Stories from Site - Renovation Podcast

 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 l...

 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...

 This week we chat with Paul and Nikki who shared their journey of transforming a cramped kitchen and outdated conservatory into a spacious, character filled living area.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. Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Chec...

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!  Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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.  Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Check out our FREE webi...

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...

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 Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wear...

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’...

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. Try the HomeNotes App; We...

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!  Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Check out our FREE webinars h...

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 @astrainsch...

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 @jawhitn...

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 a...

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...

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. Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Check...

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 Try the HomeNotes App; Web: h...

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.  Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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 pac...

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  Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Ins...

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 aft...

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.  Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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.   Try the HomeNotes App; Web: homenotes.co Insta: @wearehomenotes Check out our FREE webinar...

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_ Check out our FREE webinars here &gt...

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.  Check...