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Chicks in Construction: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Mikki Paradis
You plan your renovation with excitement, trust your contractor, and hope for the best...until things start going sideways. That’s when most homeowners realize they didn’t know what they didn’t know. From permits that were never pulled to “contractors” who ghost after demo day, the construction world can feel like a maze of hidden costs and shady shortcuts. Too many homeowners end up confused, overwhelmed, and out of a lot of money. The Chicks in Construction Podcast is here to change that. Hosted by Mikki Paradis, a licensed general contractor with 20+ years of experience, and Jess Abreu, a homeowner turned construction content creator, this show breaks down real renovation horror stories and teaches you how to protect your time, money, and home. After building a multimillion-dollar drywall business and helping countless homeowners recover from construction nightmares, Mikki is on a mission to make sure you go into your next project informed, not blindsided. And Jess brings the perspective of someone who’s been in your shoes and now knows exactly what questions to ask.
Latest Episodes
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- 1 weeks ago41 min
When a Home Insurance Claim Turns Into a Contractor Nightmare
A massive tree crashes through an Atlanta homeowner’s chimney and into her living room, leaving behind more than $250,000 in estimated damage. What happens next is a homeowner horror story involving a contractor who showed up after the storm, more than $200,000 in insurance payments, unfinished repairs, and a chimney rebuild that was found to have serious construction problems.Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down Judith “Judy” Standard’s experience, including how the contractor was found to be unlicensed, had not obtained the required building permit, and admitted it was his first contracting job. After legal assistance and a local news investigation, Judy received a $45,000 settlement from the contractor and an additional $12,000 from State Farm to help finish repairing her home.Along the way, Mikki and Jess discuss storm chasers, insurance claims, the importance of proper licensing and permits, and why homeowners should be cautious when contractors show up uninvited after a storm. The story also offers a rare bright spot: taking responsibility when something goes wrong can make a major difference.00:00 Tough Mudder stories and a chaotic introduction04:00 What Chicks in Construction is all about07:00 Why homeowners need to know construction red flags09:00 An Atlanta homeowner’s tree damage nightmare11:00 The $250,000 insurance damage estimate12:00 How a storm chaser contractor got hired13:00 Tracking more than $200,000 in insurance payments17:00 Why homeowners should be cautious about trusting contractors19:00 Unfinished hardwood floors and problems with the chimney24:00 The $35,000 chimney rebuild26:00 An unlicensed contractor taking on his first job29:00 Legal assistance and a demand for $78,00030:00 The contractor agrees to a $45,000 settlement31:00 State Farm provides an additional $12,00034:00 Why inexperienced contractors can cause serious problems35:00 The importance of taking responsibility when mistakes happen39:00 How to submit your own homeowner horror story
- 2 weeks ago52 min
Before You Sign: Construction Contracts That Can Cost You
Before you sign that construction contract, make sure you know exactly what you are agreeing to. Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu discuss the costly mistakes homeowners can make when hiring contractors, approving payments, and relying on banks to protect their renovation projects. They share examples of homeowners facing defective work, unexpected legal expenses, strict invoice deadlines, and construction loans that leave them responsible for money paid to contractors who did not complete the job correctly.The hosts explain why researching a contractor's license and legal history matters, how approving construction loan payments can affect future disputes, and why bank inspections do not necessarily guarantee that work meets building codes or quality standards. Their biggest piece of advice: read every contract carefully, verify completed work before approving payments, and consider hiring a construction attorney to review both contractor agreements and loan documents before signing.The episode also features a hilarious Chicky Chat about Jessica's upcoming Tough Mudder race and its surprisingly intense obstacles.00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction03:00 Chicky Chat and the Tough Mudder challenge05:00 Ice baths, electric obstacles, and tear gas15:00 Why homeowners need to understand what they sign18:00 When a homeowner's evidence gets rejected in court20:00 Researching contractors before hiring them21:00 The 48 hour invoice dispute clause23:00 Why construction contracts may favor contractors27:00 Never approve work you have not verified28:00 Construction loans and payment approvals30:00 What happens when defective work has already been paid for32:00 Homeowner protections and contractor accountability34:00 Why inspections matter before releasing construction funds36:00 Why the bank is not your advocate40:00 What bank inspectors actually check42:00 When homeowners must repay money for work that was never completed44:00 How a contractor dispute can prevent a renovation from moving forward47:00 Have a construction attorney review your contracts50:00 Share your homeowner horror story
- 3 weeks ago43 min
The Condo Disaster That Left Homeowners Trapped
A construction project intended to expand a local sewer system turned into a nightmare for residents of the Woodland Hills Condominiums in Southgate, Kentucky. After excavation began near the property, residents reported severe foundation cracks, uneven floors, shifting doors, and separating balconies. The damage escalated into a landslide, forcing dozens of residents to leave their homes while continuing to face mortgages, HOA fees, and the cost of finding somewhere else to live.Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down the timeline, the lawsuits involving the sanitation district, Bray Construction, and other parties, and the financial consequences for homeowners who lost access to their properties. They also discuss the Kentucky Supreme Court's February 2026 ruling that overturned a temporary financial assistance order for eight homeowners, while the larger question of responsibility remains unresolved. This episode explores construction accountability, HOA costs, housing insecurity, and the devastating consequences when homeowners are left paying for damage they did not cause.Have a construction or renovation story to share? Visit ChicksInConstruction.com to tell your story, and follow @ChicksInConstructionPodcast on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or @ChicksInConstruction on TikTok.00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction03:40 Why the hosts are researching this case carefully04:40 The Southgate condo landslide story08:00 Background on the Woodland Hills Condominiums09:30 The sewer expansion project and construction contract11:00 Foundation damage and warning signs inside the condos14:30 The landslide and evacuation of residents16:00 Homeowners displaced while still paying their bills18:30 Lawsuits, the HOA, and the cost of a retaining wall22:00 How unpaid HOA fees can put homeownership at risk23:30 Questions about slope stability and construction oversight26:00 The financial and personal toll on displaced residents30:00 Relocation assistance offered to homeowners31:30 Temporary financial relief and the court challenges33:00 The Kentucky Supreme Court ruling34:30 What remains unresolved in the case36:00 HOA responsibilities and unexpected property costs38:30 Construction industry criticism and the hosts' social media comments42:00 Where to follow the show and submit your story
- Oct 7, 20261h 0m
Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor & What a Good Remodel Process Looks Like
Host Mikki Paradis welcomes returning guest Nicole Fella, an interior designer and licensed general contractor who owns Bath Remodeling Center in Cary, North Carolina, specializing in kitchen, bathroom, and walk-in closet renovations. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bathremodelingcenterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathremodelingcenterPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bathremodelingcenter/They discuss social media trolls, why some men rage bait women in construction, and how the show helps homeowners navigate contractors by sharing stories. Mickie and Nicole react to a contractor video that publicly shames a homeowner’s reasonable email about door rough openings, explaining why this behavior is a hiring red flag and how contractors should educate instead. Nicole then walks through her company’s remodeling process: detailed quoting, minimizing allowances, contract specifics, deposit norms, consistent communication, using mostly in-house crews, staging materials before demo, realistic timelines (about 2.5 weeks for baths plus glass; about 5–6 weeks for kitchens), inspection realities, and clarifying that contractors should pay for failed inspections caused by their own work.00:00 Welcome and Nicole Returns01:10 First Trolls on Social02:45 Why the Podcast Exists06:23 Contractor Shaming Trend11:09 Red Flags on Social Media18:23 Nicole’s Remodel Process22:26 Allowances and Quote Traps25:36 Contracts Deposits and Subs31:46 Project Management and Updates34:06 Inspection Delays Reality35:31 Durham County Nightmares38:18 Client Communication Style39:30 Materials Staged Before Demo40:03 Granite Templating Timeline41:36 Avoid Allowances Trap45:31 Bathroom Remodel Timeframe49:27 Kitchen Reno Six Weeks54:14 Contractor Red Flags55:05 Who Pays Failed Inspections56:33 Final Takeaways and Wrap
- Sep 29, 202648 min
Mold Took Over Their Home: Homeowner Horror Stories
In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu dive into a homeowner story involving mold, excessive humidity, HVAC problems, poor ventilation, and major construction issues that eventually led to a lawsuit.The homeowner discovered mold appearing throughout the home, including inside cabinets and around areas where water was stagnant. After testing, the source was connected to extremely high humidity and problems with the home's HVAC system. The home was reaching 70 to 80% humidity, the HVAC system was not properly removing moisture, and water was found inside the ductwork. The attic was also poorly ventilated, and the home was not fully weatherized.The repairs quickly became expensive, with estimates reaching $60,000 to $80,000. The story eventually uncovered documents that allegedly showed the previous owners knew about similar problems before selling the home. The homeowners are now involved in litigation and say they have documentation supporting their case. The hosts discuss the importance of inspections, documentation, proper HVAC installation, ventilation, weatherization, and understanding what you are getting into when buying a home.Mikki and Jessica also talk about why they want to hear stories from both homeowners and builders, including situations where homeowners may be contributing to construction problems themselves.If you have a construction story to share, visit chicksinconstruction.com. You can also find Chicks in Construction on TikTok at @chicksinconstruction and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @chicksinconstructionpodcast.00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction05:00 How this homeowner story began10:00 Mold found inside the home12:00 Problems with the shower16:00 Mold and stagnant water18:00 HVAC and humidity problems21:00 The HVAC installation issues23:00 Poor attic ventilation25:00 The cost of fixing the home28:00 Why the homeowners went to court31:00 Evidence and the legal case34:00 Health concerns and living with mold36:00 The homeowner's health improved38:00 The seller disclosure issue40:00 Discovering the previous lawsuit43:00 Evidence in the case45:00 A possible fight and win story47:00 How to submit your story
- Sep 22, 202636 min
New Home, Hidden Problems: What Homeowners Need to Know
In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down a homeowner dispute involving a new construction home, water intrusion, suspected mold, and questions about the home's construction and waterproofing.The episode follows the homeowner's experience after problems reportedly began within six months of moving into the home. When repeated concerns about water intrusion were met with recommendations to use caulk and reseal grout, the homeowner eventually opened up her own shower to investigate what was happening behind the tile.Mikki and Jessica explain why tile and grout are not the complete waterproofing system in a shower, how water can travel far from its original source, and why simply sealing the visible wet spot may not solve the underlying problem. They also discuss the importance of proper plumbing ventilation, keeping moisture out of attic spaces, and understanding what is behind the finished surfaces of a home.The hosts are careful to point out that the homeowner's lawsuit is still active and that no determination of fault has been made. They also distinguish between the homeowner's reported health concerns and what can actually be established through medical evidence.Along the way, Mikki and Jessica discuss what homeowners should do when they notice recurring water problems, including documenting concerns, getting the right professionals involved, understanding warranty implications, and avoiding unnecessary demolition before understanding the potential consequences.The episode also highlights a larger lesson for homeowners: when something continues to go wrong, do not ignore it just because the visible problem seems small. Ask questions, document what is happening, and make sure the underlying issue is properly investigated.If you have a construction story that could help other homeowners learn from your experience, you can submit it anonymously at chicksinconstruction.com. You can also follow Chicks in Construction on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at @chicksinconstructionpodcast and on TikTok at @chicksinconstruction.00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction06:00 The homeowner story and the mysterious builder08:00 The lawsuit and what happened12:00 The homeowner takes a hammer to the shower15:00 Water intrusion and reported health concerns17:00 Can caulk actually fix a water problem?20:00 Why homeowners should be careful with demolition22:00 Understanding shower waterproofing24:00 Why water finds its own path26:00 Suspected mold and the inspection28:00 The plumbing vent problem31:00 The homeowner's concerns and the builder's response34:00 How construction problems can stack up
- Sep 15, 202649 min
Your New Home Could Be Rotting?!
Mikki Paradise and Jessica Abreu take a closer look at what can go wrong when building or buying a home, including hidden water damage, structural issues, inspections, warranties, and the importance of doing your homework before choosing a builder.The episode explores why passing a building inspection does not necessarily mean a home was built correctly, how rushed construction can lead to major problems, and why homeowners need to understand their rights and responsibilities when something goes wrong.Mikki and Jessica also discuss real cases involving major home builders, construction defects, warranty disputes, and what homeowners can do to better protect themselves.News sources mentioned:• FOX 13 Tampa Bay• Hunterbrook Media and its investigation, The House From Hell00:00 What Chicks In Construction is all about07:00 The construction story behind today's episode13:00 Hidden problems behind your home's walls18:00 Water intrusion and improperly installed windows20:00 Who is responsible when something goes wrong?24:00 Private inspectors and potential conflicts of interest25:00 What a building inspection actually means31:00 Construction defect deadlines and homeowner rights34:00 The House From Hell investigation40:00 Warranties, delays, and forced arbitration45:00 What homeowners can learn from these cases47:00 How to protect yourself when choosing a builder
- Sep 8, 202659 min
Navigating the Construction Jungle
In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradise and Jessica Abreu break down one of the wildest homeowner horror stories yet: a Florida custom home builder who collected more than $8.7 million from 15 families while failing to pay subcontractors and suppliers.The homeowners did what most people would consider their due diligence. They hired an established builder, signed contracts, made payments, and waited for their custom homes to be completed. But eventually, the trucks stopped coming. Then the lien notices started arriving.The episode explains how construction draws work, why paying your general contractor does not necessarily mean the subcontractors have been paid, and how unpaid tradespeople can place liens against a homeowner's property. The hosts also explain why unfinished construction can become dramatically more expensive to complete and why homeowners can end up paying twice for work they already paid for.Mikki and Jessica also break down the warning signs homeowners should look for before and during a construction project, including lien waivers, notice letters, payment schedules, large upfront deposits, and third party construction escrow services.Most importantly, they explain what to do if your construction project has already gone wrong. Stop releasing payments, document everything, run a lien search, investigate the builder's history, and contact a construction attorney in your state as quickly as possible.This episode is a reminder that prevention is often the best protection when you're building or remodeling a home.Disclaimer: Mikki and Jessica are not attorneys. Construction lien laws vary by state, and this episode is intended for educational purposes only. Speak with a qualified construction attorney in your state for advice about your specific situation.00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction02:00 What are Homeowner Horror Stories?07:00 Disney's senior community in North Carolina10:00 Why general contractors need construction experience13:00 The Florida construction story begins17:00 Imagine saving for years to build your dream home19:00 How homeowners and subcontractors both get hurt21:00 Why subcontractors can put liens on a property22:00 What makes a custom home different from a production home24:00 How homeowners' money is exposed during construction27:00 How 15 families were affected28:00 The three reasons homeowners didn't realize what was happening30:00 What is a construction draw?31:00 Why you should never pay ahead of the work34:00 How construction liens work38:00 Why finishing an abandoned construction project costs more40:00 How liens can prevent you from selling or refinancing41:00 The builder's sentence42:00 $8.7 million in restitution47:00 Seven ways to protect yourself48:00 Lien waivers with every draw49:00 Don't throw away scary letters51:00 How much should a construction deposit be?52:00 The danger of using new deposits to pay old bills55:00 How to find out how bad the situation really is56:00 Who should you call first?57:00 The biggest mistake homeowners make58:00 The one thing every homeowner needs to remember59:00 Share your story and follow Chicks in Construction
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About Chicks in Construction
You plan your renovation with excitement, trust your contractor, and hope for the best...until things start going sideways. That’s when most homeowners realize they didn’t know what they didn’t know. From permits that were never pulled to “contractors” who ghost after demo day, the construction world can feel like a maze of hidden costs and shady shortcuts. Too many homeowners end up confused, overwhelmed, and out of a lot of money. The Chicks in Construction Podcast is here to change that. Hosted by Mikki Paradis, a licensed general contractor with 20+ years of experience, and Jess Abreu, a homeowner turned construction content creator, this show breaks down real renovation horror stories and teaches you how to protect your time, money, and home. After building a multimillion-dollar drywall business and helping countless homeowners recover from construction nightmares, Mikki is on a mission to make sure you go into your next project informed, not blindsided. And Jess brings the perspective of someone who’s been in your shoes and now knows exactly what questions to ask.
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