Stories from Site - Renovation Podcast
Episodes
HOME TRUTHS: If you could ask a builder one question
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
HOME TRUTHS: Why finishing a renovation takes longer than you think
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 - ...
HOME TRUTHS: What actually happens once your build starts
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 - ...
HOME TRUTHS: Before the first hammer: Preparing for site works
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Preparing for build sounds straightforward - but it’s often where the biggest site problems begin.In this episode of Home Truths, we talk through wh...
HOME TRUTHS: The boring bit that will save your renovation
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 actual...
HOME TRUTHS: How to decode Builders' quotes (and avoid budget blowouts)
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
HOME TRUTHS: How to find the right builder for you & your project
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Our takeaways: End of series 10 round up
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 po...
From Fixer-Upper to Family Home with Renovate Like
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talked with Kate about renovating her Georgian farmhouse. Better known on Instagram as Renovate like Kate. She talks us through her han...
Matching budget with design: When one quote isn’t enough
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
DIY to Award-Winning: Transforming a London Flat
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, over...
Opening up and Edwardian Home in Manchester
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 arc...
Light and Life in a 1960's Maisonette
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak with Issey about transforming her 1960s Maisonette.With her background in interior architecture and the sharp eye for design...
That Purple House: A 1930s renovation full of joy
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 architect...
HOME TRUTHS: Why your renovation is going to take longer than you think
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ty...
HOME TRUTHS: The do's and don'ts of using sweat equity in your renovation
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 kno...
HOME TRUTHS: 10 things to avoid if you want a successful renovation
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
HOME TRUTHS: Does renovating make sense financially?
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
HOME TRUTHS: Renovate your house without divorcing your partner
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the third episode of our mini-series 'Home Truths,' where we debunk renovation myths and share insights to help avoid stressful p...
HOME TRUTHS: You know what you want but don't know how to get it
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 bu...
HOME TRUTHS: Why no on wants to tell you how much it's going to cost
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 bu...
Our takeaways: End of series 8 round up
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Transforming an 80's bungalow on the Isle of Wight
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Reviving a 1930's home: Trials, triumphs & lessons learned
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Katharine about her ambitious renovation of a derelict 1930s house in Salisbury.From budgeting struggles to unexpected s...
The 3 week reno: With a little help from our friends
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lydia returns to stories from site to share the exciting updates in her renovation journey.Following the extension and renovation o...
DIY with Heart: Lessons from a YouTube legend
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we sit down with Vikki, a DIY, renovator, and YouTube educator who takes us through her step-by-step journey of transforming an auction bo...
Biophilia & Balance: Renovating with Wellness Design
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Kailas, a seasoned architect with a passion for designing spaces that promote well being.We discussed the process of renovat...
Reno rollercoaster: What we wish we knew before starting
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Paul and Nikki who shared their journey of transforming a cramped kitchen and outdated conservatory into a spacious, characte...
Our takeaways: End of series 7 round up
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our seventh series of the Stories from Site ...
Design-led renovation: Exploring the value of collaboration
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're joined by Bethan, who shares the inspiring journey of transforming her family's Victorian home. We explore the value of havin...
Every last drop: Squeezing the most out of a small home renovation
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Rachel, an architect whose main ambition for her renovation was to make her small London terrace home feel more spacious and li...
From garage to home: A backland London development
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we talk with Leo and Ru, a renovation duo comprising an architect and interior designer. What initially began as a profe...
The long game: A 24 year transformation of a Victorian home
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we chat with Natasha about her remarkable 24 year journey of transforming a Victorian house into a beautiful home.We discuss how she ...
Breaking the developer mould: A 1950s pebble dash transformation
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with a renowned property developer known for transforming homes with creativity and quality. In this episode, Sara shares the challe...
Heritage and heart: Navigating a 1970's family renovation
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we hear Anna's inspiring story of renovating her childhood home into her own modern family space.Balancing the preservation of her fath...
Our takeaways: End of series 6 round up
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our sixth series of the Stories from Site po...
Life and architecture entwined: The tale of two architects
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we sit down with Irene to chat about her personal renovation journey, a renovation of a quirky house in leafy East London. We meander throu...
Building dreams together: Lessons from a family-run builder
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to builders Sian and James who share their inspiring journey from purchasing their first terrace home to transforming a 1930s semi d...
The art of attraction: Creating a home that sells
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Lorna about her home renovation alongside her architect husband James.She reflects on how her experience running an estate agen...
Design is key: An interior designer's clever budget choices
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Gemma, a furniture, interior and spatial designer who created her own family home on a budget.We discussed the joys of cr...
Out of the box: Bespoke design vs off the shelf architecture
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dive into the world of sustainable home renovation with our guest Tishna. Motivated by her daughter's health needs, Tishna embarked...
The uphill struggle of getting that 'architect look'
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we talked to Kat, whose renovation started from a developer finished home. Kat shares her gradual process of transforming it into her dream...
Our takeaways: End of series 5 round up
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our fifth series of the Stories from Site po...
Blank slate to dream home: Avoiding interiors overwhelm
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk with Isabelle who shares her experience working with an interior designer to renovate her London flat. We discuss the importance of ...
Getting the best deal: Just say what you want
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk with Jamila, who shares her experience of renovating her home in Yorkshire, room by room. We discuss her negotiation strategies with...
Listening to the walls: Restoring an Edwardian villa
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Lou about her experience renovating an Edwardian villa. She has rolled up her sleeves, learned trades on the fly, and brought h...
Race to the finish line: A design & build loft conversion
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to Ella, who’s need for a quick turnaround led her to work with a design and build company to create a loft extension for her home...
Slow renovating: Creating interiors that last
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to Lee, founder of Bert and May tiles about his latest home renovation. We discuss his approach to creating ‘timeless’ interior...
The renovation game: Climbing the property ladder
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat to Jen, as she shares her journey of climbing the housing ladder, one renovation project at a time. We talk to her about upgrading h...
Our takeaways: End of series 4 round up
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our fourth series of the Stories from Site p...
Halfway there: Reflecting on the journey so far
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Lauren, a first-time renovator whose partner's electrician skills are coming in handy as they tackle updating their 1970s ...
When perseverance pays off: A rural barn conversion
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable self-build journey of Ade, an architectural designer and project manager, who transformed a di...
Navigating the budget creatively: An interior designer's story
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Bo Fetum, an experienced interior designer who had to make some tough decisions when faced with skyrocketing renovat...
Renovating remotely: Transforming an old school on Anglesey
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to Gemma who renovated an old school building on Anglesey whilst living in Manchester.We talk to her about managing a remote renovat...
The doer-upper: A journey of renovating, diy and maternity leave
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talked to Barbara about the journey of falling in love with a fixer-upper home, as well as the challenges of handling costs in a l...
Prioritising positivity: Converting a bungalow with separate trades
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to Claire and Dan who renovated a 1950’s bungalow in Poole. With construction costs rising, they reduced the scope of their proje...
Our takeaways: End of series 3 round up
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our third series of the Stories from Site po...
The ugly duckling: Transforming a 1960s house
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we speak to Camilla whose renovation journey started during lockdown when she and her husband realised they needed more space for their grow...
The secret garden flat: A self-build extension
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to ‘Don’t Move Improve’ winner Nic who, together with his partner, self-built a garden studio and extension to their 1 bedroom...
A blank canvas: Bringing a home to life
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to Tamzin who explains why, after renovating previous properties, she chose not to take on a big renovation for her current home.We ...
Unexpected discoveries: A cottage renovation
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk to Hannah who is mid-way through renovating her thatched cottage in the countryside. We discuss the downsides of renovating an old...
Grabbing an opportunity: Developing a garden site
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A serendipitous chain of events led Siobhan and Joe to quickly move from a finished flat straight into a building site with development potential.Over...
Room by room: A DIY Renovation
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talked to Sharn about DIY renovating her Victorian property room by room. We discuss how both her and her partner skilled themselves up...
Our takeaways: End of series 2 round up
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our second series of the Stories from Site p...
How communication can get you the home you envisage
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talk with Temi and Eugene about their process of creating the perfect home to suit their family life both now and in the future. In thi...
What to do when your contractor becomes insolvent
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're so glad to share this story with you this week as it's one that we were involved with and means a lot to us personally. We talked with...
When home meets garden: A sustainable retrofit case study
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Christian and Faye, an architect and garden designer who became each other's clients when they decided to renovate a studi...
An eye for detail: And why you shouldn't leave it all to chance
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talked with Jess, whose renovation of her one-bedroom garden flat became a springboard for her creative studio, King Celia Studio.Having ...
Taking the leap to retrofit your home
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talked to Stewart, who together with his wife Fiona, relocated to make a home in which to enjoy their retirement. When they reached out t...
Holding on to the vision when your builder disappears
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talked to Katie who started a loft extension of her Victorian terrace house, only for her main contractor to disappear after taking her r...
Our takeaways: End of series 1 round up
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their takeaways and lessons leant from the first-ever series of Stories from Site.This podcast is sponsor...
Using your professional skills to make your forever home
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking to Sandra, who renovated a forever home for her retirement after downsizing. Sandra had a really clear vision for the spa...
'Doing it yourself' to get the home you want
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we chat with Jess, who along with her partner Darius embarked on an 18-month process of completing the interior of their project themselves....
A joyful renovation: You just need the right people
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we talked to Elesa and Steve who found a rundown house that needed a complete back-to-brick renovation.We chat about how ...
The highs and lows of self-finishing your renovation
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're chatting to Lydia about the extension and renovation of her one bedroom flat in London. Lydia is an architect and ceramicist with her...
Taking on the challenge of being the main contractor
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We recently caught up with Nick and Dawn past clients of ours and reflected back on the project we did together. With some experience in construction ...
Project managing a renovation during lockdown
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we talked to Kirsty whose site work started just as lockdown number three came into force.We talked to her about managing a project while ho...
Coming soon... Stories from Site - the new podcast for renovation enthusiasts!
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're Jane and Amy and we can't wait to share the 'Stories from Site' podcast with you. Each week we’ll be chatting with a dif...