Chicks in Construction – Details, episodes & analysis

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Chicks in Construction

Mikki Paradis

Leisure

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 58

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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https://www.chicksinconstruction.com
14 shares
https://www.cadmus-construction.com/
2 shares
https://precisionpublicadjusting.com/
2 shares

https://www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcast
15 shares
https://www.instagram.com/sarahtianiclosets
2 shares
https://www.instagram.com/topempirepainting
1 share

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Score global : 69%

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Flipped Homes, Hidden Damage & the Truth About "As-Is" Sales

Episode 56

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 01:02:35

Welcome back to another episode of Chicks in Construction — the true crime podcast, construction edition! This week Mikki and Jessica kick things off with some Chicky Chat: Hector's international gallbladder surgery adventure in El Salvador (complete with translation app fails, gloveless procedures, and Juan Carlos saving the day), plus travel tales from Jess's European cruise.

Then it's on to the main story: why the prettiest flipped homes can hide the ugliest secrets. Fresh paint, brand-new floors, and gorgeous quartz countertops can conceal water damage, mold, missing permits, and structural problems that don't show up until months after closing.

As always, we're not attorneys or doctors, and this isn't legal advice — but these real cases and lessons can help you avoid becoming one of our future stories.

Got a story of your own? Share it with us at chicksinconstruction.com — we'll always keep you anonymous, even if you don't check the box.

Follow us: Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram: @chicksinconstructionpodcast TikTok: @chicksinconstruction

#ChicksInConstruction #HomeBuying #HouseFlipping #RealEstate #TrueCrimePodcast #HomeInspection #RenovationRedFlags

Chapters:
0:00 Intro & Chicky Chat (Hector's El Salvador surgery, Jess's cruise)
27:03 Getting to today's story
27:17 The dream home that's hiding secrets
29:50 The bidding war & waived inspections
36:48 Johnson v. Davis and seller disclosure law
41:41 When the inspector misses it
45:58 "As-is" doesn't mean anything goes
57:12 Rapid-fire red flags to watch for
1:01:59 Where to find us

Submit your homeowner horror story:
www.chicksinconstruction.com

Follow on Social Media:
www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcast
www.facebook.com/chicksinconstructionpodcast
www.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcast
www.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction

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What Homeowners Insurance Actually Covers

Episode 55

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 54:03

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu explain what homeowners insurance actually covers, why construction defects and long-term water intrusion are frequently excluded, and how homeowners can protect themselves before something goes wrong.

They also discuss the surprisingly low barrier to becoming a licensed general contractor, the difference between a home inspector and a building inspector, and why a contractor can be responsible for an entire home without completing the apprenticeship or experience requirements expected in many individual trades.

Through real court disputes, homeowner stories, and firsthand experiences, Mikki and Jessica explain why insurance is not a home warranty, contractor warranty, or maintenance plan—and why identifying the cause of damage is often more important than proving the damage exists.

You’ll also learn what documents to save, when filing a claim may increase your future costs, what to do after a denial, and why hiring the cheapest contractor can become the most expensive decision you ever make.

00:00 – General contractor licensing
00:45 – New podcast setup
02:00 – European vacation recap
03:00 – Gluten-free travel in Italy
05:00 – Six countries in one trip
07:00 – Venice: worth the visit?
10:45 – Viral builder lawsuit
14:00 – How easy is contractor licensing?
16:00 – Home vs. building inspectors
18:00 – Social media backlash
21:00 – Homeowner horror stories
26:00 – What insurance really covers
28:00 – The burned fence claim
29:30 – Stolen car insurance story
32:00 – Why claims raise your rates
33:30 – Insurance is not a warranty
34:30 – Challenging a denied claim
37:00 – Hidden water damage
38:00 – Find the leak first
40:00 – What caused the damage?
41:30 – Documents homeowners should save
43:00 – Roof damage vs. normal wear
45:00 – When filing a claim makes sense
46:30 – Faulty workmanship exclusions49:00 – The cheapest contractor trap50:00 – How to verify a contractor51:00 – Understanding your policy52:00 – Documenting your belongings53:00 – What to do after a denial54:00 – Public adjusters and experts55:00 – Final homeowner advice

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Plumbing

Episode 54

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 58:55

Main Street Plumbing Company:
https://mainstplumbingnc.com/

Main Street Plumbing Number:
919-617-0496

Capps Plumbing Company:
https://cappsplg.com/

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradise welcomes Hailey, a plumber with more than 14 years of experience, to share hilarious stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice every homeowner should know.

From the strangest things ever flushed down toilets to why plumbers cringe when they hear someone used Drano, Hailey explains the mistakes that lead to expensive repairs—and how homeowners can avoid them.

The conversation also explores what it's like being a woman in the plumbing trade, dealing with stereotypes, earning respect on the job, and why the construction industry needs more women. Along the way, Mikki and Hailey discuss water heaters, water pressure, plumbing maintenance, DIY repairs, builder shortcuts, and the importance of finding a plumber you can trust.

Whether you're a homeowner trying to prevent costly repairs or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this episode is packed with practical advice, laughs, and insider knowledge.

00:00 – Welcome back to Chicks in Construction

01:00 – Meet guest plumber Hailey

04:00 – How Hailey became a plumber

06:30 – Why the trades were a better fit than college

07:00 – What it's like being a woman in plumbing

10:00 – Why construction should be called "male-populated," not "male-dominated"

– Homeowner mistakes plumbers see every day

Contractor Catastrophes: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Episode 53

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 59:35

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu discuss an Arizona case in which senior citizens Elizabeth Matthews and her husband hired Settlers West Home Builder in May 2022 to build a $1M custom home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills, then were persuaded to sign a separate $300,000 guest-house contract and pay large amounts in cash outside their construction loan. After paying $150,000 for the main project plus $150,000 and later $105,000 toward the guest house (and nearly $60,000 in upgrades), the couple saw major delays, received no refund when requested, and ultimately learned the builder filed for bankruptcy in December 2023, leaving two homes only framed. The builders had 18 license complaints before revocation in February 2024. The hosts stress red flags, not paying for uncompleted work, milestone-based draws, lien waivers, and retainage.

00:00 Renovation Limbo Warning

00:25 Podcast Intro and Horror Stories

02:47 Why Contractors Dodge Consequences

09:04 Time Optimist Tangent

13:45 Hoarding vs Throwing Away

19:01 Deep Dive Redemption Setup

20:34 Dream Home Disaster Begins

22:59 Meet the Matthews and the Contract

26:08 Guest House Upsell Red Flags

27:53 Discounts as Red Flags

28:42 Cash Pressure and Markups

31:02 Selling the House to Pay

32:54 Delays and Sunk Cost Trap

36:34 Overpaying for Bare Framing

38:38 Complaints and Bankruptcy Twist

48:13 Why Fixing Work Costs More

52:39 Pay Milestones and Lien Waivers

56:43 Retainage and Final Takeaways

The House That Shouldn’t Have Been Demolished

Episode 52

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 39:38

Mikki Paradis and co-host Jessica Abreu introduce the Chicks in Construction podcast, explaining their mission to help homeowners understand what’s normal, spot red flags, and avoid contractor scams by sharing “Homeowner Horror Stories” submitted at chicksinconstruction.com. They discuss how construction failures often come from chained mistakes and share a shocking Atlanta, Georgia incident where a private demolition crew tore down the wrong inherited family home while the owner was on vacation, then left; the City of Atlanta issued a correction notice requiring the owner to clean up rubble and warning of fines despite the work being unpermitted and unauthorized. They note similar Atlanta cases, compare homeowner protections across states, and invite listeners to submit stories and follow the show on social media.

00:00 Cold Open Banter

00:20 Podcast Mission

03:14 Submitting Horror Stories

05:16 Cups Hydration Heat

05:54 NC Weather Whiplash

07:44 Running Zombies Alaska

12:51 Neighborhood Demo Problem

15:40 Why Trees Matter

16:33 House Shouldnt Demolish

18:13 Wrong House Shock

19:51 How Crews Miss Addresses

21:02 Drywall Wrong House Story

23:16 Safeguards That Failed

23:48 Irreplaceable Memories Lost

25:59 Contractor City Fallout

29:04 Atlanta Pattern Of Demos

35:13 Homeowner Protections Gap

39:22 Share Your Story Outro

Contractor Collapse: How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

Episode 51

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 59:32

On this episode of The Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu discuss how scammers exploit stress and access to personal information, including a story of a woman in the Raleigh area who was tricked by a caller ID–spoofed “Wake County Sheriff’s Office” into paying $4,000 to “buy out” a fake warrant. They explain why law enforcement doesn’t collect payments over the phone and advise hanging up and calling the non-emergency number directly. The conversation then shifts to an Arizona luxury pool contractor situation where homeowners paid large deposits for $80,000–$200,000 backyard projects that stalled, leaving unsafe excavation pits and unfinished work. They outline red flags like massive upfront deposits, loss of momentum, vague delays, and misleading social media, and recommend protections such as milestone-based payments, verifying suppliers, checking licensing/standing, and cutting losses early.

00:00 Contractor Scam Reality Check

00:31 Meet The Hosts And Mission

01:27 Jury Duty Sheriff Scam

04:37 Dark Web And Number Cloning

09:04 How The Scam Extracts Money

12:40 Aftermath And Safety Tips

20:22 Share Your Horror Stories

21:51 Arizona Luxury Pool Nightmare

25:52 Deposits Paid Then The Collapse

27:43 Pool Build Nightmare

28:43 Cashflow Collapse Explained

30:44 Upfront Deposit Red Flags

33:15 Permits Inspections Pushback

37:06 Branding Can Be Fake

40:06 Momentum Stalls and Demo Trap

45:17 No Crew Means No Pay

48:05 Protect Yourself With Milestones

51:43 References Research and Reality

Nailed It? The Hard Truth About Home Makeovers

Episode 50

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 56:40

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki and Jessica unpack another homeowner renovation nightmare — this time from Florida — involving an unlicensed contractor, endless delays, disappearing cabinets, surprise costs, and complete chaos inside a family home for nearly eight months. What started as an exciting kitchen renovation quickly spiraled into stress, financial anxiety, strangers showing up unannounced, and a growing realization that the contractor they trusted was never legitimate in the first place. Along the way, Mikki and Jessica go on several hilarious side quests involving jury duty scams, true crime energy, sketchy contractors, and why homeowners must verify licenses, insurance, permits, and registrations before any renovation begins. The episode is equal parts comedy, cautionary tale, and practical education for homeowners trying to avoid becoming the next construction horror story.

00:00 – The emotional reality of living through a renovation nightmare
00:45 – What Chicks in Construction is all about for new listeners
02:00 – Why shady contractors get angry when homeowners ask for permits
03:00 – Mikki’s “particular set of skills” rant begins
05:00 – Jury duty scams and fake warrants explained
08:00 – Mikki gets an actual jury summons and is way too excited about it
11:00 – Jessica explains how she got dismissed from jury duty instantly
12:00 – The insane burglar lawsuit story
15:00 – Bartending, over-serving, and legal liability stories
18:00 – Why listeners should keep submitting homeowner horror stories
20:00 – Callie the “non-consensual licker” dog side quest
23:00 – Today’s homeowner horror story begins: the Florida kitchen renovation
26:00 – “We thought we were doing something exciting for our family.”
30:00 – The contractor confidently claims he’s licensed
32:00 – The kitchen demolition begins and everything falls apart
33:00 – The homeowner discovers the cabinets were never ordered on time – Delays, missing materials, and mounting frustration – Random workers begin showing up without warning – Why homeowners need communication and safety protocols during renovations – The renovation budget spirals out of control – Eight months without a functioning kitchen – The homeowner discovers the contractor was never licensed – Mikki explains why shady contractors hate permit conversations – Why homeowners must independently verify licenses and insurance – The hosts discuss possible delay scams and hidden costs – Liquidated damages explained in large construction projects – Why legitimate contractors don’t profit from delays – Insurance verification and contractor credential checks – The dangers of renovations completed without permits – Why unpermitted work can hurt your home’s resale value – Final lessons for homeowners before starting renovations

Urgency, Fear, and Fraud: How to Spot a Shady Contractor

Episode 49

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 • Duration 55:21

Hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu discuss Bay Area reports of groups posing as contractors who target homeowners—especially elderly people—by showing up unsolicited, claiming urgent dangers like failing roofs or unsafe chimneys, and using fear to force quick decisions. They describe how scams often start with small quotes that rapidly escalate into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, including one reported $450,000 loss, and note these groups may operate across counties and states under frequently changing business names. The episode highlights red flags such as high-pressure urgency, shifting company identities, and sudden cost increases, and offers protections: never sign the same day, get multiple opinions/inspections, verify licenses and business registration via the Secretary of State, check addresses and phone numbers, and research local permit/inspection requirements. They invite viewers to submit stories at chicksinconstruction.com and share where to follow the podcast on social media.

00:00 Contractor Scam Cold Open

00:28 Meet the Hosts

02:04 Spicy Comments and Rage Bait

04:25 Inspection Rework Rule

08:23 Blocking Trolls and Staying Busy

10:41 Rental Setup Chaos

13:48 Special Trash Trim Haul

17:49 Send Us Your Stories

19:44 Traveling Contractor Scams

20:51 Door Knock Panic Pitch

23:57 Bay Area Scam Details

26:09 Scammers Look the Part

26:37 Fear Based Pitch

27:48 Pressure Sales Red Flags

30:22 Elderly Targeted Scam

32:26 Costs Spiral Fast

34:32 Rotating Company Names

37:13 Door to Door Reality

Remodel Horror Stories & Contractor Secrets with Erika Zimandy

Episode 48

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 58:29

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki and Jessica sit down with licensed general contractor and real estate investor Erika Zimandy of Hilltop GC for an honest conversation about what homeowners really need to know before hiring a contractor. Erika shares her journey from public health into real estate investing and construction, offering a unique perspective from both sides of the renovation world — as both a homeowner/investor and a licensed GC. Together, they unpack contractor red flags, remodeling horror stories, pricing differences between bids, realistic timelines, deposits, permits, inspections, and the biggest myths HGTV has taught homeowners. The episode also dives into the controversial topic of contractors charging homeowners for failed inspections, whether homeowners should buy their own materials, and what upgrades actually provide the best return on investment. If you’re planning a remodel or simply want to avoid expensive construction mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice and real talk from women working in the construction industry.

00:00 – Introduction to Erika Salgado-Zemandi from Hilltop GC
02:00 – Facebook contractor stories & homeowner horror stories
05:00 – Erika’s background in masonry, public health & real estate investing
07:00 – Starting Hilltop GC and becoming a licensed general contractor
09:00 – How homeowners can identify trustworthy contractors
10:30 – Why contractors using “big construction words” can be a red flag
12:00 – Green flags homeowners should look for when hiring a GC
14:00 – License lending and why it’s dangerous
15:00 – Biggest contractor red flags & overpromising timelines
16:00 – How many contractor bids homeowners should get
17:00 – Why contractor quotes can vary wildly in price
20:00 – Insurance, taxes & overhead: what homeowners forget about pricing
21:00 – Hidden remodeling surprises behind walls
22:00 – The controversial topic of charging homeowners for failed inspections – What happens when homeowners request non-code-compliant work – Realistic timelines for kitchens, bathrooms & additions – Contractor deposits and payment schedules explained – Should homeowners buy their own materials? – Best remodeling upgrades for return on investment – Kitchen upgrades buyers notice immediately – Bathroom trends: tubs vs. giant showers – What homeowners overspend on during remodels – Craziest requests Erika has received as a contractor – Biggest HGTV myths homeowners still believe – The truth about staged HGTV renovations and furniture reveals

Contractor Horror Story: The Countertop Nightmare

Episode 47

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Duration 48:23

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki and Jessica dive into one of the hottest debates in the construction world right now: who should pay when a contractor fails an inspection? Mikki shares a wild personal story involving a fence contractor, disappearing work crews, and an explosive confrontation that proves shady contractors can target anyone — even experienced construction professionals. The conversation then shifts into a homeowner horror story from Connecticut involving a simple countertop replacement that spirals into a four-month nightmare involving delays, disappearing contractors, leaking sinks, surprise charges, and an unlicensed handyman posing as a legitimate contractor. Along the way, the hosts unpack contractor licensing, inspection failures, how homeowners can protect themselves, and why doing even a little research before a remodel can save thousands of dollars and endless frustration. This episode is equal parts hilarious, educational, and cautionary tale for every homeowner considering a renovation project.

00:00 – Mikki’s opening rant about failed inspections and contractor responsibility
00:45 – What the podcast is all about for new listeners
03:00 – Mikki’s insane fence contractor story begins
05:00 – The contractor repeatedly no-shows after demoing the fence
07:00 – Mikki fires the contractor… and he comes back anyway
08:30 – The confrontation escalates fast
10:00 – “Keep talking.” — Mikki pulls out the Southern energy
12:00 – Why shady contractors target homeowners they think won’t push back
13:00 – The controversial debate about contractors charging for failed inspections
16:00 – Why inspectors can sometimes be inconsistent or wrong
18:00 – The reality of code interpretation and inspector relationships
20:00 – Why experienced contractors build strong relationships with inspectors
22:00 – Mikki explains why homeowners should NEVER pay for a contractor’s learning curve
24:00 – Today’s homeowner horror story begins: “I just wanted new countertops.” – The homeowner hires “a guy who knows a guy” – Large deposits, disappearing contractors, and mounting delays – The countertops finally arrive… with a terrible seam – The leaking undermount sink disaster begins – The contractor demands MORE money to fix his own mistake – The homeowner discovers the contractor isn’t licensed – The contractor disappears completely – A real licensed contractor steps in to fix the mess – “I should have known better.” — Why homeowners blame themselves – Mikki explains how homeowners can better protect themselves – Using AI and online tools to research contractors and permits – Why multiple bids and contracts matter – Final lessons from the story and how listeners can submit their own horror stories

Chicks in Construction – Details, episodes & analysis

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Chicks in Construction – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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