Stories from Site - Renovation Podcast
Welcome to Stories from Site, the podcast for renovation enthusiasts. Each week we’ll be chatting with a different home renovator, to peek behind the curtains of those insta-worthy interiors to bring you the REAL processes they went through to make their dream homes a reality.
Episodes
78 episodes
HOME TRUTHS: If you could ask a builder one question
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 real...
HOME TRUTHS: Why finishing a renovation takes longer than you think
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...
HOME TRUTHS: What actually happens once your build starts
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 const...
HOME TRUTHS: Before the first hammer: Preparing for site works
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 construct...
HOME TRUTHS: The boring bit that will save your renovation
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 chan...
HOME TRUTHS: How to decode Builders' quotes (and avoid budget blowouts)
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, ...
HOME TRUTHS: How to find the right builder for you & your project
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 you...
Our takeaways: End of series 10 round up
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 diffe...
From fixer-upper to family home with Renovate Like Kate
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 ...
Matching budget with design: When one quote isn’t enough
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 decisio...
DIY to Award-Winning: Transforming a London Flat
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
Opening up and Edwardian Home in Manchester
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...
Light and Life in a 1960's Maisonette
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...
That Purple House: A 1930s renovation full of joy
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 ha...
HOME TRUTHS: Why your renovation is going to take longer than you think
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 ...
HOME TRUTHS: The do's and don'ts of using sweat equity in your renovation
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 r...
HOME TRUTHS: 10 things to avoid if you want a successful renovation
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...
HOME TRUTHS: Does renovating make sense financially?
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 ...
HOME TRUTHS: Renovate your house without divorcing your partner
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 Bri...
HOME TRUTHS: You know what you want but don't know how to get it
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 ...
HOME TRUTHS: Why no on wants to tell you how much it's going to cost
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 ...
Our takeaways: End of series 8 round up
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 c...
Transforming an 80's bungalow on the Isle of Wight
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 stun...
Reviving a 1930's home: Trials, triumphs & lessons learned
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 h...
The 3 week reno: With a little help from our friends
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 unexpect...
