Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

In this episode of Trade Secrets, we get top tips from paint professional Karena Hyland, Research & Development Manager at Fleetwood Paints. From surface preparation and choosing the right paint finish to how to buy the correct amount of paint and invest in quality products, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your paintwork stand the test of time. 
What we cover
 Why preparation takes longer than most people expect 
 The importance of filling, sanding and allowing repairs to cure properly 
 Where it's worth spending more on paint, and where it isn't 
 Why durable, washable paints are worth the investment in busy homes 
 How to calculate the right amount of paint for your project 
 The value of quality brushes, rollers and masking tape 
 Why different rooms need different paint finishes 
 Common mistakes people make when choosing paint based on colour alone 
Key takeaways
 Great paint jobs are built on great preparation 
 Choose paint for performance as well as colour 
 Invest in quality products for high-traffic areas 
 Don't rush surface preparation or curing times 
 The cheapest paint job is rarely the best value in the long run 
Items mentioned
Wooster paint brushes
Purdy paint rollers
Fleetwood Prestige Multi-surface paint finish
Fleetwood low tack Washi Masking tape
Fleetwood Easyclean Washable Matt (ideal for kitchen areas)
Whether you're choosing a painter, taking the DIY route, painting a single room or tackling an entire house, this episode will help you achieve a better finish, and avoid some very expensive mistakes.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

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

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

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

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