Shows
Chicks in ConstructionDIY Plumbing Disasters & Home Plumbing Tips - With Maribel HealyIn this episode of 'Chicks in Construction,' hosts Mickey Paradise and Jessica welcome Maribel Healy from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Triangle. They delve into various DIY plumbing disasters, common homeowner mistakes, and the importance of professional plumbing maintenance. From flooded kitchens to malfunctioning faucets, Maribel shares valuable tips on what homeowners should and shouldn't attempt on their own. Additionally, the discussion covers the benefits of a plumbing membership for maintaining fixtures and the surprising necessity of annual hot water heater flushes. Tune in for laughs, insights, and practical advice to prevent your home from turning into an...
2025-11-041h 06Chicks in ConstructionTransform Your Dream Home: Expert Tips on Renovations with Chelsea CombsHave you ever fallen in love with a house only to fall out of love with its kitchen? Tune into this episode of The Chicks in Construction as hosts Mikki and Jess sit down with Chelsea Combs, owner of Green Hill General Contracting, to discuss transformative renovations that can turn any house into your dream home. Learn about renovation loans, realistic budgets, and avoiding construction chaos. Chelsea shares her insights on the importance of selecting the right general contractor, the significance of genuine reviews and licenses, and practical advice on making informed decisions for high return on investment renovations...
2025-10-2844 minChicks in ConstructionMastering Bathroom Renovations with Expert Nicole FellaWelcome back to the Chicks in Construction Podcast! In this episode, hosts Mikki and Jess dive into the world of bathroom renovations with special guest Nicole Fella, an experienced interior designer and licensed general contractor from North Carolina. Together, they explore essential pre-demolition steps, worthwhile splurges, and achieving a spa-like bathroom on a budget. They also discuss the importance of hiring licensed professionals, communicating accurately about project costs, and maintaining a good working relationship between contractors and clients. Don't miss Nicole's expert tips on creating timeless bathroom designs and navigating the renovation process smoothly.00:00 Introduction and P...
2025-10-2149 minChicks in ConstructionKitchen Renovation NightmareIn this episode of Chicks in Construction, hosts Miki & Jess share a spine-chilling story about a homeowner's kitchen renovation gone horribly wrong. Tackling issues from disappearing contractors to hazardous electrical work, they discuss the importance of hiring licensed contractors, securing permits, and getting inspections. Miki also delves into her upcoming travels, the challenges of family life during renovations, and the lessons learned from remodels gone awry. Tune in for expert advice, personal anecdotes, and tips to ensure your next renovation project doesn't turn into a nightmare!00:00 A Dark and Stormy Renovation00:48 Meet the Hosts: Mikki and J...
2025-10-1454 minChicks in ConstructionExpert Tips and Real-Life Stories of Home OrganizersWelcome to another episode of Chicks in Construction! This episode goes deep into the transformative power of home organization. Joined by special guests Maria Butler of Clearly Organized and custom closet designer Sarah Tiani, the discussion highlights the benefits of hiring professional organizers. The hosts share personal stories, including Mickey’s journey through multiple organizers and the impact of finally finding the right fit. Discover how proper organization can save money, reduce stress, and even enhance your overall quality of life. Tips, insights, and real-life examples make this an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in for expe...
2025-10-071h 00Chicks in ConstructionReal Estate & Renovation: Insider Tips from Industry Expert - Lisa HoutmanWelcome back to another episode of Chicks in Construction! In this episode, hosts Mikki and Jess dive into smart renovation decisions with their guest expert, Lisa Houtman from Houtman Home Realty and Heights Construction. Learn how to avoid common homeowner pitfalls and get insider tips on making renovations that actually add value to your home. From spotting red flags in real estate advice to understanding what upgrades are worth your time and money, this episode is packed with practical advice you won't want to miss. Plus, enjoy some fun banter about personal experiences and unique home improvement stories. Don't...
2025-09-3057 minChicks in ConstructionFridge Scaping & DIY DisastersWelcome back to the Chicks in Construction! In this episode, our hosts dive into an exciting mix of leftover audience questions from their 'junk drawer,' explore the fascinating and wildly impractical trend of 'Fridge Scaping,' and share the do's and don'ts of DIY projects. They also cover when you really need a permit for home renovations and the challenges of living through a renovation. Tune in for heartfelt advice, hilarious anecdotes, and practical tips to navigate your construction and home improvement projects. Don't forget to subscribe, comment, and share your homeowner horror stories!00:00 Welcome to...
2025-09-2346 minChicks in ConstructionDecoding Construction Gibberish: Terms You Never Knew You Needed!Welcome to The Chicks in Construction, the podcast where your hosts decode construction jargon and share laughter-filled stories. In this episode, we take a break from homeowner horror stories to discuss essential construction terms like change orders, submittals, punch lists, allowances, scope of work, and much more. Mickey and Jess humorously navigate through these terms, share personal anecdotes, and emphasize the importance of clarity in construction contracts. Tune in to learn and laugh as they offer invaluable tips for making your renovation projects smoother and more informed.00:00 Welcome to The Chicks in Construction00:49 Decoding Construction Lingo
2025-09-1652 minChicks in ConstructionBathroom DIY Disaster: Snowballing into a $26K Nightmare!Welcome back to the Chicks in Construction podcast! In this episode, we unravel a jaw-dropping homeowner horror story that started with a simple bathroom DIY and spiraled into a $26,000 catastrophe. Join us as we dive into the challenges, missteps, and unexpected expenses encountered during this renovation gone horribly wrong. From mold remediation to contractor woes, we share valuable lessons and tips to help you avoid the same pitfalls. Grab your hard hat and tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion that you won't want to miss!00:00 Introduction to the Renovation Nightmare00:48 Meet the Hosts...
2025-09-0952 minChicks in ConstructionBuilding Your Dream Home: Insights from a General Contractor | Allison KingIn this episode of Chicks in Construction, host Mikki and guest-host Allison King discuss the challenges and triumphs of working with general contractors (GCs) on home building projects. Allison, from Clarity Design-Build, shares her journey from starting in sales to becoming a project manager, and highlights the importance of knowing what you want in a custom build. They delve into details about site conditions, allowances, and how to protect yourself financially during a construction project. Both hosts emphasize the importance of having everything in writing and controlling the finances to ensure the project's success. Whether you're considering building a...
2025-09-021h 05Chicks in ConstructionWe Bustin' 12 Common Construction MythsWe debunk 12 common construction myths! From the truth about verbal agreements, exact project completion dates, and new construction home inspections, to whether higher prices always mean higher quality and the myth of being able to knock down any wall, Mikki and Jess have got you covered. They also share a personal project update, discuss the benefits of sourcing materials from local businesses, and dive into the complexities of contractor markups and insurance. Whether you're planning a renovation, building a new home, or just interested in the construction industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune...
2025-08-2657 minChicks in ConstructionNightmare Renovation in North Raleigh: Importance of Licensed Contractors & PermitsIn this episode of Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki and Jess dive into a harrowing North Raleigh renovation story that underscores the importance of hiring licensed general contractors, obtaining permits, and not prepaying large sums of money upfront. They highlight a homeowner's ordeal with a fraudulent GC who left numerous structural and compliance issues unchecked, leading to significant financial and emotional stress. Tune in to learn vital tips on how to protect yourself in construction projects and ensure your renovations don't turn into a nightmare.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:50 Upgraded Studio Setup04:53 Summer Break and...
2025-08-1951 minChicks in ConstructionNightmare Renovation in North Raleigh: Importance of Licensed Contractors & PermitsIn this episode of Chicks in Construction, hosts Mikki and Jess dive into a harrowing North Raleigh renovation story that underscores the importance of hiring licensed general contractors, obtaining permits, and not prepaying large sums of money upfront. They highlight a homeowner's ordeal with a fraudulent GC who left numerous structural and compliance issues unchecked, leading to significant financial and emotional stress. Tune in to learn vital tips on how to protect yourself in construction projects and ensure your renovations don't turn into a nightmare.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:50 Upgraded Studio Setup04:53 Summer Break and...
2025-08-1951 min
Chicks in ConstructionThe Four-Week Bathroom Project That Took Four MonthsWhat was supposed to be a clean, modern upgrade to the only full bathroom in a 1960s split-level turned into four months of dust, delays, and constant headaches. With a solid budget and a contractor who promised four to five weeks, this Rhode Island homeowner thought they were in good hands. Instead, they found themselves showering in a freezing basement with a garden hose while bills kept piling up.Mikki and Jess walk through every misstep, from shoddy plumbing to crooked tile, and the money decisions that made a bad situation even worse. This story is not...
2025-08-1242 min
The Hummingbird Effect with Wendy CoulterEverybody Make More Money when You're Nice - Mikki ParadisJoin us on this exciting episode of the Hummingbird Effect Podcast as we sit down with Mikki Paradis, a trailblazing drywall and paint contractor who has been revolutionizing the construction industry for over 20 years. Mikki shares her journey, from starting her own business at NC State to becoming a respected leader known for her integrity and innovative approaches. Discover how small changes and core values led to significant improvements in project outcomes, elevating her company's reputation and profitability. Mikki also delves into her public speaking, mentorship for women in trades, and her passion for seashells. Get inspired to find...
2025-08-0555 min
Chicks in ConstructionHow to Spot a Real Painter vs. Someone Who Just Bought a PaintbrushMost painters are disasters waiting to happen. They'll destroy your floors, paint over problems instead of fixing them, take your deposit and disappear for weeks, then leave you with a mess that looks worse than when they started. But how do you spot the difference between a real professional and some guy who thinks painting is easy money?Elizabeth Mejía from Top Empire Painting has seen it all, from painters who literally paint over staples sticking out of trim to clients who lock contractors out mid-job and hurl racial slurs. She breaks down the warning signs, r...
2025-08-051h 04
Chicks in ConstructionReasonable vs. Unreasonable Renovation ExpectationsMikki and Jess tackle one of the biggest problems in home renovations: homeowners going in completely unprepared for what construction actually looks like. After seeing so many horror stories from listeners, they realized many of the "disasters" could have been avoided if people just knew what was normal versus what was actually worth getting upset about.They delve into common challenges faced during renovations, emphasizing the importance of hiring skilled professionals, anticipating delays, and effective communication with contractors. They also cover the necessity of having a contingency budget and understanding the true costs and processes involved in...
2025-07-291h 02
Chicks in ConstructionInsurance Claims Decoded with Public Adjuster Nicolle BochenskiWhen 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 br...
2025-07-2245 min
Chicks in ConstructionTop Renovation Budget Tips to Avoid Costly SurprisesEver 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 budgetThe 50/30/20 rule for dividing your renovation budgetWhat contingency budgets are really for (hint: not pretty tile)How to use online to...
2025-07-151h 13
Chicks in ConstructionThe Facebook Roofer Who Ghosted and Left Them SoakedAfter 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...
2025-07-0845 min
Chicks in ConstructionThe Mold Scare Tactics Homeowners Fall For with Danyelle HollandMold 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...
2025-07-0144 min
Chicks in ConstructionThe $2,000-a-Hole Window Myth with Ashley SelzerEveryone’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...
2025-06-241h 29
Construction Presidents ClubChicks in Construction: Building Boldy with Mikki ParadisWhat happens when a 22-year-old political science grad walks onto a job site and decides to do drywall differently?In this episode, Mikki Paradis, founder of one of North Carolina’s top drywall companies, shares her journey from outsider to industry leader. She dives into what it took to be taken seriously as a young woman in construction, how collaboration became her competitive edge, and why she walked away from million-dollar clients who didn’t align with her values.From refusing to backcharge trades to creating a workplace people never want to leave, Mikki’s story...
2025-06-241h 18
Chicks in ConstructionThe Kitchen Reno That Spiraled to $75,000Sophie 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 do...
2025-06-1746 min
Chicks in ConstructionRaising the Roof: Professionalism Over Profit with Bailey Shey MorrisIn 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 exp...
2025-06-1040 min
Chicks in ConstructionThe Realtor Was Also the Seller’s Agent And It All Went Downhill from ThereThis 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 jour...
2025-06-0343 min
Chicks in ConstructionThe Permit You Didn’t Pull (and Why It Will Cost You)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 u...
2025-05-2730 min
Chicks in ConstructionHow a Bad General Contractor Turned a Mold Mess into a DisasterThe 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 bigge...
2025-05-2045 min
Chicks in ConstructionWelcome to The Chicks in ConstructionWelcome to The Chicks in Construction Podcast! Your hosts are Mikki Paradise, a seasoned general contractor with 20+ years in the industry, and Jessica Aper, a content creator who works with construction pros and a homeowner who’s learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Together, they’re here to pull back the curtain on the construction world and help homeowners understand what really goes on behind the scenes.This podcast was born out of frustration. Mikki kept hearing the same stories over and over again: homeowners getting taken advantage of, jobs going sideways, and people not know...
2025-05-2010 min
Cash Confident with Brie SodanoFrom Scarcity to Abundance with Mikki ParadisWhen Mikki Paradis hammered her first nail into a drywall, she wasn't just building a wall; she was tearing down stereotypes. Tune in for a hearty dose of laughter and wisdom as Mikki, a maven of the construction world, recounts her climb from wide-eyed intern to the owner of her own enterprise. She navigates us through the scaffolds of her life, sharing the invaluable lessons learned from being a woman in a field of hard hats and steel-toed boots. Her story is more than just a blueprint for breaking barriers; it's a masterclass in wielding both wit and a...
2024-03-1447 min
Work + Life Harmony | Time Management, Organization and Planning for Overwhelmed WomenDreaming Big with Mikki ParadisWe've all heard the saying "go big or go home." But, the reality is that going big is scary. Going big usually means that we are taking a huge risk. Going big might mean saying yes without knowing the actual "how." Mikki Paradis is the CEO of PDI Drywall and Mikki Paradis Consulting and continues to dream bigger and badder every year!https://www.pdidrywallinc.com/ http://mikkiparadis.com/ ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for...
2020-09-0141 min
Books that BoxOutliersMikki Paradis, a female business owner in the primarily male trade of construction, talks about how Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers gave her a new perspective on her ability and her life.
2020-05-0151 min
The ConTechCrewThe ConTechCrew 172: A Fax Machine is a Carrier Pigeon with Mikki Paradis from PDI DrywallThis week's construction tech news with Jeff Sample (@IronmanofIT) and James Hillegas (@JaHillegas_51) Featuring: - Interview with Mikki Paradis (@ConstructionChk) from PDI Drywall - Construction Tech News of the Week Follow @TheConTechCrew on social media for more updates and to join the conversation! Listen to the show at http://thecontechcrew.com Powered by JBKnowledge Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com or follow @JBKnowledge & @TheConTechCrew on Twitter.
2019-06-0759 min