Stories from Site - Renovation Podcast

Welcome to our special mini-series, Home Truths. In this episode, we dive into whether renovating is truly worth it from a financial perspective and explore how it impacts your time, energy, relationships, and lifestyle. 

We discuss how to assess the financial viability of renovations, research local property values, and consult estate agents.  If you're debating whether to renovate or relocate, this episode is for you!

Welcome to the third episode of our mini-series 'Home Truths,' where we debunk renovation myths and share insights to help avoid stressful projects. 

Did you know house renovations can strain relationships, with nearly one in ten British couples splitting up? We delve into the underlying reasons, from financial stress to how renovations impact future planning and relationships. 

We also share strategies to prevent relationship breakdowns during renovations, emphasising open communication, identifying anxieties, dividing tasks based on strengths, and setting clear goals. Join us for valuable tips on managing renovation stress together.

Welcome to our special mini series called Home Truths, where we are going to talk about common misconceptions in the world of renovating, bust some budget myths and basically shine a light on how to avoid a stressful renovation. 

In this episode, explore how to balance high design dreams with tight budgets. Discover the types of renovation projects—space-efficient, bespoke, and a hybrid of the two. Learn the challenges and strategies for mixing cost-effective methods with bespoke elements, including leveraging interior design services, affordable lighting plans, and upgrading materials smartly. 

Whether you're just planning or alre...

Welcome to our special mini series called Home Truths, where we are going to talk about common misconceptions in the world of renovating, bust some budget myths and basically shine a light on how to avoid a stressful renovation. 

In this episode of Home Truths, we wanted to talk about why no one wants to tell you how much your project is going to cost.

If you’re renovating, you probably have experienced this for yourself, and no, you're not going mad! We get right into the nitty gritty of why your architect and contractor are...

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in the eighth series of the Stories from Site podcast.

They discuss the importance of finding the right tradespeople and managing the complexities of different project management styles. Plus using their new renovation app to balance budgeting, and decision-making, and to ensure project alignment.

In this episode, we chat with Emily about her bold transformation of an eighties bungalow on the Isle of Wight.

What started as a struggle with initial design plans evolved into a complete re-imagining of the home, turning it into a stunning villa style space with two wings.

Emily shares the technical and design challenges she faced. The importance of retrofitting for energy efficiency and the realities of managing a major renovation. 

In this episode, we chat with Katharine about her ambitious renovation of a derelict 1930s house in Salisbury.

From budgeting struggles to unexpected setbacks. She shares the highs and lows of turning a neglected property into a family home.

Katharine dives into tax incentives, builder relationships, and the emotional toll of renovations, all while making creative choices that reflect her family's lifestyle. 

 In this episode, Lydia returns to stories from site to share the exciting updates in her renovation journey.

Following the extension and renovation of their one bed flat into a two bed flat, Lydia and her partner seized an unexpected opportunity to buy the flat upstairs.

Lydia shares the challenges and triumphs of transforming the space on a very tight budget in a whirlwind three week renovation with support from friends and family.

Now a landlord to friends Adam and Rebecca, Lydia reflects on the intricate balance of thorough planning and adaptability required i...

 This week we sit down with Vikki, a DIY, renovator, and YouTube educator who takes us through her step-by-step journey of transforming an auction bought property into a dream home.

 From overcoming unexpected challenges to mastering essential skills, Vicki shares invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way.

Whether you're tackling your first renovation or you're a season pro looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips, relatable struggles, and plenty of motivation for your next projects. 

You can find Vikki and her project on YouTube @TheCarpentersDaughterUK and on Instagram @the...

 This week we chat with Kailas, a seasoned architect with a passion for designing spaces that promote well being.

We discussed the process of renovating his own mid terrace Victorian house, focusing on the integration of wellness design principles.  Kailas shares insights on the difference between wellness and well being, the benefits of biophilia in architecture, and the challenges of being both an architect and a client.

You can find Kailas and his project at @kailas_moorthy.well 

 This week we chat with Paul and Nikki who shared their journey of transforming a cramped kitchen and outdated conservatory into a spacious, character filled living area.

From navigating unreliable builders and project delays to the importance of hiring the right tradespeople,  they offer valuable lessons for your own renovation.

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our seventh series of the Stories from Site podcast.

They discuss the common themes and top tips that emerged, enjoying the process and preparing for Christmas on a construction site! 

Today we're joined by Bethan, who shares the inspiring journey of transforming her family's Victorian home.  

We explore the value of having a dedicated architect throughout the process, balancing budgets and maintaining the quality of the build, as well as the leaps of faith involved in the process. 

This week we chat with Rachel, an architect whose main ambition for her renovation was to make her small London terrace home feel more spacious and light.

Working with limited space, Rachel and her partner squeezed every last inch out of their home to create useful spaces from the nooks and crannies.

We talked to her about the techniques they use to make their small space feel larger and brighter and the joys of a nice light switch.

You can find Rachel and her work on Instagram @rachel_eccles_architect

In this week's episode, we talk with Leo and Ru, a renovation duo comprising an architect and interior designer.

 What initially began as a professional project quickly evolved into a new exciting chapter for their family.  Discover valuable insights from this incredible couple on transforming a site into a dream home.


Find Leo and Ru on instagram at @leo_kinderdesign and @openpracticearch.

In this episode, we chat with Natasha about her remarkable 24 year journey of transforming a Victorian house into a beautiful home.

We discuss how she balanced her vision with practical necessities, as well as navigating the challenges of being a location house and the importance of inclusive design.

Find Natasha on instagram @untillemonsrsweet

This week we chat with a renowned property developer known for transforming homes with creativity and quality. In this episode, Sara shares the challenges and rewards of renovating her own family home, a transformation of a 1950s pebble dash house. 

Get practical advice on managing design anxieties, the financial realities of extensions, and the impact of thoughtful, original design.

 Whether you’re a budding developer or a renovation enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into crafting exceptional homes.

Find Sara on Instagram @houseobsessed

This week we hear Anna's inspiring story of renovating her childhood home into her own modern family space.

Balancing the preservation of her father's architectural features with sleek contemporary updates, Anna faced contractor challenges and learned to trust their instincts.  Tune in to explore her journey of heritage, design and lessons learned along the way.

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our sixth series of the Stories from Site podcast.

They discuss the common themes that emerged, including the importance of communication, the need for clear documentation and some cooking analogies! 

This week we sit down with Irene to chat about her personal renovation journey, a renovation of a quirky house in leafy East London. 

We meander through her work as an architect with husband Peter, the difficulties of making decisions, and the joy of creating space together for expanding family life.

You can find Irene and Pete's work @ https://astrainscheldt.com/ and on instagram @astrainscheldt

This week we chat to builders Sian and James who share their inspiring journey from purchasing their first terrace home to transforming a 1930s semi detached for their growing family.

They share their insights and tips for navigating renovations efficiently, including the importance of budgeting, phasing projects, and working with trusted builders.

You can find Sian and James on Instagram @jawhitneybuilders and at www.jawhitney.co.uk/

This week we chat with Lorna about her home renovation alongside her architect husband James.

She reflects on how her experience running an estate agency has influenced their renovation approach.

And as they prepare for yet another renovation project with two young children in tow, Lorna provides insights into the key aspects of creating a valuable and functional home. 

Find Lorna and her estate agency Bonnington Square @bonningtonsquare.com and on instagram @bonnington_square

In this episode we chat with Gemma, a furniture, interior and spatial designer who created her own family home on a budget.

We discussed the joys of creating a practical home fit for family life and the art of using good design to elevate off the shelf items, as well as cost effective solutions to create something special.

Gemma shares her practical insights, tips, and plenty of inspiration about how to craft your ideal home, even on a modest budget.

You can find Gemma's practice at www.studiofabbri.co.uk and<...

This week we dive into the world of sustainable home renovation with our guest Tishna.

 Motivated by her daughter's health needs, Tishna embarked on an in depth exploration of eco friendly and natural materials for her loft extension.

 However, she faced significant challenges in convincing her team to engage in using them.

This week, we talked to Kat, whose renovation started from a developer finished home.

Kat shares her gradual process of transforming it into her dream space, and the particular challenges encountered working with her contractor to get those design details right and achieve the considered look she was after.

See Kat's project photos at homenotes.co/storiesfromsite

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our fifth series of the Stories from Site podcast.

They discuss the common themes that emerged, including the different ways of phasing your project, the essential preparation that every project needs and the different timescales involved. 

This week we talk with Isabelle who shares her experience working with an interior designer to renovate her London flat. We discuss the importance of creating a warm and inviting home, the vision for the space, and how her interior designer helped bring it all together.

Find Topology Interiors at https://www.topologyinteriors.com/
Quote HOMENOTES and you'll get £50 off your first e-design package* 🎉

*If you purchase services from Topology HomeNotes will receive a small fee to help fund our work.

This week we talk with Jamila, who shares her experience of renovating her home in Yorkshire, room by room.

We discuss her negotiation strategies with suppliers, how she worked with her husband as a team, and how visual references and detailed communication helped in getting what she wanted from contractors.

Find Jamila on instagram @prosecco_lifestyle 

This week we chat with Lou about her experience renovating an Edwardian villa. She has rolled up her sleeves, learned trades on the fly, and brought her tired house back to life. We'll discuss how she tackled the project, restored original features, and let her home guide the process of creating cozy and inviting spaces. Plus, Lou shares the satisfaction of rediscovering her creative side after years in the corporate world.

Find Lou on Instagram @notaperioddrama

This week we talk to Ella, who’s need for a quick turnaround led her to work with a design and build company to create a loft extension for her home.  We discuss the hurdles she went through to get to the finish line and the pros and cons of the renovation route she chose to take. 

This week we talk to Lee, founder of Bert and May tiles about his latest home renovation. 

We discuss his approach to creating ‘timeless’ interiors, the art of slow renovating to create a space rich in layers and materiality, plus the environmental need to consider our purchases and avoid renovation waste.  

This week we chat to Jen, as she shares her journey of climbing the housing ladder, one renovation project at a time. We talk to her about upgrading her skills over multiple renovations and the dangers of taking on more than you can handle. Plus the benefits of having a large Instagram following cheering her on.

Check out Jen on Instagram @thehousethatjenbuilt_

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our fourth series of the Stories from Site podcast.

They discuss the common themes that emerged, including creating a vision for your project, making sure it meets the needs of your household now and in the future, the emotions of having to adjust it and the relief of seeing it through. 

This week we chat with Lauren, a first-time renovator whose partner's electrician skills are coming in handy as they tackle updating their 1970s home.

 As we catch up with her midway through her renovation journey, having just completed the kitchen extension and gearing up for the rest of her home, Lauren reflects on the accomplishments achieved so far.

Check out Lauren and Ash's project on Instagram @renodreams_at17

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable self-build journey of Ade, an architectural designer and project manager, who transformed a dilapidated barn into a dream home for his family in the picturesque Kent countryside. 

We discuss his drive to uncover hidden opportunities, his commitment to maintaining the highest standards throughout the conversion process, and the challenges of putting the fate of your future in the hands of the planners.

Check out Ade's Instagram account @threeacrebarn.

In this episode, we sit down with Bo Fetum, an experienced interior designer who had to make some tough decisions when faced with skyrocketing renovation costs. She shares her insights on how to pivot a project successfully and create beautiful, engaging spaces without breaking the bank.

Check out Bo Fetum's Instagram account @bo.fentum.design 

This week we talk to Gemma who renovated an old school building on Anglesey whilst living in Manchester.

We talk to her about managing a remote renovation, the pros and cons of working directly with a larger contractor,  and the differences in renovating a holiday home as a business. 

You can stay in Gemma's renovation - check out her listing at https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Anglesey-Dinas/Ysgol-Fawr-1134531.html

In this episode, we talked to Barbara about the journey of falling in love with a fixer-upper home, as well as the challenges of handling costs in a labour-only building contract, and the joys of undertaking DIY projects during maternity leave.

Check out Barbara's panelling in action on Instagram and TikTok @thebabshouse.