Stories from Site - Renovation Podcast

In this bonus episode of Home Truths , we bring together the most common questions homeowners have throughout a renovation - and put them directly to a builder. From finding the right builder and understanding quotes, to what really happens on site and why budgets change, this episode tackles the questions people often feel unsure asking. We explore what builders actually look for in a client, why...

The final stage of a renovation is often the most misunderstood. In this episode of Home Truths , we unpack what really happens at the end of a build - and why finishing a renovation almost always takes longer than expected. We explore why progress slows in the final weeks, from the coordination of multiple trades to the detail work required to bring everything together. The conversation covers sn...

Once the build starts, a renovation enters a completely different phase. In this episode of Home Truths, we talk about the realities of life on site - how communication, decision-making and money flow through a project once construction begins. We discuss how productive site meetings work, how the builder-client-designer relationship functions day to day, and why tensions sometimes arise during a...

Preparing for build sounds straightforward - but it’s often where the biggest site problems begin. In this episode of Home Truths, we talk through what really needs to happen before that first hammer swings. From construction drawings and technical specifications to the many design decisions that quietly affect how a project gets built, we explain why preparation is one of the most important phase...

In this episode of Home Truths, Amy and Jane unpack the legal foundations every homeowner should have in place before work begins. We cover what actually needs to be in writing — from scope and programme to payment terms and change control — and why handshake agreements so often fall apart once time, money and stress enter the picture. You’ll also learn: The key insurance types every project shoul...

In this episode of Home Truths, we unpack one of the most pivotal — and often confusing, stages of any renovation: receiving and reviewing quotes. We talk about why prices can differ dramatically, the difference between budgets, estimates and quotes, and why a single lump sum isn’t enough to make an informed decision. Jane explains how to properly review a tender, what a cost breakdown should incl...

We’re back with a new series of Home Truths — and we’re starting with one of the biggest decisions in any renovation: choosing the right builder . Before quotes, budgets or contracts, this choice can quietly make or break your project. In this episode, we talk about: where to actually find builders, how to vet them properly (without losing your mind), early red flags to watch out for, and the ques...

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in the tenth series of the Stories from Site podcast. They discuss the common themes that emerge across the series, including the different methods people have employed to keep costs down, as well as the advice that they're personally taking on board in their own renovations. Check out our F...

This week we talked with Kate about renovating her Georgian farmhouse. Better known on Instagram as Renovate like Kate. She talks us through her hands-on approach to home renovation from her early projects in London to her family's big move to Leicestershire. Get yourselves ready for plenty of practical advice and insights into balancing renovation with family life. Find Kate's project o...

 In this episode, we're joined by Vita who tells the story of finding the right house and working closely with the architects and builders to make her dream home. Vita shares how she balanced budgets and aesthetics, navigated tough decisions, and ultimately created a space that feels both intentional and inspiring. You can find Vita's project on instagram @belgravehome   Project architec...

This week, we talk with Natallia and Matt who share their remarkable ten-year DIY journey. Starting with a modest London flat, they built skills, overcame challenges, and created a home that won an award at this year’s Don’t Move, Improve awards.  It’s a story of persistence, creativity, and what’s possible when you take renovation into your own hands. You can find Natallia on instagram @ natallia...

 This week we are joined by Karen who talks to us about her renovation of a semi-detached Edwardian house in Manchester. Karen shares the role her architect played, as well as the challenges of turning a dark house into a bright and welcoming family home. You can find Sarah from Another architecture + interiors on instagram @another_a_i   Check out our FREE webinars here >>

In this episode, we speak with Issey about transforming her 1960s Maisonette. With her background in interior architecture and the sharp eye for design, Issey shares how she and her partner created a light filled home on a careful budget and the inspiration that guided their choices along the way. Check out our FREE webinars here >>

In this episode, we speak with Robyn, who shares how she transformed a budget friendly 1930s home into a bold, joyful space with the help of architects Office S&M. It's a story about colour collaboration and creating a home that radiates happiness.  Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Check out our FREE webinars here >>

In this final episode of our mini series Home Truths, we discuss why your renovation project is likely to take longer than expected. We break down a typical project timeline, highlight factors that contribute to delays, and offer tips on how to stay on track. Join us as we share valuable insights to help you avoid a stressful renovation experience. Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @...

Welcome to our special mini-series, Home Truths.   In this episode we dive in to how you can add value through your own work on your project, also known as ‘sweat equity’.    We discuss the complexities of taking on roles like project manager and main contractor, highlight the importance of coordination, and delve into potential cost-saving strategies such as handling party wall notices, kitchen d...

Welcome to our special mini-series, Home Truths.  In this episode, we delve into the top 10 things to avoid if you want a smooth renovation process. From choosing the right team and being honest about your budget, to dedicating enough time and avoiding mid-project changes, we cover it all. Whether you're just starting, in the middle, or thinking about a renovation, this episode is packed with...

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 reloca...

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...

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...

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 exper...

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 rea...

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&a...

 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...