Chicks in Construction

The story highlights important warning signs homeowners should recognize before and during a renovation, including contractors who accept jobs outside their usual scope, starting demolition before materials arrive, working without a formal written contract, and demanding extra money without proper documentation. Mikki and Jess also explain why keeping written records, requesting receipts and invoices, researching a contractor's legal history, and understanding your rights can make a major difference when a project goes wrong.

Although the experience was costly and stressful, the homeowner eventually had the work repaired by other contractors and is happy with her home. Her story is a reminder to protect yourself before handing over a deposit and to document everything throughout a construction project.

00:00 Why Chicks in Construction shares homeowner horror stories

04:00 A contractor marks up kitchen cabinets by 150 percent

08:00 How the homeowner was referred to the contractor

11:00 Why a contractor who avoids smaller jobs can be a red flag

13:00 Why materials should arrive before demolition begins

16:00 The risks of working without a formal written contract

29:00 Dangerous electrical and plumbing issues left behind

32:00 Four months without a functioning kitchen

35:00 Poor workmanship on the fireplace and paint job

46:00 The missing kitchen cabinets and disputed deposit

48:00 The contractor demands more money and shows up on Easter Sunday

50:00 Why homeowners should demand receipts and written explanations for extra charges

53:00 Filing complaints and understanding surety bonds

56:00 How researching previous court cases helped the homeowner protect herself

58:00 Lessons homeowners can learn from previous contractor disputes

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