My cousin found a handyman who let him work beside him. The skilled pro did the stuff that required permits (electrical, plumbing), my cousin did the painting/framing/etc. He had some skill and a lot of time on his hands. But it took forever…

This is so fascinating. Sears sold hundreds of thousands of kit homes and a substantial number of them were built by the purchaser using their own labor and that of friends and neighbors. We used to be able to do and make things. Britain has a thriving self-build movement with various levels of involvement. Now: we've turned ourselves into consumers who can't lift a hammer. Ironic, too that the responses to the OP's question revolve around liability and expertise considerations; if you are around the building trades, you'll be aware how poor many of the practices are, how expertise is dwindling (although there are still some excellent craftspeople out there!). OP: there might be a few who would be willing to work alongside you. Contracts and clear communication would be key.

You've got to be kidding me.

Chicago Bulls > Chicago Sky

It would be an enormous liability for them to have you (or a man) work alongside them.

OP, do you want training? And in what?

Yestermorrow in Vermont has construction classes where you also pay to stay there if you don't have a lodging arrangement.

https://yestermorrow.org/

Some places that train entry construction workers also train homeowners. These may be non-profits in low-income areas.

Anonymous wrote:Are there any contractors/handyman types that are willing to have the homeowner work alongside them?

Also, does anyone have recommendations for a company with tradeswomen? Preferably woman-owned. Wouldn't have to be one that allows you to work with.

There are women owned GCs in NYC. They don't do the physical labor. Like most GCs, they manage the takeoff for estimating, read drawings, issue RFIs, submittal, contracting the subs, organizing their in-house crew, administrative stuff for change orders, organizing all layers of approvals, closeouts, etc - there is a lot of paperwork on the management side.

and no for allowing a male homeowner "work alongside them" either. This is just a ridiculous question.

no

Neither idea sounds good.

Are there any contractors/handyman types that are willing to have the homeowner work alongside them?

Also, does anyone have recommendations for a company with tradeswomen? Preferably woman-owned. Wouldn't have to be one that allows you to work with.