These women builders have found their niches and are making their mark on the industry through specialized areas. Fourth-generation builder Heather Laminack of Ferrier Builders in Fort Worth, TX focuses on building sustainable, affordable homes. She grew up learning about sustainability and energy efficiency, and as general manager for Ferrier, Laminack is able to inform customers about self-sufficient homes. It’s been increasingly important for many in Texas as extreme weather this year left millions without power. Laminack’s customers are typically retirees seeking durable, sustainable homes and young families who wish to support local craftsmanship.
Laminack says demand is growing every year. “Customers can’t control the weather, but we are here to help them with what they can control,” she says. “Ferrier Builders continues to evolve as new innovations in technology are developed to build sustainable homes at a price point that more customers can afford.”
A Focus on Housing Affordability
Lisa Campfield, co-owner and design leader of Homeworks of Alabama, Inc., is also focused on affordability. Her company has been successfully building quality custom homes for more than 15 years, yet she was concerned that many people didn’t realize how owning a home helps to build personal wealth. Recently, Homeworks launched a new community called Creekside Village with the goal of giving more people the opportunity to purchase a quality, affordable home.
Creekside Village offers low-maintenance, brick homes featuring granite or quartz counter tops and stainless-steel appliances. Campfield has made it her mission to talk with anyone she can about the importance of homeownership and building wealth.
Recently, a vendor that came to Campfield’s office for non-building related business conveyed that homeownership in the area seemed out of reach. The woman had recently relocated to Lee County with her family and had become accustom to renting. Campfield shared a recommendation for a mortgage lender and within hours received a call that the woman had been pre-approved and would be meeting with the realtor to look at Creekside Village properties in the next few days.