Episode Details

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