Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

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

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 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

In the final episode of this season of Unpacking Iconic Homes, we head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to explore Kendall Jenner’s mountain retreat, designed by acclaimed interior designer Heidi Caillier.
This is definitely the most divisive home we've covered. Kate loves its warmth, personality and unexpected elements. Jenny thinks the bold design choices start competing with each other rather than working together.
From Viola marble and burgundy bathrooms to giant floral sofas, patterned wallpaper, and eclectic vintage-inspired details, we unpack what makes this house so memorable - and why it has sparked such strong reactions online. 
What we cover:
 Heidi Caillier's signature layered and eclectic design style 
 Why this home feels completely different from Kendall's previous Los Angeles house 
 The rise of cosy, collected interiors and the rejection of minimalist perfection 
 Pattern mixing, colour clashes and where personality becomes visual noise 
 Why some people see warmth and others see chaos 
 The psychology of "lived-in" luxury 
 What makes a home feel cohesive (or not!!)
 Which design ideas are worth borrowing and which are best left to Wyoming mountain chalets 
Design details mentioned
 Viola marble kitchen 
 Lacanche range cooker 
 Lee Jofa Hollyhock fabric sofa 
 Design Frères stools 
 Jefferson West bookshelves 
 Zia Tile 
 Farrow & Ball Brinjal 
 Farrow & Ball Salon Drab 
 Lisa Fine Textiles wallpaper 
 The Water Monopoly yellow sink 
 Charles P. Rogers bed 
 Finline Willow chair (similar to blue armchair in main bedroom)
Things we loved
 Open fireplaces 
 Timber-clad bathrooms 
 The wood kitchen island 
 The kitchen flooring 
 Kendall's use of books, art and personal collections 
 The sense of individuality running through the home 
The big debate:
Does the house feel beautifully layered and collected?
Or does it feel like several strong design ideas competing for attention?
This episode is less about whether the house is objectively "good" and more about what happens when a designer prioritises personality over perfection. 
Link to Kendall's Architectural Digest house tour: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kendall-jenner-mountain-home
Link to Heidi Caillier's stunning portfolio: https://heidicaillierdesign.com/portfolio/
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines