Builders lend hand to women homeowners

The Builders Association of Western Nevada is looking to lend a hand to single women who may need help around the home.

"As homeowners, we all have a honey-do list," explained Rick DeMar, chief executive officer for BAWN. "But not everyone has a honey to do it. We've created this program to help."

The Women's Council of the association, made up of women in the building industry, came up with the idea for the program called Helping Hands.

They are seeking single women who have relatively small handyman projects that need to be done around their homes.

The projects cannot require a builder's license or necessitate a permit to execute. They can include chores such as hanging a ceiling fan, fix a section of fence or repair a leaky faucet.

Homeowners can then submit an application outlining the type of work that needs to be done.

The council will then review the applications to determine how many projects can be complete.

DeMar said homeowners can expect a team of professionals - perhaps even a team of women builders - to arrive and make the requested upgrades.

"This is a full philanthropic venture here," he said. "We're not only providing the labor but the materials."

Applications are due by June 25, and the council will approve them in July. Selected projects will be completed by late September.

Homeowners can get an application by e-mailing christina@bawn.org or by calling the builders association at 882-4353.

DeMar said the association, which represents the building industry in the area, has an obvious reason for offering the service.

"We live in this community," he said. "This community is where we make our bread and butter. We need to help."