Recommend

Drawing from Matriarchy Build’s philosophy and common guidance from remodeling blogs and magazines,
these are the kinds of projects that offer big satisfaction without requiring a full apprenticeship in carpentry:

Kitchen mini-makeovers

• Swapping dated hardware for modern pulls and knobs
• Painting cabinets (with the right prep and primer)
• Updating a faucet and adding a more efficient sink sprayer
• Installing peel-and-stick backsplash tile for a temporary upgrade

Bathroom refreshes

• Replacing a vanity light and mirror
• Updating towel bars, hooks, and accessories for cohesion
• Re-caulking and re-grouting to make everything feel cleaner and newer

Rental- and budget-friendly upgrades

• Removable wallpaper on an accent wall
• Simple built-in–style shelving using stock components
• Swapping light switch and outlet covers for a crisp, unified look

With guidance, these projects help you build skills and confidence before you tackle that full-gut kitchen
you’ve been dreaming about.

Common Remodeling Mistakes (and How the All-Women Team Helps You Avoid Them)

Remodeling 101 articles everywhere share the same horror stories.
Here are a few repeat offendersand how Matriarchy Build’s approach minimizes the drama:

• Skipping the plan: Tearing out cabinets “to get started” without a layout or budget.
  A consult forces you to talk through the whole project before the sledgehammer comes out.
• Over-improving the house: Pouring $80,000 into a kitchen in a $200,000 neighborhood.
  Pros can help you align investment with potential resale and your long-term plans.
• Underestimating the mess: Forgetting to plan for dust containment, temporary kitchens,
  or kid- and pet-proofing. Tradeswomen who’ve lived through countless projects can share realistic prep tips.
• Ignoring maintenance: Choosing high-maintenance materials you’ll secretly resent.
  A pro can steer you toward finishes that match your tolerance for upkeep.
• Letting fear stall everything: Sitting on a needed repair for years because you’re afraid
  to ask “stupid” questions. The whole point of a female-first advice platform is to make the first question
  feel easy.

How to Get the Most Out of a Matriarchy Build–Style DIY Consult

Whether you’re booking with Matriarchy Build or talking to any remodeling pro, you’ll get more value if you
prepare like a tiny, very organized general contractor.

Before the call

• Gather photos and videos of the space from multiple angles
• Write down your goals, budget range, and timeline
• List known issues: leaks, electrical quirks, structural concerns
• Collect inspiration images that feel like your “future home”

During the call

• Walk the pro through the space as if they’re standing next to you
• Ask them to prioritize your to-do list: what’s urgent, what’s optional
• Take notes or record (with permission) so you don’t forget the details
• Clarify which pieces are DIY and which need licensed pros

After the call

• Turn the advice into a step-by-step project plan
• Price out materials and adjust scope as needed
• Schedule time on your calendar for each phase, not just “someday”

The goal isn’t to become your own general contractor overnight.
It’s to become an informed, confident homeowner who knows what’s happening and why.

Final Thoughts: Why This Kind of DIY Guidance Matters

Remodeling your home has always been about more than new cabinets or fresh tile.
It’s about agency: the feeling that you can shape the space you live in, not just tolerate it.

By putting an all-women team of trades experts at the center of the story,
Matriarchy Build and platforms like it are quietly changing who feels welcome on the job siteeven if the job site
is your 1970s galley kitchen. Their Remodeling 101 approach mirrors what the best remodeling resources
in the U.S. emphasize: plan thoroughly, respect the craft, know your limits, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The twist is that here, the people answering your questions look like you, talk to you like a peer,
and want you to feel powerful holding a drill, not embarrassed for needing instructions.
That’s a foundation worth building onone project, and one homeowner, at a time.

Real-World Experiences with Matriarchy Build–Style DIY (500-Word Deep Dive)

To see how this plays out in real life, imagine three very real-feeling scenarios that mirror the kinds of
stories Matriarchy Build pros describe when they talk about their clients.

Maya’s “I Might Hate My Kitchen Forever” Makeover

Maya bought a 1950s bungalow with a kitchen that looked straight out of a vintage cookbook
and not in a cute way. She opened six tabs on “kitchen remodel cost,” panicked at the numbers,
and booked a Matriarchy Build consult instead of signing up for a full gut.

On their call, a female general contractor walked Maya through the space via video.
Instead of suggesting a $60,000 overhaul, the pro broke the project into realistic phases:
paint the cabinets, replace the fluorescent box light with LED cans and a pretty pendant,
swap the laminate counters for a mid-range butcher block, and tackle new appliances next year.
They talked about which tools Maya would need, which steps were easiest to mess up,
and how to schedule the work around her day job.

Two weekends, one borrowed sander, and several pizza bribes to friends later,
Maya had a light, bright kitchen that felt like herwithout tearing down a single wall.
The consult fee was a fraction of what she would have wasted on ordering the wrong materials.

Alex and Priya vs. the Mystery Leak

Alex and Priya started noticing a suspicious brown stain creeping across their living room ceiling.
The internet offered every possible culprit: roof leak, plumbing issue, condensation, ghost.
They booked a consult with a Matriarchy Build plumber.

On video, the plumber asked them to trace the stain’s shape, show her the room above,
and run specific fixtures one at a time. Within 20 minutes, she had narrowed it down
to a slow leak at the shower valve. She explained why this wasn’t a DIY situation,
helped them understand what a fair quote would look like, and coached them on what to ask
when calling local plumbers.

When the in-person plumber arrived, Alex and Priya were no longer at the mercy of jargon.
They recognized the parts, understood the repair, and felt confident saying yes to the work.
That’s Remodeling 101 at its most practical: not just learning how to do everything yourself,
but learning how to manage the projects you don’t wantor aren’t allowedto DIY.

Sam’s “Secret” Skill Builder

Sam, a late-twenties renter, had always been curious about the trades but never quite felt
welcome on typical job sites. They booked a series of short consults focused on skill-building:
how to safely use a drill and impact driver, how to find studs, how to hang floating shelves
without disaster.

Each session focused on one small project, but there was a bigger story unfolding.
As confidence grew, Sam started taking on more complex tasks, then volunteering on a community
build project, then actively exploring an apprenticeship program. That pathfrom nervous beginner
to potential trades professionalis exactly what women-in-construction organizations and platforms
like Matriarchy Build hope to nurture.

In all of these scenarios, the pattern is the same: someone starts out overwhelmed,
asks for help in a space designed to be welcoming, gets clear, specific guidance,
and walks away not just with a better homebut with more confidence in their own hands.
That’s the real remodel happening here.