Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
In the Rip it Up podcast, RTE's Home of the Year winner Jenny and finalist Kate step the listener through everything they've learned in buying a wreck of a house and turning it into a dream home. They demystify the entire renovation journey, from finding the right house, all the way through the renovation process, from picking a builder, to choosing wallpaper. No brick will be left unturned.
As well as being a management consultant, Jenny writes a weekly home column in a national Irish newspaper as well as being a regular guest on national Irish radio.
Kate, before branching out into renovation consulting full time, worked in technical roles in engineering and sustainability.
Together, they make an expert team, ready to inspire and motivate would-be renovators and DIYers alike. Follow them on Instagram to see more of their renovation journeys - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines
Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
What Your Builder Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets
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This episode is PACKED full of tips straight from the horse's mouth - Jason Doyle of JEMI Construction, Jenny's own main contractor. In this episode of Trade Secrets, we're joined by Jason who shares the five biggest tips from homeowners, and lessons he's learned from years of managing home renovations.
From when to order kitchens and windows, to where you should spend and save your money, Jason shares practical advice that could save you delays, stress and expensive mistakes.
What we cover
- Why kitchens, windows and other long lead-time items need to be ordered early
- Where your renovation budget is best spent (and where it isn't)
- Why trendy finishes aren't always the right choice
- The importance of clear, direct communication with your builder
- How to avoid one of the biggest renovation mistakes: under-budgeting
- Why relationships with trusted suppliers keep projects running smoothly
- Budgeting for finishes, fittings and all the hidden extras
Key takeaways
- Plan the big decisions before work starts
- Invest in the structure; you can always upgrade furniture later
- Research trends before committing to them
- Communicate early, often and directly
- Keep a detailed budget and track every decision
Guest
Jason Doyle, JEMI Construction
Jason has spent years managing full home renovations and extensions, coordinating multiple trades and helping homeowners navigate complex projects from demolition through to completion. In this episode, he shares the advice he wishes every client knew before starting a renovation.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines