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...