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 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/
This podcast’s goal is to educate homeowners through submitted “homeowner horror stories.” Mikki shares a personal warning after her English mastiff, Optimus Prime, died from a drug interaction: carprofen and progesterone were prescribed together, leading to a catastrophic GI bleed, and she urges viewers to verify medication interactions and pursue accountability through reporting and complaints.
The episode then covers a Massachusetts kitchen remodel disaster: a homeowner hired a contractor from a mailbox flyer, paid half up front without a written contract, faced unlicensed electrical work that failed inspection, erratic scheduling, long disappearances, and ballooning costs, ultimately spending about $80,000 after hiring a licensed company to finish properly and learning to verify licensing, get everything in writing, and protect themselves contractually.
00:00 Welcome and New Setup
00:31 What the Podcast Does
02:22 A Personal Story Begins
03:05 Optimus Prime and Mastiffs
07:35 The Medication Mix-Up
13:18 Aftermath and Accountability
20:28 Transition to Horror Stories
20:57 Worcester and Budget Reality
25:49 COVID Prices and Greed
28:29 Red Flags With the Contractor
29:58 Demo Fast Then Stalls
31:06 Permits Licensing and Chaos
32:33 Wicked Stressed Realization
32:54 Calling the Inspector
33:55 Electrical Work Fails
34:27 Costs Spiral and Disappear
34:58 Contractor Vanishes Six Weeks
35:30 Feeling Lost and Ashamed
36:00 Why Homeowners Don’t Know
40:50 Consumer Affairs Game Plan
43:17 Firing the Contractor
43:54 Airbnb Side Quest Chaos
46:51 Hiring a Licensed Remodeler
48:17 Final Bill and Lessons
49:26 How to Vet Contractors
50:52 Facebook Recs Ask for Photos
53:27 Contracts Protect Homeowners
54:42 Wrap Up and Where to Find Us
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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