Women are growing in numbers in the building and construction industry, and you'll be seeing more and more architects, contractors, appraisers, home inspectors, and HVAC/plumbing/electrical and other skilled tradespeople who are women.

Not only are trade schools and apprenticing programs increasing the ability for women to receive training and mentoring, but more and more industries are becoming more transparent in terms of education and ability to learn the skills needed to perform.

I predict that we'll start to have less reliance on an "old boy's network" and more ability for everyone - men and women - to get the tools they need to make good decisions.

For example, Professional Equipment (PE), a esting and inspection tools company, offers an online catalog filled with 150 pages of the latest testing equipment, safety supplies, and building trade products, such as gas detectors, moisture meters, infrared cameras, multimeters, circuit analyzers, HVAC tools, borescopes, and inspection cameras from the world's most respected manufacturers like Extech Instruments, Fluke, General, Tramex, Delmhorst, and Bacharach.

Any company benefits when more and more information is made public: by offering 13,000+ product listings with categorization, reviews, photos, and prices, PE rises to the forefront as a supplier of tools to existing needs as well as new programs like LEED certification, Weatherization, Home Energy Auditing, and overall homeowner interest.

We'll see more and more of a trend for consumers demanding and receiving more precise information, as well as women in the building trades being able to offer more valuable services. Remember, as a consumer, you always have a choice to support a woman-owned business, to select with a woman-led supply company, or to give your business to a female contractor, inspector, or builder.

Photo by quinnanya