Send us a Text Message.This week we’re talking planning permissionStarting a home renovation project can be an exhilarating experience, but the bureaucratic hurdles of the planning permission process can often be off-putting. In this episode, I’ll go over 5 things you can do to help secure that all-important permission that will allow you to start building your dream home. We’ll cover why it’s important to do your research and why communication is crucial. Join me inside to ge...

Send us a Text Message.Living onsite during a reno is tough!In this episode I chat through 7 things you can do to prepare for your home reno to start onsite - including the dilemma of whether to stay put or decamp during a renovation?It’s a big decision, because staying could save you money, but leaving could save your sanity!I’m also sharing stories of living through my own renovations in a home-turned-construction site, from falling debris to washing my hair in a bucket! 😂Join me insid...

Send us a Text Message.Feeling odd? It’s probably the lighting. Have you ever flipped the switch on in a room only to find it feeling odd, but you’re not quite sure why? It’s probably the lighting – badly planned!Well planned lighting is one of those things that will give your project that considered feel – it’s that intangible element - where the space has a beautiful atmosphere and you just feel automatically relaxed and comfortable in it. Of course you want ambience, but the lighting ...

Send us a Text Message.This one’s a biggie – are you ready?Getting realistic quotes for your project is make-or-break, but without strong guidance from you, builders quotes can come in vastly differently, and an underestimated quote can lead to tense relationships onsite, stressful budget overruns and unmet expectations.In this episode, I cover three very important things you should do to secure as precise a builder quote as possible. Style boards make an unexpected appearance, but you’ll be ...

Send us a Text Message.Do I really need an architect? It’s one of the first questions I’m asked when carrying out initial renovation consultancy meetings. While hiring an architect is optional, there are many benefits to having one on board. From quality of design to guidance with the potentially tricky planning application process.In this episode I dissect 3 examples of when you do, and 2 examples of when you might not need an architect. So if you’re currently wrestling with ...

Send us a Text Message.This week we’re back to budgets!If you’re thinking of renovating but unsure about where to pour in the cash, or tighten the purse strings? Then this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through 4 things to splurge on, and 4 things to save on.I’ll cover the crucial areas you should spend on and in this episode I share some of my reno cost-cutting secrets.To ensure your renovation project is both financially shrewd and stunningly executed, join me inside! *********...

Send us a Text Message.Budget overruns during the construction phase are a major concern for renovators. The reno process is already quite testing, and if you throw in uncertainty over budget, it can become quite overwhelming.In this episode we peel back the layers on the unexpected challenges that may come up during your renovation. We delve into the strategies for mastering prioritising and negotiating your renovation when the numbers start to climb. A tactical itemise...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I guide you through the nuances of party wall agreement, and just why they're so important when it comes to construction near shared walls or boundaries. I’ll cover what exactly a party wall agreement is, when you need one and I’ve got a quick 6-step overview for you so that you can quickly familiarise yourself with the process – without all that legal jargon – from serving notice to your neighbours to securing that all-important go-ahead before you brea...

Send us a Text Message.Bathrooms can be very tricky spaces to design…they are usually smaller spaces in the home, so careful space planning and having a good, functional layout is essential. In this episode I share my five top tips to elevate this small space into your personal sanctuary. With 28% of UK renovators opting to revamp their bathrooms, it's evident that the quest for the perfect washroom is on!Inside this episodeJoin me inside the episode to discuss the essentials of sp...

Budget worries are right up there when it comes to renovator  stress, but there are ways you can save on your reno, and manage your budget for a far less stressful experience. Strap in for a financial makeover of your home renovation plans!  We'll tackle the art of proactive project management—if you are in control of your own renovation, then you can monitor your budget health and oversee each professional involved. In this episode Expect to navigate the ins and outs of meticulous planning,...

Join me inside episode 10 (already!) to find out if you need planning permission to start that exciting renovation project! Ever found yourself scratching your head …pondering whether your dream extension falls within the realm of planning permission or if you're about to waltz into a bureaucratic nightmare?  Fear not, because this episode is quick guide on planning, where I’lI cover three common situations here in the UK:  1. If you live in a freehold house  2. If you live in a flat or...

In this episode I talk about one of my favourite phases of the entire renovation process: Dreaming! Picture this  …your home, not just as a place to live but as a canvas for the way you really want to live.  I invite you inside this episode to discover the secrets to crafting the living space that doesn't just house your memories but actively enhances your daily life. In today's chat, we'll navigate through the critical 'dreaming phase' of home renovation, uncovering how to fuse your...

Have you heard the term Double the time and double the budget when chatting about home renovations before?  The  expression is a common adage in the world of home renovations, and unfortunately it’s kind of true!  It’s not that every project’s time and budget will come out doubled, but rather a phrase that manages  expectations, because if you don’t plan your renovation well and have  realistic timelines and budgets, projects will frequently take longer and cost more than you originally...

If you're about to renovate, you have probably started to hear about all the professionals you may need to get involved!  When I self-built my north London home back in 2017, I had no idea just how many people could possibly be involved. In this episode, I run through an extensive list of ALL the professionals that could be involved in a renovation project, and a short run-down of what each one involves.  If you're feeling overwhelmed and wondering who does what, then give this episode a...

Finding the right builder is up there as one of the main concerns of those about to renovate.  When I've surveyed renovators, they are really worried about finding someone trustworthy, that understands their vision, is quoting fairly, will carry out good workmanship, who will communicate well ... there is so much to be concerned about, no wonder it's a top worry. In this episode I go over 5 questions you need to ask your builders at interview stage to make sure you are making the right...

In this episode we discuss the most used room in the house – the kitchen  Kitchens are the most popular rooms to renovate with 35% of renovators choosing to focus on this area.  Having a good layout in the kitchen is make or break – if your layout and storage doesn’t work, you will hate using your kitchen!  My five top tips are: 1.     Plan for minimal clutter 2.     Have a dedicated small appliance area 3.     Keep the working triangle in mind 4.     Plan for traffic flow 5.     Add an...

I’m on a mission to help you avoid the biggest renovation mistakes, and in this episode we discuss five important things you should do before you start your renovation project.  They are: 1.     Examine what you want from your renovation 2.     Establish a big picture budget 3.     Familiarise yourself with the process of a renovation 4.     Research which planning and permissions you may need 5.     Start asking friends and family for recommendations for designers, architects and...

In this episode we go over 4 reasons it’s important to be in control of your own home renovation. From understanding your vision to avoiding miscommunication, this episode is a must-listen if you're starting a renovation project soon. ----------- Sign up to become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community, and receive weekly emails, access to webinars and bonus renovation education materials at https://www.southplacestudio.com/subscribe Everything I teach about renovation...

In this episode we explore what a successful renovation means to you. I'll explain how to dig deep to really determine exactly what you want from your renovation. ----------------- Sign up to become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community, and receive weekly emails, access to webinars and bonus renovation education materials at https://www.southplacestudio.com/subscribe Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process for A Successful Renovation, to...

From regretting not hiring the right professionals to concerns about the budget, In this episode I go over 4 Common Renovation Regrets & Concerns. I surveyed a number of renovators, and this is what they said. Sign up to become part of the South Place Studio Renovation Community, and receive weekly emails, access to webinars and bonus renovation education materials at https://www.southplacestudio.com/subscribe Everything I teach about renovation falls within my Five Pillar Process...