Chicks in Construction

When your roof leaks, a pipe bursts, or a tree crashes through your house, your first instinct is to call your insurance company. But one wrong word in that conversation can mean the difference between getting fully covered or getting nothing at all. Most homeowners don’t realize how much hinges on the language they use...until their claim is denied.

In this episode, Mikki sits down with Nicolle Bochenski of Precision Public Adjusting to expose how often claims are unfairly denied, and what you can do about it. From roof damage to total home losses, Nicolle breaks down the red flags, policy loopholes, and rights most homeowners don’t know they have.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The one word that can tank your entire insurance claim
• Why insurers push you toward hotels instead of Airbnbs, and how to push back
• What your policy probably covers (but no one tells you): building code upgrades, temporary housing, even custom cabinetry
• How a claim for 26 shingles turned into a $1.4 million payout
• The difference between “fixing it” and “making it right”, and why that matters

Connect with Precision Public Adjusting:
Website: https://precisionpublicadjusting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precision_public_adjusting/

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Ever wondered what your renovation should cost? In this episode of The Chicks in Construction, Mikki and Jess get real about renovation budget tips that can save your wallet and your sanity. Whether you're upgrading your forever home or prepping a property for Airbnb, this episode is packed with practical advice that every homeowner needs to hear.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why your renovation goal (sell, rent, or live) changes your budget
• The 50/30/20 rule for dividing your renovation budget
• What contingency budgets are really for (hint: not pretty tile)
• How to use online tools to estimate real renovation costs
• The importance of avoiding the lowest contractor bid

Mentioned In The Episode:

HomeAdvisor Cost Estimator Tool: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/

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After a spring storm, a brown stain appeared in the ceiling. A quick fix felt doable until the roofer vanished, the drywall collapsed, and the insurance company refused to help. What started as one drip turned into a financial gut punch.

In this episode, Mikki and Jess unpack every moment of a roof fix gone sideways. From the first red flag to the final invoice, they break down what this homeowner thought he was doing right and how it all went wrong.

Inside the Homeowner Horror Story:

• The small attic leak that set everything in motion
• What this homeowner saw on Facebook that made the roofer seem legit
• How fast a “simple repair” can spiral in storm season
• The move that killed the insurance claim before it even started
• What the real roofer found once they finally got a look

Mentioned In The Episode:

Need a website built? Check out www.yourwpguy.com and use code MIKKI10 for 10% off. 

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Mold feels like a silent menace; one whiff of “You’ll need to gut the house” and your budget evaporates. In this episode, Mikki sits down with Danyelle Holland of Atlantic Corp to expose the fear-based sales pitches that can turn a routine remediation into a five-figure panic.

When a cough, a crawl-space puddle, or a mysterious odor sends you running to Google, you can end up paying for fixes you never needed. Danyelle explains exactly how real pros separate fact from fright, and why the right certifications matter more than any shiny brochure.

Inside the Episode

• Why compressed-air duct cleaning is safer than the “toilet-brush” rotor that can shred flex ducts, and how to verify a tech’s NADCA status 
• Sixty percent of your crawl-space air rides straight into the living room, bringing any hidden moisture or mold with it 
• The insurance line to check—environmental and pollution liability—that instantly weeds out under-qualified contractors 
• When a 25 percent deposit shows good faith and when it is a red flag waiting to happen
• Mold is fixable; panic-fuelled sales tactics thrive on ignorance, so slow down, ask questions, and verify certifications 

Resource: Certifications to Look For

• NADCA – National Air Duct Cleaners Association (duct cleaning)
• IICRC – Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (mold and water remediation)
• NAMP – National Association of Mold Professionals (mold assessment and remediation)

If scare-heavy salespeople are circling, listen first and save your wallet.

Connect with this episode's expert: atlanticmoldexperts.com

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Everyone’s heard it: “A quality replacement window should run you two grand per opening, or you’re buying junk.” That pitch (often delivered after hours of kitchen-table arm-twisting) convinces too many homeowners to sign for triple-pane glass and monster price tags they don’t actually need. Mikki’s latest guest, licensed GC Ashley Seltzer of Wallaby Windows, dismantles that narrative, along with the pushy sales tactics behind it, one NFRC label at a time. 

Ashley explains how quotes balloon, why “energy-efficiency” buzzwords get abused, and the questions that separate a real consultative pro from a chuck-in-a-truck. From deposit math to pocket-vs-full-frame installs, she gives listeners a playbook for sane pricing and sound decisions. 

Inside the Episode:

• The one number on an NFRC label that matters more than the flashy triple-pane upsell, and how to read it in 30 seconds 
• Why a 1970s house with zero air-sealing upgrades rarely benefits from “most energy-efficient window ever” packages (save your second mortgage) 
• Pocket install or full-frame? The 15-step, OSI-certified process that keeps water out, plus where cheap caulk shortcuts doom a window from day one 
• Ashley’s 15 / 45 / 40 deposit rule that protects both sides and kills the “pay half up front” headache before it starts 
• Red-flag tactics to walk away from: porch-light pressure sales, same-day sign-or-lose-the-price ultimatums, and one-window-fits-all showrooms 

When a window quote tops your last roof bid, hit pause; these insights might save you five figures and a lot of shattered expectations.

Connect with this episode's expert:

• www.wallabywindows.com/the-triangle-area
• www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-selzer-790028270

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Sophie thought she was just getting new countertops. Maybe a fresh coat of paint and a few lights. Her budget? A smart, clear $25,000. But one contractor’s suggestions, plus a string of “unexpected” upgrades, turned her kitchen refresh into a financial nightmare. What started as small updates ballooned into a gut job. By the end, she’d taken out two loans just to stay afloat.

Mikki and Jess walk through every red flag Sophie missed and the pressure tactics that turned a reasonable project into a runaway train. From disappearing crews to contracts that never appeared, they break down what should have happened and how to keep control when the costs keep climbing in this listener-submitted horror story. 

Inside the Homeowner Horror Story:

• The “better layout” that triggered $20,000 in plumbing and electrical changes
• Why no one told her the truth about code upgrades until it was too late
• What to do when the budget starts slipping and the work is still unfinished
• The mistake that left strangers showing up without warning
• How to protect your money and timeline before signing anything

If your contractor keeps “suggesting” upgrades, this story is your sign to slow down, ask questions, and get everything in writing.

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In this episode, Mikki sits down with Bailey Shey Morris, owner and lead professional at Cadmus Construction, to explore what it truly means to be a trusted roofer in today’s market. Bailey brings a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast commitment to integrity—qualities that distinguish her from the “Chuck in a truck” contractors all too common in the industry. With Cadmus Construction’s strong reputation for reliable estimates, high-quality materials, and transparent communication, Bailey outlines how homeowners can avoid common pitfalls when suspecting roof damage.

Listeners will learn:

Why credentials and experience matter: Bailey explains how proper training, certifications, and real-world roofing experience form the foundation of job reliability.

Signs you need a professional assessment: From minor leaks to storm damage, she breaks down when it’s time to call in the experts—and why DIY or quick-fix approaches often backfire.

The Cadmus approach to customer care: Featuring Bailey’s insights on detailed inspections, written estimates, and ongoing support—proving why Cadmus Construction stands for excellence in both product and service.

Avoiding common contractor traps: Practical advice on vetting contractors, asking the right questions, and spotting warning signs like overly low bids or vague guarantees.

Investment in long-term protection: Bailey emphasizes that a well-installed roof isn’t an expense—it’s a safeguard for your home’s health, value, and your peace of mind.

Throughout the episode, Bailey’s professionalism shines—she discusses each step of Cadmus’s process with clarity, authority, and a genuine care for homeowners. No “Chuck in a truck” persona here—just a passionate roofer committed to raising the bar for quality and trust in every project.

Why this episode matters to you: If you suspect roof trouble, this conversation arms you with the knowledge to choose not just any contractor, but a true professional. With Bailey Shey Morris and Cadmus Construction, you’ll hear how standards, integrity, and craftsmanship combine to give you results you can trust.

Connect with this episode's expert: https://www.cadmus-construction.com/

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This episode unpacks a true homeowner horror story involving a dream home, a shady home inspector, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. Mikki is joined by real estate agent Heather Lane to talk through what went wrong—and how homeowners can protect themselves from ever ending up in the same situation. Spoiler: if the listing agent offers to represent you too… run.

Together, they break down what buyers should ask when hiring a realtor, why some agents aren't as neutral as they seem, and how an experienced team can make or break your home-buying journey. This one’s a must-listen for anyone even thinking about buying a house.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What happens when the home inspector, contractors, and agent are all working together (but not for you)
• The risks of dual agency and why it matters who your realtor really represents
• Signs your “dream house” might be hiding major problems—like water behind the walls
• Why experience matters: what to ask when interviewing a realtor or home inspector
• Real tips to protect yourself in new construction and resale transactions

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www.chicksinconstruction.com

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In today’s episode, Mikki and Jess dig into a renovation horror story submitted by a local North Carolina homeowner—and this one has everything. Think unfinished bonus room turned crooked office, mystery permits, Monday morning sick texts, and drywall work so bad it made the homeowner feel seasick. Yep, it’s that kind of story.

Mikki breaks down what should have happened at every step, from pulling permits to hiring licensed contractors, and shares some hard truths about what happens when you skip the right steps. Jess adds the homeowner perspective (and plenty of eye-rolls) as they unpack red flags, lessons learned, and the real cost of hiring the wrong people.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why pulling permits isn’t optional (even if your GC says it is)
• What a licensed general contractor really means—and how to check
• How cutting corners on HVAC and drywall turned into a months-long disaster
• Red flags to watch for: missed workdays, bad trim, and sketchy subcontractors
• The cost of fixing bad work—and why it’s better to do it right the first time

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www.chicksinconstruction.com

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The Chicks in Construction podcast is officially LIVE, and we kicked things off straight from the International Builders' Show—recording from the Hydroblok booth! Our very first guest joined us to talk about one of the biggest nightmares in construction: mold.

If you’ve ever dealt with a mold disaster, you know how quickly moisture issues can spiral into a full-blown nightmare. In this episode, we cover:

•  A real-life mold horror story that could have been 100% avoided with the right waterproofing solution (spoiler: Hydroblok would have saved the day!)
• Why moisture management is one of the biggest challenges in construction—and how to get it right from the start
• The latest innovations in waterproofing and how Hydroblok’s closed-cell technology keeps job sites (and reputations) intact
• The hidden dangers of biotoxin illness and why mold isn’t just a construction issue—it’s a health issue.
• IBS & KIBS (International Builders Show, and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) is the largest builder's trade show in the world and the premier event for professionals in the residential construction industry. 
• IBS & KIBS draws over 76,000 attendees and features a vast exhibit hall showcasing the latest products, technologies, and trends in homebuilding. 
• The IBS & KIBS combined shows are branded as Design & Construction Week and there were a lot of new innovative ideas and lots of bold colors that will be trending into designs for 2025 and 2026. 

Mentioned in the show:

• Additional information about the health aspects of mold exposure:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTqDW98qqZoCTHLttzIZS4AnFrpDiTcFPkPbvhDEkx8hGxIS5Iau8aYQS5lTrDEXg/pub
• Learn more about Hydroblok: hydroblok.com 
• Jess Abreu with Brick by Brick Media brickbybrickmedia.org

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