FAQ

Pros have certain areas of expertise, and some have broader knowledge bases than others, so be sure you’ve selected someone with the skills and background that your project requires. Here are some ideas of general topics that our Pros cover.

Construction process and project management
Remodel guidance and second opinions (vetting quotes, timeline & budget questions)
Architectural guidance (review of drafted plans, layout advice, questions on material specifications)
Old house renovation tips (buying an old house, guidance for updating an old house)
Materials selection (painting questions, tile questions, flooring questions, etc)
Wall treatments (questions and guidance on painting/plaster, how to install wallpaper)
Plumbing projects (how to change faucet, unclog a toilet, etc)
Carpentry projects (how to refinish kitchen cabinets, custom cabinetry, basic woodworking)
Basic electric projects (how to change a light fixture, add dimmers)
DIY Decor (how to flip furniture, hang a gallery wall, IKEA hacks, etc)
General handyperson (how to change hardware, change door hinges, hang shelves)
Tilework and installation (how to tile backsplash, how to tile bathroom floor)

Our Pros are handpicked across a variety of licensed trades and DIY skill sets. You’ll find general contractors, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, handypeople, and DIYers. You are able to sort and filter Pros by trade or project type. Still not sure who you want to hire? You can always email us at support@matriarchybuild.com with a description of your project and/or questions and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

We strongly recommend completing your pre-consultation questionnaire and submitting all relevant photos to your Pro prior to your session with ample time for them to review it. Depending on your project type, measurements, tools, drawings or images might be useful. If you plan to execute your project during your consultation, be sure to have your full toolbox and all of your materials handy. It’s always helpful to have access to the area or project you are working on from your video device during the consultation. Make sure that area is well lit. Be sure to have note taking material handy. Most of all, ensure you have a strong internet signal for your video consultation.

Here are some specific examples of projects that can’t be covered in a Pro consultation.

Plumbers can’t provide DIY advice on how to execute complex plumbing over video, but Pros can advise on who to call and what to expect in these situations. Examples are: removing tree roots in pipes, or repairing backed up sewer line.
Electricians can’t provide DIY advice on how to execute complex electrical work over video, but Pros can advise on who to call and what to expect in these situations. Examples are: re-wiring in walls, ungrounded outlets, malfunctioning switches.
Location-specific ordinances aren’t suitable for Pro consultations. Examples are: building or construction limitations imposed by your community, city or state; floodplain laws and restrictions; weather-specific or terrain/soil-specific building requirements.
Structural assessments aren’t suitable for Pro consultations. Examples are: whether structural elements are sound; foundation interventions; negative drainage issues.
In person support or tangible deliverables.
Pros are unable to provide exact dimensions or measurements that are specific to your site/project.

Be sure to chat with your Pro about the location of your water lines and turn off water to the device you’re working on.

Images of the area you are going to work on are important. Here are some ways to prep for specific project examples:

Changing your faucet: images of the underside of your sink, including any other pipes or items (like a disposal) that might be close to what you are working on are also helpful. Be certain that your new faucet has the same number of holes as your original or is otherwise compatible.

Fixing a leaky toilet: note when and under what circumstances the leak is occurring. Images of the area leaking water are also helpful.

Be certain to know where your breaker box is. The first step in your session will be ensuring there is no electrical current running through the switch/outlet/light/etc. that you are working on. Check, double check, triple check that your power is off by flipping on a light switch or plugging in a lamp. Even better, use an electrical tester to ensure no current is running in your work area. Have work gloves on hand.

Our philosophy on Pros: positive vibes; no mansplaining.

Before we onboard Pros, we hold a 30 minute video interview to ensure Pros uphold the Matriarchy Build values of creating a safe space without judgment or intimidation. We survey their online reputation and review their portfolio work. We check all licenses and credentials (where applicable.) And we also reach out to professional references.

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Consultations are limited to the timeframe that they were originally booked for and can’t be extended. If you need more time, book a fresh session with your Pro.

We strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop for your consultation to seamlessly utilize all of Zoom’s features that will help optimize your consultation experience. For some projects, it might be helpful to be able to move with your device in order to show your Pro exactly what you are working on, so keep that in mind when selecting your device. For whatever device you select, please be sure the Zoom app is downloaded prior to your session.

Voice-only consultations are possible, but we strongly encourage you to enable video functionality for your consultation to get the most from your session. If a Pro is unable to support you during your call because they are unable to see what you are working on, Matriarchy Build will not be able to refund your consultation.

The Zoom app can be downloaded for free here.

You are able to book sessions until 24 hours before that session is scheduled to begin. Sessions scheduled within 48 hours of the start time run a greater risk of needing to be rescheduled.

Consultations can be rescheduled or canceled until 48 hours before your meeting time. Please email us at support@matriarchybuild.com to cancel your appointment. If you need to reschedule an appointment with a Pro, just cancel your session and rebook with your Pro at another time. Cancellations or reschedules with fewer than 48 hours notice will not be refunded.

If your Pro has to cancel your consultation, Matriarchy Build will make every effort to advise you ahead of time and rebook your session. Last minute cancellations will be refunded. If your Pro is late for a consultation, please contact us and we will take the necessary measures to fix the situation.

When you select a Pro, and click on “Book a Time,” you’ll see your own timezone displayed on the upper right hand corner of the calendar. All meeting times will be displayed in your local timezone.

We want you to have a great experience with our Pros and leave feeling empowered and ready to tackle your project. We cannot guarantee that you’ll be happy with the advice you receive from your Pro and we cannot take responsibility for the results of taking that advice. Therefore, we cannot offer refunds based on dissatisfaction that arises out of advice given. Please take the time to provide feedback of your Pro after your consultation or contact us to discuss issues that may require further review.

Matriarchy Build is built by women, and built for everyone. We take pride in our female-first perspective, but we also invite male and non-binary folks to participate in our community. Our community reveres and is made stronger by inclusivity and diversity. No tool know-how is required to participate: all levels of knowledge and experience are welcome. We have a firm “positive vibes, no mansplaining” policy.