The Chicks in Construction Podcast
The Chicks in Construction Podcast
Podcast Description
With over 20 years of experience in construction host Mikki Paradis is pulling back the curtain of the world of construction, sharing sage advice, ridiculous antics, personal experiences and stories shared by others to help the average homeowner or future homeowner navigate the world of construction with a different perspective.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various themes within the construction industry, including contractor experiences, homeowner tips, and industry innovations. Episodes like 'How a Bad GC Turned a Mold Mess into a Disaster' explore real-life construction challenges, emphasizing moisture management and the impact of mold on health, while also highlighting the newest solutions in waterproofing technology.

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 Aper, 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
This isn’t just another DIY podcast or contractor interview show. Mikki and Jess pull back the curtain on what goes wrong in home projects, translating industry talk into plain English and giving you practical steps to avoid common (and costly) mistakes.
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.
Want to renovate smarter and spot red flags before they wreck your project? Hit follow and get ready for real talk, expert advice, and stories that will make you say, “Thank God I listened to this first.”
Submit Your Construction Horror Story: https://chicksinconstruction.com/
In this episode of ‘Chicks in Construction,’ hosts Mickey Paradise and Jessica welcome Maribel Healy from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Triangle. They delve into various DIY plumbing disasters, common homeowner mistakes, and the importance of professional plumbing maintenance. From flooded kitchens to malfunctioning faucets, Maribel shares valuable tips on what homeowners should and shouldn’t attempt on their own. Additionally, the discussion covers the benefits of a plumbing membership for maintaining fixtures and the surprising necessity of annual hot water heater flushes. Tune in for laughs, insights, and practical advice to prevent your home from turning into an indoor pool!
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:51 Meet the Hosts and Guest
02:14 How We Met: A Funny Story
06:26 Getting into Plumbing: Maribel’s Journey
08:42 Homeowner Horror Stories
10:14 DIY Plumbing Disasters
12:47 The Importance of Knowing Your Water Shutoff
14:03 Shower Head Replacement Gone Wrong
23:25 The Faucet Fiasco
31:29 Spec Sheets and Mixing Parts
32:58 The Pretty Tax: Are Expensive Fixtures Worth It?
33:52 Exploring Popular Plumbing Brands
34:01 The Risks of Cheap Plumbing Fixtures
35:12 Toilet Troubles and Solutions
37:01 Special Trash and Parts Toilets
40:19 DIY Plumbing Cautionary Tales
43:38 Maintaining Your Water Heater
49:57 The Importance of Plumbing Inspections
01:02:08 Smart Plumbing Technology
01:04:39 Conclusion and Contact Information
Contact our Guest, Maribel Healy:
Website:
www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/hollysprings-nc
Call 919-999-3649, or visit our website using the book now button or on google clicking book now.
Maribel Healy is the President and Owner of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Triangle, proudly serving Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and the surrounding communities. With nearly two decades in the trades, her journey began in her teens when a mentor recognized her potential and encouraged her to step into plumbing, setting the foundation for a career built on purpose, perseverance, and service.
Under her leadership, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has become known for both its dependable workmanship and its strong community presence. Her team organizes local food drives, sponsors area schools, and actively participates in multiple Chambers of Commerce, supporting local businesses and regional growth.
Maribel leads with a servant’s heart guided by faith, integrity, and a genuine care for people. She lives, shops, and raises her children in the community she serves, investing daily in its growth while inspiring the next generation of women in the trades.
Submit your homeowner horror story:
www.chicksinconstruction.com
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www.instagram.com/chicksinconstructionpodcast
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www.linkedin.com/company/chicksinconstructionpodcast
www.youtube.com/@ChicksInConstruction
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