Women in Residential Construction

The residential construction industry is full of opportunity – and not just for men. More women are joining the sector every year, finding fulfilling, well-paid careers that offer flexibility and ample room to grow. 

From the jobsite to the boardroom, women are shaping the future of home building – leading and mentoring the next generation of builders. 

A banner with the text: DID YOU KNOW? Women account for a higher share of total tradespeople in residential construction than in the broader construction sector. A small construction helmet icon is at the bottom right.
Text reads, Did you know? Across all construction types, new housing has the highest representation of women in trades. Background is gray with a construction helmet icon.

A National Movement with Local Impact

Through local, provincial, and national initiatives, CHBA members across Canada are working together to create an environment where women – and all underrepresented groups – can thrive.

CHBA's national Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) unites a growing network of more than 260 women from across Canada, who are involved in various initiatives that reach over 1,000 women and counting in the residential construction sector. Together, they’re driving change through mentorship, education, advocacy, and community.

Across the country, CHBA's local and provincial Home Builders’ Associations (HBAs) are launching initiatives that empower, connect, and inspire women in all areas of residential construction – from skilled trades to design, management and leadership.

Industry Initiatives

The activities below are a compilation of initiatives happening through HBAs nationwide – not all programs are offered in every region. To learn what’s happening near you, connect with your local or provincial HBA for more details.

Two people in bright orange shirts assemble a wooden structure indoors. One holds a power drill while the other supports the wood, both focused on their work. Industrial equipment and tools are visible in the background.

Mentorship & Empowerment

  • One-on-one mentorship connects emerging professionals with experienced women across the industry, including through Ontario HBA’s Futures Faster program and Peterborough and the Kawarthas HBA's Women in Trades mentorship program. 
  • Visits to high schools and colleges aim to inspire young women to explore rewarding careers in residential construction and introduce students to hands-on experience, including through CHBA Central Okanagan’s involvement in Okanagan College’s Jill of All Trades event and CHBA Central Interior’s collaboration with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) on the YMCA Training House. 

Featured Stories: CHBA CI and TRU, YMCA Training House

Check out these inspiring stories from women working on the YMCA Training House, a successful collaboration between CHBA Central Interior and TRU that gives students hands-on experience in residential construction. Videos produced in partnership with CHBA BC's Homebuilders Initiative.

Two construction workers install a solar panel on a house roof, while two supervisors wearing hard hats and safety vests observe and communicate via radio and tablet in the foreground.

Learning & Leadership

  • Online learning sessions and speakers focused on professional and personal development, including free quarterly sessions for BILD Edmonton Metro members. 
  • Industry tours and educational days, including West End HBA’s Women in Industry (WIN) WE BUILD education day. 
A woman wearing a yellow safety vest stands outdoors with her arms crossed, smiling confidently. She is in front of a construction site with unfinished buildings visible in the background.

Networking & Community

  • Extensive networking events that bring women in industry together, including HAVAN’s annual “Our Joy” event, Grand Highland HBA’s Le Nine and Dine and sip and social events, West End HBA’s Women in Industry Luncheon, and much more. 
Four people are gathered around a table, actively collaborating on a floor plan drawing. They are discussing and pointing at the blueprint, with smartphones, notebooks, and stationery scattered on the table.

Visibility, Advocacy & Collaboration 

  • Reciprocal relationships with other women-led organizations across Canada to ensure shared momentum and national collaboration. 

  • Promotion of women leading in the residential construction sector, including through HAVAN member spotlights sponsored by HAVAN’s Women’s Council and BILD Alberta’s “No Trade Offs” campaign.

Featured Stories: BILD Alberta, "NO TRADE OFFS"

CHBA Members Paving the Way

Across the country, women are leading by example – building companies, mentoring others, and breaking barriers in every corner of the industry. Read about some of the women shaping the future of residential construction:

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Women in Construction: Leading by Example

A woman with light brown hair sits at a white countertop in a modern kitchen, smiling. She wears a navy blazer, white top, and necklace. Green plants and large windows are visible in the background.

Vicky’s Homes: Building a Legacy While Breaking Barriers

Two people in bright orange shirts use a power drill to build a wooden structure indoors. One person stands on the left, while the other on the right wears a hat and looks up, focusing on their task.

Central Okanagan Members Inspire Young Women to Pursue Trades

Two women pose together. One has straight, blonde hair and wears a black dress; the other has long, wavy, brown hair and wears a white ruffled top. Both are smiling and standing by a light-colored pillar.

Urban Capital and Spotlight Development Highlight Talented Women in the Industry

A woman with blonde hair wearing a white hard hat labeled KOKOMO and a navy quilted jacket stands in a building under construction with exposed wooden beams in the background.

Meet Sue Wastell: CHBA’s New President

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black shirt, stands outside near a building under construction, gesturing with both hands as if explaining something.

Building success: A Nanaimo woman is a leader in the construction industry

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Natasha Paikin: Building on Legacy, Leading with Gratitude

A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a green knit cardigan and black top stands indoors by a staircase, looking at the camera.

Hometown Homes: A small homebuilding company with big goals

A woman with long wavy hair, wearing a black top, sits smiling at a table with her hands clasped. There is a window with a scenic outdoor view behind her. Partial text overlays the image.

Building a legacy: Krista Paine, Ian Paine Construction & Design

Four people stand outdoors in front of a house, smiling. Two wear dark hoodies and pants with paint stains, suggesting painting or construction work. The group appears relaxed and happy.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association launching new Women in Trades mentorship program

A woman with light skin and brown hair pulled back looks at the camera with a neutral expression, wearing a dark top and standing outdoors with a blurred natural background.

Meet Lesa Lacey, community outreach enthusiast and construction advocate

Four women in matching black golf outfits and hats stand together on a green lawn with trees in the background, smiling for the camera. One woman holds a golf club.

Social Scene | Community Builders: HOWL Golf Tournament

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Meet incoming OHBA Chair, Christina Giannone

Building Confidence. Building Careers. Building Homes.

Every initiative is part of a larger goal – to make the residential construction industry a place where women can not only succeed, but lead.

And it’s working.

Across Canada, women are building and renovating the homes that shape our communities – and inspiring the next generation to do the same. 

The House That She Built – inspired by an all-women home building project completed by members of the U.S. National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) – spreads the message to youth that representation matters. Learn more: thehousethatshebuilt.com

the house that she built book

Join the Movement

Whether you’re an established residential construction professional or just starting off in this industry, there’s a place for you in this community. Learn more about CHBA’s national Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) and find out how you can get involved at the local or provincial level.