Chicks in Construction

What happens when the person managing your home renovation realizes the contractor is not being honest about where the money is going? In this episode, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu welcome Ashley Nicole, a design and project management professional from Orange County, California, who shares how she went from working in property management and landscape design to helping homeowners protect their investments.

Ashley explains how she became caught in the middle of a contractor who collected payments but failed to pay subcontractors on time. One homeowner even loaned the contractor $180,000 to help finish a project, only to receive a bankruptcy notice months later. Ashley discusses the difficult decision to take accountability for her role in the situation, even when she did not control the company's finances.

The conversation also explores the difference between a general contractor and an owner's representative, why renovation television can create unrealistic expectations, and how homeowners can protect themselves before signing a contract. Ashley shares practical red flags to watch for, including questionable licensing, misleading references, and contracts that have not been independently reviewed. She also explains how an owner's representative can help homeowners compare contractor proposals, manage budgets, and keep projects on track.

Ashley works on residential and commercial projects throughout Orange County, California. Learn more at ashleynicolebuilds.com and on Instagram at @ashleynicolebuilds.

00:00 Meet Ashley Nicole and her journey out of HOA management

03:00 Leaving corporate life for landscape design

05:00 How Ashley discovered problems in the renovation industry

07:00 The unrealistic expectations created by renovation television

10:00 When media exposure attracts the wrong clients

14:00 How Ashley became an owner's representative

17:00 Getting caught between a homeowner and a struggling contractor

20:00 Financial mismanagement and unpaid subcontractors

22:00 The $180,000 loan that ended in a bankruptcy notice

25:00 Why construction licensing and experience matter

27:00 The debate over contractor licensing and industry regulation

37:00 What an owner's representative does for homeowners

41:00 Comparing contractor proposals and checking references

43:00 How much an owner's representative costs

47:00 Contractor red flags homeowners should know

49:00 Why a third party should review your contract

50:00 Where to find Ashley and share your own story

A massive tree crashes through an Atlanta homeowner’s chimney and into her living room, leaving behind more than $250,000 in estimated damage. What happens next is a homeowner horror story involving a contractor who showed up after the storm, more than $200,000 in insurance payments, unfinished repairs, and a chimney rebuild that was found to have serious construction problems.

Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down Judith “Judy” Standard’s experience, including how the contractor was found to be unlicensed, had not obtained the required building permit, and admitted it was his first contracting job. After legal assistance and a local news investigation, Judy received a $45,000 settlement from the contractor and an additional $12,000 from State Farm to help finish repairing her home.

Along the way, Mikki and Jess discuss storm chasers, insurance claims, the importance of proper licensing and permits, and why homeowners should be cautious when contractors show up uninvited after a storm. The story also offers a rare bright spot: taking responsibility when something goes wrong can make a major difference.

00:00 Tough Mudder stories and a chaotic introduction

04:00 What Chicks in Construction is all about

07:00 Why homeowners need to know construction red flags

09:00 An Atlanta homeowner’s tree damage nightmare

11:00 The $250,000 insurance damage estimate

12:00 How a storm chaser contractor got hired

13:00 Tracking more than $200,000 in insurance payments

17:00 Why homeowners should be cautious about trusting contractors

19:00 Unfinished hardwood floors and problems with the chimney

24:00 The $35,000 chimney rebuild

26:00 An unlicensed contractor taking on his first job

29:00 Legal assistance and a demand for $78,000

30:00 The contractor agrees to a $45,000 settlement

31:00 State Farm provides an additional $12,000

34:00 Why inexperienced contractors can cause serious problems

35:00 The importance of taking responsibility when mistakes happen

39:00 How to submit your own homeowner horror story

Before you sign that construction contract, make sure you know exactly what you are agreeing to. Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu discuss the costly mistakes homeowners can make when hiring contractors, approving payments, and relying on banks to protect their renovation projects. They share examples of homeowners facing defective work, unexpected legal expenses, strict invoice deadlines, and construction loans that leave them responsible for money paid to contractors who did not complete the job correctly.

The hosts explain why researching a contractor's license and legal history matters, how approving construction loan payments can affect future disputes, and why bank inspections do not necessarily guarantee that work meets building codes or quality standards. Their biggest piece of advice: read every contract carefully, verify completed work before approving payments, and consider hiring a construction attorney to review both contractor agreements and loan documents before signing.

The episode also features a hilarious Chicky Chat about Jessica's upcoming Tough Mudder race and its surprisingly intense obstacles.

00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction

03:00 Chicky Chat and the Tough Mudder challenge

05:00 Ice baths, electric obstacles, and tear gas

15:00 Why homeowners need to understand what they sign

18:00 When a homeowner's evidence gets rejected in court

20:00 Researching contractors before hiring them

21:00 The 48 hour invoice dispute clause

23:00 Why construction contracts may favor contractors

27:00 Never approve work you have not verified

28:00 Construction loans and payment approvals

30:00 What happens when defective work has already been paid for

32:00 Homeowner protections and contractor accountability

34:00 Why inspections matter before releasing construction funds

36:00 Why the bank is not your advocate

40:00 What bank inspectors actually check

42:00 When homeowners must repay money for work that was never completed

44:00 How a contractor dispute can prevent a renovation from moving forward

47:00 Have a construction attorney review your contracts

50:00 Share your homeowner horror story

A construction project intended to expand a local sewer system turned into a nightmare for residents of the Woodland Hills Condominiums in Southgate, Kentucky. After excavation began near the property, residents reported severe foundation cracks, uneven floors, shifting doors, and separating balconies. The damage escalated into a landslide, forcing dozens of residents to leave their homes while continuing to face mortgages, HOA fees, and the cost of finding somewhere else to live.

Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down the timeline, the lawsuits involving the sanitation district, Bray Construction, and other parties, and the financial consequences for homeowners who lost access to their properties. They also discuss the Kentucky Supreme Court's February 2026 ruling that overturned a temporary financial assistance order for eight homeowners, while the larger question of responsibility remains unresolved. This episode explores construction accountability, HOA costs, housing insecurity, and the devastating consequences when homeowners are left paying for damage they did not cause.

Have a construction or renovation story to share? Visit ChicksInConstruction.com to tell your story, and follow @ChicksInConstructionPodcast on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or @ChicksInConstruction on TikTok.

00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction

03:40 Why the hosts are researching this case carefully

04:40 The Southgate condo landslide story

08:00 Background on the Woodland Hills Condominiums

09:30 The sewer expansion project and construction contract

11:00 Foundation damage and warning signs inside the condos

14:30 The landslide and evacuation of residents

16:00 Homeowners displaced while still paying their bills

18:30 Lawsuits, the HOA, and the cost of a retaining wall

22:00 How unpaid HOA fees can put homeownership at risk

23:30 Questions about slope stability and construction oversight

26:00 The financial and personal toll on displaced residents

30:00 Relocation assistance offered to homeowners

31:30 Temporary financial relief and the court challenges

33:00 The Kentucky Supreme Court ruling

34:30 What remains unresolved in the case

36:00 HOA responsibilities and unexpected property costs

38:30 Construction industry criticism and the hosts' social media comments

42:00 Where to follow the show and submit your story

Host Mikki Paradis welcomes returning guest Nicole Fella, an interior designer and licensed general contractor who owns Bath Remodeling Center in Cary, North Carolina, specializing in kitchen, bathroom, and walk-in closet renovations.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bathremodelingcenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathremodelingcenter
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bathremodelingcenter/

They discuss social media trolls, why some men rage bait women in construction, and how the show helps homeowners navigate contractors by sharing stories. Mickie and Nicole react to a contractor video that publicly shames a homeowner’s reasonable email about door rough openings, explaining why this behavior is a hiring red flag and how contractors should educate instead. Nicole then walks through her company’s remodeling process: detailed quoting, minimizing allowances, contract specifics, deposit norms, consistent communication, using mostly in-house crews, staging materials before demo, realistic timelines (about 2.5 weeks for baths plus glass; about 5–6 weeks for kitchens), inspection realities, and clarifying that contractors should pay for failed inspections caused by their own work.

00:00 Welcome and Nicole Returns

01:10 First Trolls on Social

02:45 Why the Podcast Exists

06:23 Contractor Shaming Trend

11:09 Red Flags on Social Media

18:23 Nicole’s Remodel Process

22:26 Allowances and Quote Traps

25:36 Contracts Deposits and Subs

31:46 Project Management and Updates

34:06 Inspection Delays Reality

35:31 Durham County Nightmares

38:18 Client Communication Style

39:30 Materials Staged Before Demo

40:03 Granite Templating Timeline

41:36 Avoid Allowances Trap

45:31 Bathroom Remodel Timeframe

49:27 Kitchen Reno Six Weeks

54:14 Contractor Red Flags

55:05 Who Pays Failed Inspections

56:33 Final Takeaways and Wrap

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu dive into a homeowner story involving mold, excessive humidity, HVAC problems, poor ventilation, and major construction issues that eventually led to a lawsuit.

The homeowner discovered mold appearing throughout the home, including inside cabinets and around areas where water was stagnant. After testing, the source was connected to extremely high humidity and problems with the home's HVAC system. The home was reaching 70 to 80% humidity, the HVAC system was not properly removing moisture, and water was found inside the ductwork. The attic was also poorly ventilated, and the home was not fully weatherized.

The repairs quickly became expensive, with estimates reaching $60,000 to $80,000. The story eventually uncovered documents that allegedly showed the previous owners knew about similar problems before selling the home. The homeowners are now involved in litigation and say they have documentation supporting their case. The hosts discuss the importance of inspections, documentation, proper HVAC installation, ventilation, weatherization, and understanding what you are getting into when buying a home.

Mikki and Jessica also talk about why they want to hear stories from both homeowners and builders, including situations where homeowners may be contributing to construction problems themselves.

If you have a construction story to share, visit chicksinconstruction.com. You can also find Chicks in Construction on TikTok at @chicksinconstruction and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @chicksinconstructionpodcast.

00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction

05:00 How this homeowner story began

10:00 Mold found inside the home

12:00 Problems with the shower

16:00 Mold and stagnant water

18:00 HVAC and humidity problems

21:00 The HVAC installation issues

23:00 Poor attic ventilation

25:00 The cost of fixing the home

28:00 Why the homeowners went to court

31:00 Evidence and the legal case

34:00 Health concerns and living with mold

36:00 The homeowner's health improved

38:00 The seller disclosure issue

40:00 Discovering the previous lawsuit

43:00 Evidence in the case

45:00 A possible fight and win story

47:00 How to submit your story

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu break down a homeowner dispute involving a new construction home, water intrusion, suspected mold, and questions about the home's construction and waterproofing.

The episode follows the homeowner's experience after problems reportedly began within six months of moving into the home. When repeated concerns about water intrusion were met with recommendations to use caulk and reseal grout, the homeowner eventually opened up her own shower to investigate what was happening behind the tile.

Mikki and Jessica explain why tile and grout are not the complete waterproofing system in a shower, how water can travel far from its original source, and why simply sealing the visible wet spot may not solve the underlying problem. They also discuss the importance of proper plumbing ventilation, keeping moisture out of attic spaces, and understanding what is behind the finished surfaces of a home.

The hosts are careful to point out that the homeowner's lawsuit is still active and that no determination of fault has been made. They also distinguish between the homeowner's reported health concerns and what can actually be established through medical evidence.

Along the way, Mikki and Jessica discuss what homeowners should do when they notice recurring water problems, including documenting concerns, getting the right professionals involved, understanding warranty implications, and avoiding unnecessary demolition before understanding the potential consequences.

The episode also highlights a larger lesson for homeowners: when something continues to go wrong, do not ignore it just because the visible problem seems small. Ask questions, document what is happening, and make sure the underlying issue is properly investigated.

If you have a construction story that could help other homeowners learn from your experience, you can submit it anonymously at chicksinconstruction.com. You can also follow Chicks in Construction on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at @chicksinconstructionpodcast and on TikTok at @chicksinconstruction.

00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction

06:00 The homeowner story and the mysterious builder

08:00 The lawsuit and what happened

12:00 The homeowner takes a hammer to the shower

15:00 Water intrusion and reported health concerns

17:00 Can caulk actually fix a water problem?

20:00 Why homeowners should be careful with demolition

22:00 Understanding shower waterproofing

24:00 Why water finds its own path

26:00 Suspected mold and the inspection

28:00 The plumbing vent problem

31:00 The homeowner's concerns and the builder's response

34:00 How construction problems can stack up

Mikki Paradise and Jessica Abreu take a closer look at what can go wrong when building or buying a home, including hidden water damage, structural issues, inspections, warranties, and the importance of doing your homework before choosing a builder.

The episode explores why passing a building inspection does not necessarily mean a home was built correctly, how rushed construction can lead to major problems, and why homeowners need to understand their rights and responsibilities when something goes wrong.

Mikki and Jessica also discuss real cases involving major home builders, construction defects, warranty disputes, and what homeowners can do to better protect themselves.

News sources mentioned:
• FOX 13 Tampa Bay
• Hunterbrook Media and its investigation, The House From Hell

00:00 What Chicks In Construction is all about

07:00 The construction story behind today's episode

13:00 Hidden problems behind your home's walls

18:00 Water intrusion and improperly installed windows

20:00 Who is responsible when something goes wrong?

24:00 Private inspectors and potential conflicts of interest

25:00 What a building inspection actually means

31:00 Construction defect deadlines and homeowner rights

34:00 The House From Hell investigation

40:00 Warranties, delays, and forced arbitration

45:00 What homeowners can learn from these cases

47:00 How to protect yourself when choosing a builder

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradise and Jessica Abreu break down one of the wildest homeowner horror stories yet: a Florida custom home builder who collected more than $8.7 million from 15 families while failing to pay subcontractors and suppliers.

The homeowners did what most people would consider their due diligence. They hired an established builder, signed contracts, made payments, and waited for their custom homes to be completed. But eventually, the trucks stopped coming. Then the lien notices started arriving.

The episode explains how construction draws work, why paying your general contractor does not necessarily mean the subcontractors have been paid, and how unpaid tradespeople can place liens against a homeowner's property. The hosts also explain why unfinished construction can become dramatically more expensive to complete and why homeowners can end up paying twice for work they already paid for.

Mikki and Jessica also break down the warning signs homeowners should look for before and during a construction project, including lien waivers, notice letters, payment schedules, large upfront deposits, and third party construction escrow services.

Most importantly, they explain what to do if your construction project has already gone wrong. Stop releasing payments, document everything, run a lien search, investigate the builder's history, and contact a construction attorney in your state as quickly as possible.

This episode is a reminder that prevention is often the best protection when you're building or remodeling a home.

Disclaimer: Mikki and Jessica are not attorneys. Construction lien laws vary by state, and this episode is intended for educational purposes only. Speak with a qualified construction attorney in your state for advice about your specific situation.

00:00 Welcome to Chicks in Construction
02:00 What are Homeowner Horror Stories?
07:00 Disney's senior community in North Carolina
10:00 Why general contractors need construction experience
13:00 The Florida construction story begins
17:00 Imagine saving for years to build your dream home
19:00 How homeowners and subcontractors both get hurt
21:00 Why subcontractors can put liens on a property
22:00 What makes a custom home different from a production home
24:00 How homeowners' money is exposed during construction
27:00 How 15 families were affected
28:00 The three reasons homeowners didn't realize what was happening
30:00 What is a construction draw?
31:00 Why you should never pay ahead of the work
34:00 How construction liens work
38:00 Why finishing an abandoned construction project costs more
40:00 How liens can prevent you from selling or refinancing
41:00 The builder's sentence
42:00 $8.7 million in restitution
47:00 Seven ways to protect yourself
48:00 Lien waivers with every draw
49:00 Don't throw away scary letters
51:00 How much should a construction deposit be?
52:00 The danger of using new deposits to pay old bills
55:00 How to find out how bad the situation really is
56:00 Who should you call first?
57:00 The biggest mistake homeowners make
58:00 The one thing every homeowner needs to remember
59:00 Share your story and follow Chicks in Construction

Host Mikki Paradis, a longtime drywall and paint contractor and licensed North Carolina general contractor, and co-host Jessica Abreu explain the purpose of their Chicks in Construction podcast: sharing construction “shenanigans” and teaching homeowners what’s normal, what’s not, and how to protect themselves. After a personal “chickychat” about Mickey’s severe insomnia and strange social media feeds, they introduce a major construction defect story involving the Del Webb 55+ community developed by Pulte Group outside Las Vegas, where homeowners allege homes are sinking due to issues tied to soil grading and retaining walls. They discuss warning signs beyond typical settling—recurring cracks, separating patios, doors not latching, uneven floors—why homeowners should compare notes with neighbors, and why geotechnical reports, drainage, slopes, and retaining walls matter. They urge asking follow-up questions, documenting everything, and submitting stories at chicksinconstruction.com.

00:00 Meet the Hosts

00:20 Mickey Construction Backstory

03:09 Why This Podcast Exists

05:08 How to Submit Stories

07:06 Jess Homeowner Perspective

07:56 Podcast Style and Chicky Chat

11:12 Sleep Deprivation and Weird Algorithms

19:49 Del Webb Sinking Homes Setup

21:53 Cold Open Retirement Nightmare

24:57 Neighborhood Defects and Red Flags

29:21 Talk to Your Neighbors

30:13 Compare Notes Neighbors

31:21 Settling Versus Movement

33:56 When Cracks Mean Trouble

37:09 Ask Better Followups

40:12 From Facebook To Lawsuits

43:09 Why Soil Matters

46:01 Permits And Soil Tests

49:48 Retaining Wall Red Flags

51:12 Smart Questions Buyers

53:16 Protect Yourself Proactively

56:46 Document And Communicate

01:00:10 Share Stories And Subscribe

01:02:27 Final Wrap And Goodbye

Mickey Paradise and co-host Jessica Abreu kick off the episode joking about accidentally matching in white button-up shirts, then dive into the realities of owning short-term rentals, including guests stealing a toilet brush and cutting board, rearranging an Airbnb kitchen, and bringing dogs without permission. Mickey shares a major incident where birthday guests without reviews triggered a noise monitor repeatedly, admitted to having 16 people in a small townhouse, and were ultimately removed through Airbnb after continued violations; afterward, the hosts discovered multiple towels and sheets drenched in blood and some blood on the carpet. The hosts respond to a listener from Washington asking about acting as their own GC and advise using scheduling/permit tracking tools and gaining experience working for a GC first. They close with a Maryland flipped-house nightmare involving floods, mold, sweating ductwork and wood, humidity issues, and ghosted contractors, asking viewers to help diagnose the root cause and directing submissions to chicksinconstruction.com and their social channels.

00:00 White Shirt Twinning

00:42 Short Term Rental Reality

02:16 Stolen Toilet Brush

03:16 Kitchen Organizer Guest

04:53 Noise Monitor Party Bust

09:50 Eviction and Blood Towels

12:28 Book Ideas and Fan Stories

13:27 Cora Builds as GC

16:48 Advice on Permits

18:11 Jobsite HR Reality

18:50 Permits Scheduling Tools

19:44 Get GC Experience First

20:57 Maryland Flip Disaster

23:52 Mold Humidity Clues

25:23 Ghosted By Pros

26:55 Egress Window Chaos

29:49 Root Cause Hunt

31:20 Crowdsource The Fix

32:46 Share Stories Follow

33:52 Wrap Up Goodbye

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

In Part 2, Chicks in Construction hosts Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu continue examining the ongoing dispute involving Minnesota attorney and content creator Dylan White, known as The Dad Chats, his wife Suzanne, and the builder of their custom home.

According to allegations discussed in the lawsuit, the Whites reported recurring drywall cracks, nail pops, floor movement, subfloor deflection, elevated moisture readings, and other concerns they believed went beyond an ordinary new-home punch list. The builder disputes the allegations.

But this episode is really about what happened after repeated repairs didn't provide answers.

Mikki and Jessica explain why fixing the visible damage isn't the same as fixing its cause. When a drywall crack keeps returning, moisture keeps appearing, or the same problem requires repair after repair, it's time to ask a different question: Why does this keep happening?

That's what Dylan and Suzanne reportedly began doing. Instead of relying solely on the builder's warranty process, they brought in independent specialists to investigate specific systems—including flooring and possible water intrusion. The episode explains why homeowners may need a flooring specialist, building-envelope expert, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, or forensic inspector rather than expecting one person to diagnose everything. According to the lawsuit, the Whites allege that after they began bringing independent experts to the property, individuals associated with the builder appeared when inspections were taking place. The complaint includes allegations that an inspector was photographed or recorded from across the street and that members of the White family were photographed or recorded without their knowledge. These allegations form part of an invasion-of-privacy claim and are disputed by the builder.

The episode closes with lessons homeowners can take from the dispute regardless of its eventual outcome: recognize patterns, bring in independent experts when necessary, document recurring problems, keep important communication in writing, and don't confuse repairing damage with identifying its cause.

This is an ongoing legal dispute. The claims discussed in this episode are allegations, the builder disputes them, and the court has not made factual findings establishing the allegations discussed.

00:00 – They believed they were being watched
00:35 – Welcome back & Part 1 recap
05:00 – Inside the lawsuit
08:00 – Why recurring repairs matter
09:00 – Moisture & mold concerns
10:30 – Did they fix the cause?
14:00 – Looking for answers
16:30 – Hiring independent experts
19:00 – Moisture testing
20:00 – Why specialists matter
23:00 – Independent experts vs. the builder
26:00 – Don't diagnose your own house
29:00 – The story takes a creepy turn
30:00 – Surveillance allegations
33:00 – Photos of the family
34:30 – Invasion of privacy claim
38:00 – When trust breaks down
40:00 – Document everything
42:30 – Is contractor licensing enough?
45:00 – The single-point-of-failure problem
49:00 – Are homeowners adequately protected?
51:30 – What homeowners should learn
54:00 – Share your construction story

In this episode of Chicks in Construction, Mikki Paradis and Jessica Abreu dig into the ongoing lawsuit involving Minnesota attorney and content creator Dylan White, known online as @TheDadChats, and the builder of his family's custom home.

The episode begins with a bigger question: How much experience should someone need before they're trusted to build a house? Mikki and Jessica discuss contractor licensing requirements, why a license doesn't necessarily equal experience, and why homeowners should investigate who's actually building their home.

Then they get into Dylan's story.

According to allegations discussed in the episode, what initially looked like typical new-home issues—drywall cracks, nail pops, and cosmetic defects—eventually grew into hundreds of reported concerns. Mikki explains why individual problems may be completely normal, but several systems showing recurring problems can warrant a much closer look.

Then came the moment that changed everything: Dylan has publicly said his children were playing in a small bounce house in the basement when his wife noticed movement upstairs, including rattling pictures and objects moving on shelves. The hosts discuss why that experience, combined with the other reported issues, raised bigger questions about what was happening with the house.

Mikki also breaks down the difference between normal settling and a pattern of potential warning signs. A drywall crack, squeaky floor, sticky door, or nail pop alone may have an innocent explanation. But when multiple systems repeatedly show signs of movement, homeowners should start looking for a common cause rather than treating every symptom separately.

Because this litigation is ongoing, the claims discussed in this episode are allegations and have not been established as fact. The builder disputes the homeowners' characterization of the issues.

And this story isn't over. Part 2 is coming next.

00:00 – When house movement becomes a red flag
00:45 – Welcome to Chicks in Construction
04:00 – Mikki’s $5,500 vet bill
09:00 – Jess’s dog attack story
12:00 – The contractor debate goes viral
14:00 – Does a GC need experience?
16:30 – Contractor requirements by state
19:00 – States without statewide GC licensing
21:00 – Why experience matters
24:30 – The $1.2 million lawsuit
30:00 – Who is Dylan White?
33:00 – The first problems appear
35:30 – Nearly 500 reported defects
38:30 – Normal settling vs. warning signs
41:00 – Doors, floors & recurring cracks
44:00 – Stop fixing symptoms
46:00 – The bounce house moment
50:00 – How much should a floor move?
52:30 – Multiple problems create a pattern
53:30 – To be continued

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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Subscribe to Chicks in Construction and share this episode with your friends because every homeowner, builder, contractor, and designer needs to hear this one!

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 exclusions
49:00 – The cheapest contractor trap
50:00 – How to verify a contractor
51:00 – Understanding your policy
52:00 – Documenting your belongings
53:00 – What to do after a denial
54:00 – Public adjusters and experts
55:00 – Final homeowner advice

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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"

11:30 – Homeowner mistakes plumbers see every day

14:00 – Why plumbers hate Drano and drain cleaners

17:00 – The only three things that belong in a toilet

18:00 – Flushable wipes aren't really flushable

19:00 – Grease, clogged drains, and expensive repairs

20:00 – The strangest things ever flushed down a toilet

23:00 – Inside Main Street Plumbing

26:00 – Why water pressure matters

28:00 – Knowing where your main water shutoff is

30:00 – Water damage prevention every homeowner should know

33:00 – Should you flush your water heater?

35:00 – Plumbing maintenance plans explained

37:00 – Extending the life of your water heater

38:00 – Warning signs your water heater is failing

39:00 – Why you should shut your water off before vacation

42:00 – Cheap toilets vs. quality plumbing fixtures

45:00 – Why trustworthy contractors are worth keeping

50:00 – Builder shortcuts plumbers see every day

53:00 – Which plumbing repairs are safe to DIY?

55:00 – Final homeowner tips

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

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

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

56:09 Final Lessons and Call In