The UGLY SIDE of Home Building (Our Horror Stories) - WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS | XO, MACENNA EP. 4

After years of renovations and, as a family, working with MANY contractors on different homes, mom and I sit down to share our HORROR STORIES and the ups & downs of working with contractors. Also sharing our tips for finding quality contractors so that hopefully what happened to us doesn’t happen to you!
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[@sharoncherry]

Your Mom needs to start a KZbin channel when she builds her dream home next.

[@maryford2761]

Yes!!!!

[@maryford2761]

Y’all have made me think of becoming a freelance project manager for home builds. I used to be a Senior Project Mgr in the Seattle area with customers like Paul Allen, Microsoft, Honeywell, etc. I would recommend that your contract should include incentive based rewards and dings like: finishing on time and on budget, quality, etc. You should require Change Orders, so that require your approval or his approval. This will prevent cheap replacements, increased costs, etc. Your contractor needs to licensed, bonded and insured and verify the information. Do not pay half upfront! Instead, your contract should state the a percentage of the cost will be paid at specified milestones. For example 30% upfront, 20% when foundation, framing and roofing complete, 20% when plumbing, electrical, sheet rock, etc. Do not buy the excuse that it’s not done in home building. A contract is meant to protect both sides from screwed. Also, YOU should walk the site at least 3 times a week. Ultimately your holding the checkbook, you’re responsible. I hope this helps

[@Ell5589]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much! Love your mom, she’s awesome!

[@krickette5569]

Yes!

[@db2995]

Yes, we need updates on the French country house!

[@lukerobeson9957]

Can we PLEASE HAVE A MINI SERIES following your mums new build!!!!

[@stellamantikou4978]

We have to have a bingo made. With spots like "all the things", "Kingsley barks", "thrifting is mentioned" etc. Who's with me?!😂❤

[@maidservantofJesusChrist]

Sleeping positions of Kinsley

[@emmamurphy7317]

I’m game! 😂

[@intentionalbeauty]

Yes! like hallmark Christmas bingo!

[@anoukvandeglind5551]

Kingsley s Toy

[@leeleescraps]

😂😊

[@KateLJ1799]

40:50 Oh my gosh my heart dropped when she said "and then I got hit with a lawsuit" I thought that contractor abandoning the build and stealing her materials WAS the horror story and that the story was over!

[@LisaAdams.75]

friends with the judge, must do deals together me thinks

[@teresacamp3365]

And the contractor won omg can you believe it ...

[@xoorchidz8802]

I was so mad and pissed just listening to that!

[@lindabell5534]

​@@LisaAdams.75 here in Texas you have to fill a suit before them. Lol it's who didn't fill that has to prove innocents. Unless you have a good contract. The fact is people have reaped those contractors off. The contractors or self owned businesses like the one on the stove that have things happen and no one knows who to call to say what happened. It's like big company's with back orders. However people have ripped the contractor and then he has no money to go on.

[@ksl2634]

McKenna: I don't do blow torches In the near future: using a blow torch, making her own custom coffee table frame 😅

[@kendallcurtis5593]

I cannot wrap my head around how these contractors have businesses! My husband and I own a fencing company and we have built it up strictly by word of mouth, no advertising. We both have been able to quit our corporate jobs to pursue owning our own business. We would be so proud to have a customer like you or your mom who knows exactly what they want and who expect quality work! Glad you guys are here to shed light on what to look out for!! Apparently there’s a lot 😂❤

[@ElizabethHernandez-ib4ud]

Same here! Our business is all through word of mouth. Best advertising

[@kendallcurtis5593]

@@ElizabethHernandez-ib4ud love it!! 🥰 and 100000% agree!

[@ginasmitasin479]

I don’t know how people look at themselves every morning knowing they’ve screwed people like this.

[@hey_imnicky]

Your mom is such an interesting and knowledgeable person and also so likeable. Maybe you can do a podcast episode with both your parents or one with your dad.

[@ksl2634]

Kinsley all snuggled up in your lap snoozing... the freaking cutest!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@dollieegert6705]

I was thinking the same thing🥰. All snuggled up with her little head laying on her arm.

[@ksl2634]

@dollieegert6705 Yes! Anyone with fur babies can feel the love. 😍

[@judyflynn1604]

I agree. It was the sweetest with her little head hanging over MaCenna’s arm🐾🐶💕💖

[@tinamartin1979]

OH MY GOSH! My jaw dropped when seeing the iron stair rails and knowing your dad basically welded it himself. You have such a talented family! I'd like to know what videos or articles you go to for tutorials to do some of the odd jobs yourself. I'm definitely a do it myself kind of girl if I have the right visual guidance. The most time consuming part for me is sifting through the non-helpful videos. You have really good tutorials on your other 2 channels that I find extremely helpful.

[@jessicajoyhardee6668]

Yes! What’s your project planning approach when trying to find useful resources and info! 👍🏻

[@LisaAdams.75]

Actually yeah, which channels MaCenna watches recourse wise would be a great topic or any in general, like her favourite youtubers etc.

[@elizabethviv]

Self contractor here! We just finished building our 4000sqft home in Jan. And let me tell you.. it’s a lot! It was our first home we ever built. It was stressful and scary but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. I learned so much and it makes you appreciate your home even more!

[@Sooz1234]

We lucked out on our first house (1988) by finding a contractor recommended by a realtor at an open house. His main job was building executive homes. We ended up with a house two feet wider because the roof truss size allowed it at minimal additional cost, AND he built a post-and-beam style (not the heavy timber type) which allowed a lot of open space inside and a volume ceiling. It was a very small house, but lived large, and he never treated us as "less than" because we were a young couple just starting out. Thank you, New World Homes, Jacksonville, FL, sadly long gone now.

[@TalkingTiffany]

Lol, when your mom said that she would have hunted that contractor down and been on his doorstep, that was the Louisiana rushing through her veins. 🤣 I love her so much.

[@ambrialee714]

I LOVED this episode! It would be so helpful if your mom could do an episode on the new build/construction loan process as whole. Like start to finish-how to get the loan, how it works, how to pick a contractor, how working with them usually goes, how to budget for things, etc. You guys touched on some of those things here but a full episode on that would be so helpful for someone like me who wants to build a home at 25 with no idea what I’m doing😂 You two are awesome!!

[@nicolemangum5023]

I’m over here listening to your moms TERRIBLE contractor story and just shocked at how crazy this man was!! I feel so bad that she went through that. I’m honestly surprised that she built another house after that fiasco. Good for her for having lots of grit and determination to keep building after that.

[@taniatala5430]

Can you have your dad come on? I think getting his perspective as well as your moms' would be so cool!

[@mirellayosselin4]

Your mom, “you’re so healthy about the situation. I would be on his front door step, I would find him.” 😂 I relate to momma lol

[@janetbof4]

Be sure to always ask contractors for their Contractors Board License #, then call your local Contractors Board to ask if contractor has any complaints or fines or if license is current or for that matter license # is legitimate etc, past & current. Our Contractors Board says on their website information may not be updated so I always call before hiring, even if one specific job for example new roof. Otherwise you have no recourse if problems arise.

[@antonellabassi3466]

Great info!

[@RockPunkBallerina]

I've never had a major renovation but with having just repairmen come, I’ve had them leave and not finish their job, or do the job incorrectly, but the worst was a repairman trying to kiss/touch me. Even though it didn’t end with the worst outcome, it just made me so paranoid about having more repairmen come. I don’t have a father/brother/someone to be with me when a repairman is here so I am really trying to learn to fix things on my own and MaCenna has been a huge inspiration in that.

[@pampam7]

Don't have them in your home when your alone, I work with some of the most respectable trades... now. I have worked with some dumbasses who did the groping, stealing, walking off on the job, dodgy work allegedly, I never witnessed the groping but everything else I have seen. If you hire someone your best bet is word of mouth, don't believe there online reviews all the time.

[@AnnaReed42]

OMG that RAILING. That is incredible; your dad is so talented. I feel bad for the tradesman who felt like he couldn't finish it, but it's good that he didn't have to eat the cost of what he'd already done.

[@Liza03V]

I love this series with your mum. Your mum is a jewel. So many experiences to share with us. She really has to vlog her houses. I enjoyed every minute of it. Please get her involved more. ❤❤❤

[@nonsense289]

thank you for your podcast. my husband is a trim carpenter and i hear stories from him. when we built our house, he knew who to get for the trades. the problem we had was getting the loan because we already purchased the property. the banks didnt want to finance a house without land included. so it took awhile to find someone. little things were frustrating: like you have to pik the faucets that they are building for. for example- plumbers had all stuff for different than what i had already- widespread. so i had to change my choice because of it. paint color was an issue-- had to repaint once because it just wasnt right. we also had to bring in the jacuzzi through a closet because we didnt bring it in before framed. it was a bigger one. other than that, we loved it. then my husband had some health problems and we had to sell it to downsize due to income change. he has never gotten over it. but i have been able to just b grateful w a smaller prefab home. because-- the house is not what's important. building a house is stressful. it will cause fights within a marriage with all the stress. trying to work a job and deal w childrens day to day stuff is hard enough, then you add housebuilding. too many " things in the air" to juggle. especially if ur budget is tight. most people cant " lose" money without it being a catapult to other things failing. especially with unknowns. good luck to you. and stay near your family .

[@elizabethtaylor4448]

This was a great video. I recently employed a plumber for a days work & although he eventually did the work it was a nightmare. First thing wrong was her fitted a shower at a height suitable for a 7ft giant. It touched the ceiling of our Victorian house with high ceilings. He was so untidy & didn't put any drop cloths down. Got brick dust in all the sealant so I've had to redo it. Then he flooded a room downstairs after not tightening a screw up & finally our house filled with effluent smells coming from the sewer as he left a waste pipe hanging. He's did come back to put right. Oh & he nicked my pliers. That really made me see red

[@debborahevraire1190]

I love how much your Mom is participating in this conversation. As a result, you are now an official Podcaster ❤

[@acookies2541]

Loving these episodes. For a future one can you discuss a list of best and worst purchases of your life/ the year of 2023. I think it would be super insightful to know what’s worth the money. ❤

[@sharellfreeman2380]

This was so insightful! Your Mom has so much knowledge and shares so much great information. That railing you Dad finished was amazing!! I can't wait for your next DIY and Podcast Videos!! We defiantly need Mom on every other Podcast. I just love her!!!!

[@jennysmith-dack1963]

I loved listening to the both of you talk but your mom is fascinating, the experience she has is amazing. So interesting to hear what you both have been through.

[@mariahenfling1320]

Kinsley asleep through this podcast is just so precious...!

[@deborahclaypool2349]

I want your mom and dad together talking about their surprise or joy of you doing what you have done

[@laurahusser6932]

We always showed up at random times to our new-build. And I'm so glad we did. One day we walked in and every inch of our concrete was soaking wet. The bathtubs were filled with disgusting dirtwater and they were shop vacs everywhere. Come to find out our contractor said it was okay for the flooring guys to turn on the AC while they worked even though the condensation drains weren't hooked up. They did not turn it off when they left, and it ran for two days straight in humid june 100°+ weather. When we came in, they were in the middle of trying to cover it up. They clearly had no plan to even mention this to us. My husband is much like your mom so lets says this escalated REAL QUICK and they returned every penny we gave them and we didn't walk away, we ran. We are VERY involved in ANY contract work we hire now and won't accept anything less then perfect or my husband does it himself 😂 You live and you learn

[@3Oh3metrostation]

You can here ur southern accent when ur with ur momma like at 32:30 "he'd hiiiyde"

[@misspepe7416]

Thank you for sharing! It is so fun to hang out with you and you mom!

[@paulakidd9532]

This was sooo much fun! I love your mom and the two of you together :)

[@kathygus]

Your mom's a lil' firecracker! Loved all the stories, even the horror ones, lol. Lessons learned.

[@AngelaMadickWesig]

Happy National Women's day to two of the most influential women I love enjoying ❤️ always love when Mama is on any of your videos. ❤️

[@dianadougherty1082]

I love seeing Kinsley snuggling with you during the podcasts !

[@SpaceyStacy74]

Just listened to this on Amazon prime and it was a real eye opener. I feel like there just has to be a better way to deal with building homes. Surely together we could all come up with a better way! It pains me to know that the subs took such advantage! How dare they literally steal from you. I am with mamma; I would hunt them down!

[@brit331]

Oh my gosh so excited for this episode!

[@kimberlyfasulo]

I’m obsessed with this duo!! Thanks ladies

[@carriemartinez2933]

Hey MaCenna and Mama Kathy, and lil Kinsley!!! I am so happy to join you today!!! Love you all oodles and bunches, and really love learning from you two!!!!

[@ritakimantiene8399]

Thank you for sharing , after its all said and done, its kind of its not only a horror stories , its also educational and good to know , what might happened .I like to listen to you ,and your mom.💕

[@carlaurias2102]

15 mins into the video and I've learned so much about things I would've never thought about! Keep these videos coming so I know what to-do for my future home build.TY!

[@abeerali7834]

Loved loved loved you and your mom on this podcast. Thank you! You guys are the best.

[@erinwhitaker2699]

I enjoyed listening to this throughout my afternoon! You have great experience to share. Thank you!!

[@pattyhuxley9509]

I love watching your Vlogs and this Pod Cast. I especially enjoy seeing you and your mom interacting. So much love and fun when you two are together.

[@gramsthebuilder5388]

I love hearing all of the experiences and how you handle them. You two are a good balance of how it should be done. My Son is a contractor but basically does small jobs and hates working on others builds because he has to fix it first then move forward. He is amazing. Still learning as he goes and is a perfectionist.

[@cebulsoon8232]

Absolutely loved this episode! Love listening and watching You and Kathy and also the fact that we are being called Friends

[@samy141]

So much to learn!! Loved this episode, I don’t know if I’ll ever get to hire people for a project like that but its so interesting to me and I love how you’re both laughing about it now and doesn’t deter you from continuing working on dream projects. Btw Kingsley sleeping on you is so sweet!

[@babyjinspire]

I'm so inspired ❤ Thank you for sharing these horror stories that we can all learn from. Would love to see your Mum again, but also Romeo!

[@little2late124]

This was so much fun! Thanks to you both for all those insights!

[@CoriNagy]

Crazy stories, people are crazy!!! Lovevyour mama!! So excited to see you and Drew!!! 💕

[@miaroman9320]

I just love your mom! I could listen to you two all day!❤

[@tinamounce5488]

I LOVE your podcast and all of your videos, especially with your mom ❤️. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge you have gained.

[@tiffanycave5974]

Love this ladies. Real truths. Chill and cozy. Happy womans day xo

[@janesmith1398]

Thank you, Cathy and MaCenna. Excellent information! Could you possibly talk about dealing with city officials and inspections to meet bylaws and code in a future podcast?

[@taylorearles4578]

I love all these stories! It seems like your mom has lived 10 lives, not unlike you!

[@mlm7598]

Love your podcasts. You have so many facial actions as your mom does. You two are just darling together! Love to watch these shows with the two of you. You are so real and I know what you said is so true. We've had a few nightmares ourselves but boy oh but nothing like yours. Love your home / cottage and can't wait to see the finished kitchen. You both are such strong determined women and I find that just so wonderful. Have a beautiful weekend and thank you for sharing!

[@tinamartin1979]

This was a great podcast episode. My partner and I are looking to buy a house soon and this really helps me get into the right mindset in order to be successful in renovations. Thank you so much! I love all your videos!

[@415oakland]

I wish I would have heard this podcast before I remodeled my home. This is jammed packed with info. I have so many stories. And also it didn't help it was in the middle of Covid.

[@tracybarnes3086]

Your Mom is so brave, building over and over and she’s going to do it again. What wonderful women you are ❤️❤️

[@emilyallan3312]

Love love loveeeeee this podcast 🤍 Macenna, you should entertain doing an episode where listeners send in their contractor horror stories, or renovation stories! Have like a once a month “listener tales”.

[@vickybarritt6234]

I wanted to say I am really enjoying the pod cast. Its so interesting to hear all the stories you have from all the aspects of building houses. Macenna your Mum is also such an inspirational person to turn to for help with knowing the do's and don'ts of building your home from the ground up.

[@edithpurvisblackledge501]

I so enjoyed your podcast with your Mom. Just your conversations with each other is enjoyable. Not only entertaining but educational. Your relationship with each other reminds me so much of mine with my Mom who has been my best friend for the last 65 years. She will turn 87 in two months and is still going strong. God bless you both from two sisters from the deep south.

[@odemonet]

I adore the 2 of you AND never built a house , so shocked about all of this! Please do lots of these with your mom she is amazing! I am also looking forward to you and Drew! ❤️👏🏻

[@genn6695]

Great podcast! Love you and your Mom together. Such great chemistry. Your mom is a little spark plug

[@robingandy1325]

Love listening to these stories!!!

[@melyandres_]

Loved this episode! Super useful tips on what to keep in mind when looking for contractors and keeping them in line.

[@Cinderella1125]

You and your mama have great conversations. I've never built a home and never will, but I found your conversation so interesting. TFS 🏡

[@patwilkinson2182]

Love your podcasts with you and your mum. Both of you are so knowledgeable! ❤️

[@freddieblack3751]

Your family is something else haha I loved every second of this. I am so happy to take this knowledge with me as I move forward with my projects.

[@christinewilliams7005]

I really enjoyed listening to your horror stories - I can’t believe you still want to build. I have my own horror stories and you’re right - most of the things you cannot plan for! Thanks for sharing.

[@marieangeles5139]

Wow, it was so informative. I enjoyed your podcast. Keep it coming. Love you both. I

[@ccaswick]

You and mom are the best together, keep podcasting with her.

[@waureenkyriacou5056]

Oh my god..... mom's on the pod cast????? we're all gonna have a good time.....I can't wait to see you front yard gate , after seeing the railing your dad made for their house.....sooooo talented...now we know where you get your love of DIYing....style , design , and love of thrifting ( not to mention sense of humour ) definitely your mom

[@marycolmery1508]

Totally enjoyed this episode, I could listen to you for hours, and Cathy is so knowledgeable in this subject, informative and funny. Some day I would love to hear about your love of art , how and when Cathy started painting and how your taste differ .

[@carriewaters4458]

I just love listening to you both chat. Wonderful podcast

[@judyrodriguez6231]

This was so great I loved all the great stories and your mother is so beautiful… you are blessed! Thank you for this as I’m a DIY person and truly appreciate what you all do!💞👍✨

[@denises9426]

Very educational, thank you MaCenna & Mom! 🥰❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jaimiepaquin4262]

Amazing stories. So many lessons learned that others should and can benefit from. NEVER DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A CONTRACT, ALWAYS have that contract looked over by a lawyer AND NEVER PAY IN FULL FOR ANYTHING UNTIL IT IS COMPLETED AND YOU ARE SATISFIED!!! These stories are not isolated, unfortunately this happens in every town, little or large. There are amazing and trustworthy contractors and subcontractors everywhere but even those need contracts!! Thank you for sharing your true life experiences with us. Xoxo Jaimie

[@jeanettewhite2144]

What a fantastic podcast ladies. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@laurenecker2837]

Licensed interior designer here! 30 days to mediate is actually part of the set documentation of contracts by the AIA. The AIA is a set standard of documents and contracts that define the relationship between architects, clients, and contractors. The interior design certification exam focuses a lot around these documents and is an integral part of being a licensed interior designer (NCIDQ). The contractor was completely in the right to use that vocabulary in his contract and is extremely common. Unfortunately, he just did ya dirty!

[@daynadouglas7545]

These stories...oh my God! I would be traumatised... There should be a place people can put these stories along with the names and have them blacklisted... Your dad and mom are super talented and as your mom said, 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'

[@LorraineParis1]

So sorry all you had go through with contractors. So horrible. Your sweet doggie resting in your lap so peacefully.🐩

[@ruthnoronha8206]

I love moms perspective. Those are so true, it can be so difficult for new home buyers or builders.

[@jessicajoyhardee6668]

Kingsley sleeping!!! It’s the cutest thing ever!!!! Girls! I’m telling you this sure did scare me off! I have had a few projects that were not ideal with hiring my own subcontractors and I’m about to just use my own two hands y’all! Thanks for sharing! Love you two as a duo always!! 🙌🏻✨💕

[@calystopatrick9226]

I am LOVING your podcast. So glad you decided to do one

[@The.Caroline]

"He thought I was gonna give him more money. Because I had done that before." 😂 I literally gasped when your mom said her contractor stole her stone and took her to court. Sounds like he did the whole thing on purpose, knowing she had to be in the house in 30 days - the same amount of time written in the fine print.

[@laurasamaniego5274]

I allways remember what you said at the beginning . “Every little bit is progress” So thats what keeps me and my housband going in our 1940 property that we purchased last year. You have really inspired me so much. Thank you so much for your videos. Im 61 and liveing my dreams . I have a full time job and hope to retire soon. Love you two ladies❤️🙏🌹

[@LxvenderTeaa_XoXo]

These stories are riveting! Please do a part 2 with more stories.

[@Premchik]

Thank you Kathie for the most valuable insights!!😮

[@MB-oj7yu]

Wow that horror story is so sad. I hope that man received his 10 fold reward in the same way.

[@nadia-theviewisbeautiful1442]

I’d love to take a peek through one of your Mom’s “build this” binders! I know it’s not really podcast friendly but maybe on the vlog? I’m a details person so that idea gives me life! I literally designed my whole bathroom in a free 3D rendering program to give my contractor before they started and it turned out exactly as I asked!

[@Pagingnursejackie]

I love my contractor, but I gotta tell you, I’ve been watching you, and you’re giving me inspiration to try things on my own!

[@darlaburnett8666]

So glad to see you and your mother (Cathy) back together on the Podcast! Talk about your dreams for the cottages that have been put on hold! What you would recommend for those that want to start up their own entrepreneurship and how you know if it's the right field to be in and how do you get sponsor to help you?

[@joycecook1114]

Just finishing up on a 120 yr old farmhouse renovation. I’ve lucked out with my contractor and sub-contractor! We’re all on the same page and comfortable enough with each others ideas to change it up once or twice…on top of that.. given me nothing but high quality work!😊

[@lindaga820]

What a beautiful backdrop, your fireplace and bookshelves soooo pretty !!! Love you and your sweet Mama. !!!

[@traceyholley9221]

You and your Mom are fab together. Brill! Love!

[@audreyschmitt200]

I'm so excited to see Drew on future podcasts!!!

[@tracy4790]

Loved this it's just terrible how people can treat there customers just con artists love u & ur mom & kensley is a little angel xx

[@monicateeling810]

Enjoyed that you both can laugh now even though these stories were horrendous and expensive.

[@LindaFoyle]

Thank you, great podcast, of all the ups and downs 😊 and at the end, such Beautiful homes.