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