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

Main Street Plumbing Company:
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