Stories from Site - Renovation Podcast

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 construction begins.
We discuss how productive site meetings work, how the builder-client-designer relationship functions day to day, and why tensions sometimes arise during a build. The conversation also explores the financial side of construction: interim payments, variations, change control and why renovation budgets often evolve once hidden conditions are uncovered.
Rather than trying to eliminate change entirely, the key is having clear processes that allow decisions, costs and expectations to be managed calmly and transparently.
If you’re about to start a renovation - or already in the thick of one - this episode offers practical insight into how to keep a build running smoothly while protecting the relationships that make it possible.
Sponsored by Plykea;
Web:  https://www.plykea.com/
Insta: @plykeakitchens
Brought to you by HomeNotes;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Try the HomeNotes App;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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 construction drawings and technical specifications to the many design decisions that quietly affect how a project gets built, we explain why preparation is one of the most important phases of any renovation.
We also unpack the practical realities most homeowners don’t anticipate: access for materials, scaffolding and skips, parking restrictions, storage space, and basic site welfare. The conversation also covers neighbours and party wall considerations, and why communication early on can prevent unnecessary conflict once works begin.
Finally, we explore the lead times that regularly derail projects; from windows and steel to kitchens and heat pumps, and why aligning procurement with your build programme is essential.
The core truth?
 The smoother the preparation, the calmer the site.
If you’re about to start building, this episode will help you avoid rushed decisions, costly delays and unnecessary stress!
Sponsored by Plykea;
Web:  https://www.plykea.com/
Insta: @plykeakitchens
Brought to you by HomeNotes;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Try the HomeNotes App;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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 change control — and why handshake agreements so often fall apart once time, money and stress enter the picture.
You’ll also learn:
The key insurance types every project should have (public liability, employers’ liability, contract works)
Who is responsible for what — contractor vs homeowner
Why seeing certificates matters
How subcontractor insurance gaps can create unexpected risk
And how clear paperwork actually protects the working relationship, rather than undermining it
If you’re about to sign a contract — or wondering whether your project is properly protected — this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward safely.
Because in renovation, what feels “boring” at the start is often what saves you later.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, architectural, or professional advice. You should seek advice specific to your own project before making decisions.
Resources we talk about in this episode:
JCT home Owner Contracts
Webinar with Renovation Plan
Use 'HOMENOTES25' to get £25 off your insurance with Renovation Plan*
(*We may earn a small commission from suppliers mentioned if you use our code or links.)
Sponsored by Plykea;
Web:  https://www.plykea.com/
Insta: @plykeakitchens
Brought to you by HomeNotes;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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, estimates and quotes, and why a single lump sum isn’t enough to make an informed decision. Jane explains how to properly review a tender, what a cost breakdown should include, and how to compare builders fairly, so you’re not caught out later.
We also cover the hidden costs that frequently cause budgets to spiral, including provisional sums, client-supplied items, VAT, scaffolding, and permits, and share the one question every homeowner should ask: “What’s not included?”
If you’re planning a renovation or about to receive quotes, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence - and avoid the costly misunderstandings that often begin with “I assumed that was included.
If you're about to get quotes back from your builder - this one's for you!!
Sponsored by Plykea;
Web:  https://www.plykea.com/
Insta: @plykeakitchens
Brought to you by HomeNotes;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Try the HomeNotes App;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Check out our FREE webinars here >>

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 your project.
In this episode, we talk about:
where to actually find builders,
how to vet them properly (without losing your mind),
early red flags to watch out for,
and the questions you should be asking before prices ever come back.
If you’re renovating — or planning to — this one’s for you!
Sponsored by Plykea;
Web:  https://www.plykea.com/
Insta: @plykeakitchens
Brought to you by HomeNotes;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Try the HomeNotes App;
Web: homenotes.co
Insta: @wearehomenotes
Check out our FREE webinars here >>