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/
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
35:00 – Delays, missing materials, and mounting frustration
36:00 – Random workers begin showing up without warning
38:00 – Why homeowners need communication and safety protocols during renovations
40:00 – The renovation budget spirals out of control
41:00 – Eight months without a functioning kitchen
42:00 – The homeowner discovers the contractor was never licensed
44:00 – Mikki explains why shady contractors hate permit conversations
45:00 – Why homeowners must independently verify licenses and insurance
48:00 – The hosts discuss possible delay scams and hidden costs
49:00 – Liquidated damages explained in large construction projects
51:00 – Why legitimate contractors don’t profit from delays
52:00 – Insurance verification and contractor credential checks
53:00 – The dangers of renovations completed without permits
54:00 – Why unpermitted work can hurt your home’s resale value
55:00 – Final lessons for homeowners before starting renovations
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.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.