After a while, I decided I wanted to work with my hands doing something where I could make someone's day a little better and go home feeling like I'd done real work. ​As A HandyWoman, and the owner of Tools of Her Trade, that's exactly what I got to do. I hung drywall and siding, built steps and decks, restored trim, laid tile, and everything in between.

 

After almost 8 years, my back delivered some news. If I kept doing that kind of physical work, I was going to be in trouble. It was time to move on. But I wasn't ready to leave the industry, and I hung on hard.

 

Then it hit me. The perfect pivot! I could use my experience working inside and outside of people's homes and become a Licensed Home Inspector. Which is exactly what I did. ​

 

A woman in the field (there aren't many of us) with decades of business experience, a company of my own, a family I raised, and years of sawing wood for a living means I bring a different set of experiences to every inspection than most people in this field.I know what it feels like to have a stranger in your house for three or four hours. I know how much it matters to be treated like a capable adult — not talked down to, not rushed, not sold anything.

 

That's how I show up, whether you're buying your first house or you've lived in yours for decades. Whether you're selling your ninth, or you just want to understand the structure you live in.

 

So I've put down my hammer (and my saws) and picked up a flashlight.

 

But don't worry. My eye for detail is sharper than ever.