Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

What Your Kitchen Designer Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Everyone dreams about their new kitchen, but what does a kitchen designer wish every homeowner knew before they started planning one? In this episode of Trade Secrets, we hear from Dawn from Savvy Kitchens, the designer behind both Kate's kitchens and Jennifer's own kitchen renovation. Dawn shares the five biggest lessons she's learned from designing kitchens every day, from planning layouts before your drawings are finalised to avoiding the trap of designing for Instagram instead of real life.  What we cover *  Why your kitchen should be designed before construction drawings are signed off  *  How kitchen layouts influence glazing, door positions, electrics and plumbing  *  Where your kitchen budget is best spent, and where you can save  *  Why expensive features aren't always the best investment  *  The importance of communicating changes early  *  Why every kitchen should be designed around your family's daily routine  *  Common mistakes people make when copying Pinterest and Instagram kitchens  *  Practical examples from Jennifer and Kate's own kitchen renovations  Key takeaways *  Design your kitchen around how you actually live, not how you wish you lived  *  Bring your kitchen designer in as early as possible  *  Invest in the features you'll use every single day  *  Don't be afraid to challenge assumptions and ask questions  *  A beautiful kitchen is one that works effortlessly for your lifestyle  Whether you're choosing an IKEA kitchen or a fully bespoke design, these are the principles that make every kitchen function better.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Rip It Up Podcast Trailer

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

What Your Plumber Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Every renovation has a plumber, but what does your plumber wish you knew before the walls are closed up? In this episode of Trade Secrets, we hear from an experienced plumber who shares the five biggest lessons every homeowner should know before starting a renovation. From planning bathrooms properly to investing in the plumbing you'll never see, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help you avoid costly mistakes later on. What we cover: *  Why bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms need to be planned much earlier than most people realise  *  Why quality pipework matters more than expensive taps  *  The plumbing components worth investing in from day one  *  Why every homeowner should attend their plumbing walkthrough  *  Common bathroom layout mistakes that affect how the space functions  *  The importance of thinking beyond Pinterest-perfect bathrooms  *  How good plumbing decisions save money in the long run  Key takeaways: *  Lock in bathroom layouts before first fix begins  *  Spend money behind the walls, not just on the finishes  *  Walk every room with your plumber before pipework is installed  *  Good communication prevents expensive changes  *  Design bathrooms for everyday life, not just for photos  This episode is a reminder that the best plumbing is the plumbing you never have to think about. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

What Your Builder Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

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

What Your Electrician Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Every renovation has an electrician - and this episode is packed full of things they wish you knew. In the first episode of our new Trade Secrets series, we're joined by Ronan Byrne from Eleven Electrical [https://www.instagram.com/eleven_electrical?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] to uncover the five biggest lessons homeowners should know before planning their electrical work. From socket positions and lighting layouts to future-proofing and avoiding costly mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice that can save you time, money and years of frustration.  What we cover *  Why you need to plan furniture layouts much earlier than you think  *  How bed positions, sofas and TVs affect socket placement  *  What is worth spending money *  Where you should save *  The most common mistakes homeowners make - and how to avoid them *  The importance of sharing updated drawings and communicating changes quickly  *  Why electrical walkthroughs are one of the most important stages of a renovation  *  Lighting, switching, Wi-Fi points, demister pads and all the details that are easy to overlook  Key takeaways *  Plan rooms around how you'll actually use them  *  Future-proof while walls are open  *  Communicate changes early and often  *  Walk through every room before first fix  *  Remember: you're the one who has to live with the decisions  This episode is a practical guide to creating an electrical plan that works not just on paper, but in real life. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines