Chicks in Construction

Podcast Cary
  • 1.0 (1)
  • HOME & GARDEN

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. Submit Your Construction Horror Story: https://chicksinconstruction.com/

  1. 11H AGO

    Avoid Scammers with this Homeowner Horror Story

    Hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu of The Chicks in Construction share a South Carolina homeowner horror story about a long-saved kitchen remodel that went wrong after hiring a contractor who seemed confident and came recommended. The project suffered from missed schedules, constant add-on invoices, delays that stretched an 8–10 week timeline to nearly six months, and failed electrical inspections that required reopening finished walls. The homeowner later discovered the contractor wasn’t licensed and ended up researching codes, confirming inspection requirements, and managing ordering and scheduling herself. The hosts warn viewers to verify licenses and business status, ask about contingency plans, confirm permits, watch for scam-like pressure tactics, and never pay for rework caused by faulty work or failed inspections. 00:00 Contractor Liability Truth 00:19 Show Welcome and Mission 01:51 Subscribe and Support 02:19 Scam Calls and Tax Threats 07:57 Anti-Scam Safety Tips 09:51 South Carolina Horror Story Begins 12:20 Kitchen Reno Dream Setup 14:03 Red Flags and Disappearing Act 15:36 Contingency and Code Talk 19:54 Change Orders and Inspection Fails 26:00 Cabinet Price Hike Scam 27:29 Code Upgrades and Licensing 28:19 Feeling Trapped Mid-Reno 28:57 High-Pressure Scam Tactics 30:54 Budget Creep and Delays 32:45 Living Without a Kitchen 33:24 Inspections Reveal Bad Work 37:07 Never Pay for Rework 40:11 Unlicensed Contractor Shock 42:29 How Permits Get Pulled 46:35 Deep-Dive Contractor Vetting 53:49 Wrap-Up and Where to Find Us Submit your homeowner horror story:www.chicksinconstruction.com Follow on Social Media:www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction ________________ Love what you hear?Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

    55 min

  2. MAR 10

    Say Goodbye to Home Warranties

    Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down why home warranties often fail homeowners: denial loopholes, code upgrade exclusions, long delays, and contractors you can’t choose. They share horror stories including a mismatched HVAC replacement that forced costly auxiliary heat and a technician caught going through a homeowner’s underwear drawer. Alternatives include thorough inspections, maintenance plans, and building a repair emergency fund. 00:00 Creepy Contractor Story 00:46 Podcast Intro and Outfit Talk 01:47 Home Builder Show Recap 02:53 Vegas Chaos and Temu Elmo 05:42 Sticker Shock at the Expo 07:20 Orlando Traffic Meltdown 09:04 Home Warranties Are a Scam 10:50 What Warranties Claim to Cover 13:16 How Claims Get Denied 17:05 Code Updates and Aging Loopholes 20:12 You Don’t Pick the Contractor 21:38 HVAC Horror Story Begins 25:44 Warranty HVAC Scam 28:01 Why Contractors Cut Corners 29:17 Claims Delays No Coverage 31:21 Not Insurance Arbitration 38:11 Are Warranties Ever Worth 43:43 Safety Risks Bad Techs 46:42 Smarter Alternatives Inspections 51:15 Emergency Fund Maintenance Plans 56:03 Final Takeaways Call To Action Submit your homeowner horror story:www.chicksinconstruction.com Follow on Social Media:www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction ________________ Love what you hear?Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

    59 min

  3. MAR 3

    Bathroom Dreams to Nightmares: A Renovation Story

    In this episode of 'Chicks in Construction,' hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu share a gripping homeowner horror story submitted by a listener. The episode details Amanda's journey of being scammed by an unlicensed contractor who left her with a gutted, half-finished bathroom and nearly $90,000 poorer. The hosts discuss the importance of contractor research, recognizing red flags, and the emotional and financial toll of such experiences. Tune in to learn valuable lessons in avoiding contractor scams and ensure your renovation projects stay on track. 00:00 Emotional Breakdown in the Bathroom00:48 Introduction to Chicks in Construction01:29 Engaging with the Audience02:51 Dealing with Online Criticism07:46 Homeowner Horror Story: The Florida Bathroom Renovation21:24 Waterproofing Woes22:57 Inspection Failures and Financial Strain25:31 Standing Up to the Contractor27:24 Discovering the Deception32:58 Legal and Emotional Aftermath41:25 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Submit your homeowner horror story:www.chicksinconstruction.com Follow on Social Media:www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction ________________ Love what you hear?Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

    42 min

  4. FEB 24

    Imagine Your Home Falling Apart

    In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and her co-host Jessica Abreu dive into a jaw-dropping homeowner horror story. The hosts discuss the shocking experience of Jake and his family, who moved into their dream home only to discover severe structural issues due to gross negligence by their contractor and the county inspections department. With foundation failures, code violations, and a battle to hold the builder accountable, this episode highlights the importance of due diligence, third-party inspections, and understanding the limitations of legal and insurance recourse in construction. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on one of the worst-case scenarios in home construction. 00:00 Napkin Plans and Construction Realities 01:04 Welcome to Chicks in Construction 01:34 Super Bowl and Small Talk 03:50 Dog Tales and Special Trash 10:16 Homeowner Horror Story Introduction 13:08 The Chatham County Construction Nightmare 29:03 Builder Red Flags and Permitting Office Blunders 29:24 Accidental Email Exposes Structural Issues 30:35 Homeowner's Legal Battle Begins 32:33 Contractor's License Suspended and Fined 32:51 Licensing Board's Worst Code Violations Case 38:54 Homeowner's Insurance and Legal Struggles 45:16 Homeowner Recovery Fund Limitations 51:34 Advice for Future Homeowners 01:00:20 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Submit your homeowner horror story:www.chicksinconstruction.com Follow on Social Media:www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction ________________ Love what you hear?Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

    1h 2m

  5. FEB 17

    Mastering Communication in Construction: Tips from Nicole Fella

    In this episode of 'Chicks and Construction,' host Mikki Paradis, with co-hosts Jessica Abreu and special guest Nicole Fella, jump into the communication challenges that arise in construction projects. The episode highlights the importance of clear communication between homeowners, project managers, and contractors to achieve better outcomes and fewer disputes. Nicole shares her unique experience as an interior designer and general contractor, emphasizing the significance of setting clear expectations and understanding communication styles. The discussion covers practical advice for homeowners, including the necessity of asking questions and ensuring detailed, specific contracts. Listeners are encouraged to use tools like DISC survey to improve their communication understanding. The episode underscores that respectful and clear communication is essential for successful renovation projects. 00:00 Introduction to Communication in Construction 00:23 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest 01:30 Nicole's Background and Expertise 02:54 The Importance of Communication in Construction 04:31 Common Communication Pitfalls 06:33 Setting Clear Expectations 10:09 Effective Communication Strategies 14:24 Managing Client Expectations 17:06 Balancing Communication and Flexibility 19:51 Handling Communication Challenges 24:18 Establishing Reasonable Communication Expectations 28:23 The Stress of Late-Night Texts 28:43 Respectful Communication in Business 30:12 The Mosquito Service Incident 32:55 Handling Disrespectful Clients 38:16 The Importance of Clear Contracts 40:08 Advice for First-Time Renovators 44:28 Understanding Quotes and Allowances 52:25 The Value of Professionalism 53:41 Conclusion and Final Tips

    59 min

  6. FEB 10

    Home Renovation Tips: Avoiding Mistakes and Celebrating Wins

    In this episode of The Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu discuss crucial red flags, do's and don'ts in the construction industry. Inspired by a serendipitous airplane chat, Mikki shares insights from a fellow passenger who had a positive experience building a dream home. The discussion emphasizes the importance of doing extensive research, hiring an independent interior designer, and avoiding bundled services with general contractors. They also encourage listeners to share both their construction horror stories and wins to help others navigate the complex world of home renovations and new builds. Catch all this and more as they dive deep into ways to ensure a smooth and successful construction project. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Inspiration 01:53 Purpose of the Podcast 03:25 Neighborhood Anecdotes and Real Estate Insights 10:04 Homeowner Wins and the Value of Interior Designers 21:29 The Value of Spending on Renovations 22:10 The Importance of Functionality in Home Design 22:42 Budgeting and Hiring for Home Renovations 24:44 The Role of Interior Designers 25:55 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Home Renovations 32:25 Research and Contracts: Key to Successful Renovations 36:39 The Importance of Independent Professionals 44:08 Final Tips and Encouragement Submit your homeowner horror story:www.chicksinconstruction.com Follow on Social Media:www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction ________________ Love what you hear?Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

    48 min

  7. FEB 3

    Built on Lies: A Tale of Homeowner Horror

    The Shocking Tale of a $300k Dream Home Scam | Chicks in Construction In this episode of The Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu dive into a devastating homeowner horror story in North Carolina where a homeowner's dream home project turned into a nightmare. After paying over $300,000, the homeowner was left with an unfinished lot and no house, due to a series of events involving shady contractors, deceitful actions, and unfulfilled promises. The hosts break down the red flags that were missed and provide vital advice for anyone considering building or remodeling their home. Tune in for detailed insights and tips on protecting yourself from fraudulent practices in the construction industry. 00:00 Introduction to a Homeowner's Nightmare 00:55 Meet the Hosts and the Story Unfolds 02:16 The Shocking Discovery 03:17 The Unraveling of a Scam 05:09 The Aftermath and Legal Loopholes 08:19 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts 24:01 Uncovering Hidden Judgments 24:44 The Shady Tactics of a Fraudster 26:03 The Role of Licensing in Construction 30:41 The Importance of Research and Due Diligence 32:32 The Aftermath and Legal Struggles 38:34 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Submit your homeowner horror story:www.chicksinconstruction.com Follow on Social Media:www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcastwww.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction ________________ Love what you hear?Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

    48 min

  8. JAN 27

    Tool Talk: Drill versus Impact Driver

    Welcome back to the Chicks in Construction! In this episode, hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu kickstart their tool talk series - aiming to save you from buying unnecessary tools and helping you choose the ones that deserve a spot in your truck. They delve deep into the differences between power drills and impact drivers, offer tips for proper drywall anchoring, and share humorous anecdotes from their DIY experiences. Plus, they touch on New Year's words instead of resolutions and the importance of focusing and aligning goals. Tune in for an informative and entertaining session that blends practical advice with real-life stories! 00:00 Introduction to Tool Talk 00:30 Meet the Hosts: Mickey and Jessica 01:58 New Year Resolutions and Words of the Year 13:11 Tool Talk: Power Drills vs. Impact Drivers 20:56 The Best Stud Finder: Stud Buddy 21:36 Understanding Screws and Studs 24:16 Drill vs. Impact Driver: Key Differences 30:44 Choosing the Right Drywall Anchors 34:31 Tips for Using Drills and Anchors 40:54 Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

    44 min
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About

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. Submit Your Construction Horror Story: https://chicksinconstruction.com/

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