Women in Trades  

Look out boys there coming!

 Time to ring the bell for the pioneering ladies who are making inroads into the trades. I didn’t realize how little the general public realized this was happening. It hit home when I ran into a particularly uninformed perspective lady customer who told me this story.

  “I called a contractor to do my hardwood and when the installer came they sent a woman! I could not believe my eyes! I blurted "do you know what you are doing? She had a man helper!" I could not believe it! I watched her all day, in the end she did a really good job. She even took the nosing’s home and stained them to match the floor!”

 I have been in the supervisory role in the construction industry for 30 years. I am quite aware of the abilities and special skills women can bring to a job site. What shocked me was the level of ignorance from another woman. I guess someone needs to let the world know what’s going on.

  Although on average in the building trades women only make up 3% of the trades work force (once we take away hair dressers and chefs). These women are a force to be reckoned with. With few exceptions there attendance is better, they are on time, well organized, and dedicated. When they complete a job they clean up after themselves (guys are you listening?)  In general help keep those around them organized as well. Good habits usually rub off. They set a good example. What they lack in physical strength they make up for in attention to detail and dedication.

  I had a woman come to work for me who would have her husband come at lunch so she could nurse her baby in the car over lunch. Try that one boys! She was by and far my best team member.

 I would strongly encourage women to investigate the building trades. There are many jobs that pay well and suit the women of today to the tee. Today’s tradesperson is intelligent dedicated well trained and desires to be well paid for their efforts. Its time more women join the already setting such a great example and show the boys how it’s done.

David Federici

Owner Greenwave Construction

Kelowna Home Building Contractor

It all started with the Big Bang

 A Big Bang and crash was what David Andersen heard while watching TV. David feared his wife had fallen down the stairs as he rushed to investigate and found thankfully there was no injury to life or limb. The damage was to David’s 103 year old home. A portion of the original ceiling located above the stairs had collapsed and fallen.

 This prompted a call to Greenwave Construction. Greenwave was a member of David’s Okanagan Business Referral group. Greenwave had a reputation for using their extensive experience in renovating historical homes. The owner of Greenwave, David Federici, was thrilled to get the call because Mr. Andersen’s home is not just any home. It is a piece of Kelowna history.

 The home was formally known as “The Cedars” and had served as a bed and breakfast for a while, as well as serving briefly as a maternity ward for the Kelowna General Hospital whilst the hospital underwent renovations.

The home was built for a piano salesman in 1905 and originally had no electricity or central heating. While in use by the hospital the heating was installed. The antique radiators still function as efficiently and perfectly as the day they were installed.

 It was the first residential lot subdivided off of Abbott Street and was in existence before the city of Kelowna was incorporated.

It is not a run down old building; it is an absolutely beautiful residence.

  Kelowna home and commercial renovations is what Greenwave Construction specializes in. The owner of Greenwave, David Federici, was over directly to undertake a thorough inspection and make recommendations to remedy the damage. The challenge was to replace the deteriorated ceiling while at the same time preserving the wallpaper on the walls that met the ceiling. Originally it was thought that a crown molding would be required to cover this old-to-new connection, however as the job completed, it became obvious that David had called the right Kelowna home renovation company. The connection was seamless and the work was completed in a few days. Greenwave made sure to take down the scaffolding as well as vacuum at the end of work everyday while the job was underway. Mr. Andersen was so thrilled with the performance that he enquired about a hardwood install on the stairs of their home as well as into the kitchen and dining room. Within a few days selections were made and the flooring was underway.

 The work and attention David and his staff displayed prompted the owner to continue the work until the entire main living area of the home was clad in classic birch planked hardwood. Great care was taken to level the floors in the vintage home and deal with surprises in an efficient, fair way to allow the project to continue uninterrupted to its successful conclusion.

 Renovation of Kelowna heritage homes requires supervision by master craftsmen and precision high quality work to help preserve the value and integrity of these local treasures. Greenwave Construction should be every owner’s number one choice. With over 30 years of experience in residential construction and a Red Seal in carpentry, David Federici’s passion for renovating Kelowna homes is second to none.

Give David a call; you will be glad you did.