Amy: Welcome to Stories from Site, the renovation podcast that digs a little deeper. I’m Amy Dohnalek and together with my co-host Jane Middlehurst we peek behind the curtains of those insta-worthy interiors to bring you the real processes people went through to make their dream homes a reality.

Amy: So another great series, and another chance to peek behind the curtains and really get to understand what people went through to kind ofget their dream homes.

And I guess I wanted to say off the bat, just how important I think that conversation is in today’s climate. And I’ve been thinking when you’re scrolling, you see all these instant transformations and, you know, all of the sales around everything is, you know, it just takes 28 days to improve most things about yourself or life or anything.

And renovating isn’t a fast thing, it can’t be done speedily. I’m just really glad that we get to have these conversations for people to hear the pain points as well as the highs. And also just marvel at the sheer effort people put into making something. And I It’s always worth it, to hear them talk about their homes at the end, it’s really special.

Jane: What was stand out for you in the series? what messages have you taken away?

Amy: It was like this specialness, really, of what people create. I was really struck by Anna, and her renovation and just, I think maybe it’s because we’ve journeyed with her a bit, we met her when she was deciding on architects, and she didn’t feel like it was quite working but just trying to kind of sanity check that part of her,

journey. And then obviously she chose to go back to her dad doing the renovation and taking it on. And then we also met her when she was in the early days on site trying to manage these builders and it not being a good fit and her knowing it’s not a good fit and having to fight for her vision. And I guess I’m just like really pleased for her because she set out with a really specific end result. And she was the only one who really had that vision, but she kept going and kept going and even though it was difficult and stressful, she pushed for what she wanted and that end result makes it even more special the effort she went through to get there, that really stood out.

And also Natasha, I guess, ’cause she renovated over a long period of time. I think it was 24 years. but I really liked the approach I feel like she had these foundational blocks, if you like her vintage furniture, her art collection.

And she just like her home is this really unique curation of herself and what she is passionate about. And I guess, yeah, those two really.It was the effort, but also just how special the end result is and how personal it is to those individuals.

Amy: How about you?

Jane: I absolutely agree every single one of our guests actually were working towards that special home.

In slightly different ways, and I guess Leo and Ru were definitely a long term dedication to that, and Sarah as well. I guess that kind of fighting your inner dialogue, to not get in your own way, in terms of getting the house completed and not overthinking too much. I definitely identify with that kind of mindset.

I thought Rachel was really nice for that becauseI got the impression from Rachel that this was kind of a practical assignment to make the most out of the space that she had.

when you have more constraints, either budget wise or space wise, I think it’s, it almost allows you that focus, doesn’t it?

And I guess time as well because you just have to like whip through and make those decisions and not be too worried about it. But I guess Bethan was interesting because she was definitely trying to make a special home and using somebody else to do that process for her.

And I liked that idea of helping with that overwhelm. She was being opened up to more options but those options were limited by what her architect was suggesting to fit her situation. So I guess she discovered things she wouldn’t have previously known, but the architect can narrow that down for you too.

And make that decision process feel a little bit less overwhelming.

Amy: Yeah, just go back to Sarah’s, I found that episode really reassuring because obviously she does it as a job. She’s a property developer. When it is your home, it is a different kettle of fish really. And even though, you know, the process and you’re more, skilled to manage the practical sides of the process, there is just that emotional,

rollercoaster that you’re on that’s true for everybody, regardless of if it’s something you do as a job or not, no one is immune. So I feel like in, in some ways that is kind of reassuring because you can look on Instagram or the telly or wherever and just feel like, it’s easy for them, they’ve got this or that, or the skills or, you know.

But I think it’s that emotional closeness that you’ve got to the project that means the stakes are a lot higher.

Jane: I thought that was nice about Natasha’s project because, when you’re curating something over a much longer period, you get to be, less pressured, in that decision making. I really like this concept that it’s like piece by piece, you’re building this vision.

And making the home. mean obviously we weren’t talking to her in the middle of it.

But I think there was pleasure she had got over the years in changing and adjusting and doing that process.

Amy: The other thing that I thought this series was particularly good for was, helpful hints and tips. it was really jam packed, full of them. So I was thinking about Rachel talking about that datum line and how that created interest and unity in a series of smaller spaces and tie them together and how those seemingly small design decisions can elevate a whole space.

I thought Ru shared some really great insights on how to tackle backland development, and, work with the community and really listen. Obviously that’s really key when you’re a developer, but even more so if you’re going to move into that community, and live there yourself.

Leo also shared some great tips, especially around storage and making an audit of what needs to, be stored in the bathroom living room or your bedroom. And I feel like that’s just such great sensible approach and kind of allows the rest of the space to then be beautiful and clean and tidy.

Were there any tips that you thought particularly resonated?

Jane: What sticks in my mind, is Natasha’s, buying flowers for her worksite. And I think that is really important, because when you’re living in a house or a process that isn’t completed and you’ve got dust It’s hard work and it can get you down and just that idea of bringing something into the home to make you smile and lift the look of, you know, this very sad worksites aren’t pretty, but the idea of bringing flowers for yourself through that process, was so nice and that’s really stuck in my head

What a great idea.

Amy: Definitely.

Jane: Is there anything from this series that you feel like you’re gonna utilize in your own renovation?

I think maybe from Anna, just the concept that I definitely subscribe to the idea of efficiency and wanting a main contractor to make everything smooth and, have that one point of contact I genuinely think that’s really valuable in a lot of cases. But I think, you know, realization for her that actually she did have the skills with her dad and the in house knowledge they had and the very specific ideas they wanted to create that they could do it.

And I think I’ve been thinking about our place in a slightly different way because we are getting support and help where we need it, but there are some things that I think, you know what, I could be brave and just, I do have the skills and I can put them to use.

Amy: That’s exciting.

Jane: Yeah, not self building, because

Amy: Oh, I thought you’re gonna become a plasterer.

Jane: No, I’m not cut out, I don’t have, the longevity to see that through. I’m definitely not a finisher completer, so that’s gonna end badly. But I think just kind of mapping out that construction process and thinking, okay, maybe we can look at doing it over a longer period and getting different people in to do different things.

being braver about knowing what I want to achieve and actually I could probably manage people separately to achieve that, And just, yeah, I think that came across from speaking to her. And then also I would like to be a little bit more lighthearted, I feel the weight of decisions already and thinking you only get one chance to choose this or that, or, you know, and it’s a bit paralyzing and I think just need to take it step by step.

And not try to think of the whole place and the whole vision in one go. it’s nice to imagine it as it’s like finished thing, but I think that kind of adds pressure. it will become my house through the decisions that I make.

And maybe just taking more of that step by step. Like, trusting in my decisions a bit.Yes.

Amy: also what comes through, Natasha’s is just the kind of layering up again, getting those really good decisions of the things you can’t easily change. So your floors, your walls, but actually everything else you can really yeah, layer up, which takes the pressure off because. You’re not doing a changing rooms before and after. Ta da! Here it is.

Jane: to get away from that feeling, which is like, this all has to happen now and it all has to happen instantly. that goes back to what you said at the beginning, that’s how our brains are thinking when we see these before and after, and I’m as guilty as that, you know, as anybody.

And yeah. Just the concepts that, people get into renovation a lot of people, not everybody, but because they’re creative and they like that creative process and they like changing the place where they live. for Natasha, you could see that that was a joy she’s still changing and modifying now.

And that’s a, that’s a kind of passion that can keep giving it’s not just for now, it can go on and on, so, spread the joy

Amy: No, but it’s true. I was thinking this weekend, because, I was getting a bit stressed about the upcoming Christmas, festivities. And then I was just thinking, Oh gosh, I’ve got to buy this. And there’s, you know, like the to do list is massive.

And then I just suddenly thought, I can just go slow and just like really enjoy the thinking and the process and like, don’t have to run around like a headless chicken.

I can just savor. Buying something really special and thinking about it for that person. And it’s kind of the same, isn’t it? take it a bit slower and actually just give yourself permission to enjoy choosing.

Jane: Enjoy the process.

Amy: yeah,

Jane: I mean, at the end of the day, it is like, I know it comes up a lot in the podcast, but there’s a reason for that, that it is a massive privilege. And actually, if you are in a, position to be able to buy things and make decisions and, you know, Go through this process, then enjoy it. Like, it would be a waste if you were, you know, if you had that opportunity and actually you just treated it like a big stressful chore.

Amy: That’s like, we just need to do this. Give yourself time to, take that pressure off and, and actually enjoy the process. Well, it’s the same again with the Christmas analogy, because you can buy less, but, buy better and more thoughtful kind of thing and everyone’s a bit happier, right?

Jane: But I think, you know, going back to the kind of design process, I’m just gonna draw a parallel here that maybe is not worthy of the podcast. You know, we’ve always been really passionate about facilitating other people doing their thing, you know, that to me is where the fun is at because I like to see, I like to help people get the thing that they want or get the thing that feels good to them. And I think that’s how I go about Christmas presents.

It’s like, I don’t, I don’t want to tell you what I think you should have. Like, I would much rather you say to me the thing that you really, really, really want, and then I can help you make that happen.

Amy: I would like a really nice pen.

Jane: But what type of pen? This, this is

Amy: You know, the ones that we used to have in the office, I’ve run out.

Jane: You know what? I do remember you, bulk buying some really nice pens and talking about them a lot, but I really can’t remember which pen that is. So,

Amy: I’ll send you a link.

Jane: you’re gonna have to send me the link for that one.

Amy: Oh, that’s so funny.

Jane: Seeing as we are running up to the Christmas holidays, and there will be loads of people out there right now trying to finish site

because this is the craziest part of the year for

Amy: that’s true.

Jane: site works and people just who really thought that they were going to be in by Christmas and that maybe it’s looking closer and closer like it’s not going to be and I don’t know if we’ve got any advice, because that is a horrible feeling, of it just, like, we could be having Christmas at home, or we could be having Christmas in a building site and, have we got any advice for them? Buy the flowers?

Amy: Yeah. By the tree, even though.

Jane  even though. it might be a bit of a building site

Amy: Advice.

Jane: It’s hard, isn’t it? Because it’s that same process of, you have this, it’s like making a vision for yourself. So a lot of people kind of be like, oh, and we’ll be in by Christmas and we’ll have this lovely finished house and we’ll put the, you know, it’s like a real deadline, isn’t it?

But it comes with a very visual kind of image of what that’s going to be like. And the reality is, for most people, it’s not quite like that.

Amy: I think, I guess the advice is, there will be more Christmases to come,

but I mean to be fair I do think that like energy towards Christmas is quite helpful.

I think it it does focus everybody So I guess there’s on the one hand It’s like you want to harness that and try and as much as possible get the stuff that you need to do as a client done so if you haven’t decided the tiles or you haven’t decided those bits and bobs like this is the time like try to be pre empting your builder and even you know ask him the question like what can I do to help you and

your deadline yeah like you you want to see it as a collaborative process I think but I think also if you do miss that deadline it will just make next year even sweeter

I think

Jane: I think I I, have seen that with clients where they’re like, finally, actually, and, and, you know what, it’s, it’s even better than that, because, You end up with a house or, you know, whatever you’ve done, that it’s not only finished but that you’ve had like six months to sort everything out, that all those little, because there’s so much snagging and bits and bobs and actually, you know, Yeah, it takes a good year to bed in to a project and get everything sorted the way that you want and that will be so much better the year after.

Amy: But interestingly as well, I think sometimes we put the pressure on like you want to create these amazing memories and the space and everything but actually the Christmas In the renovation, it’s probably the one that’s really gonna stand out and probably you’ll remember for years to come, so I guess that’s the way it is in our family, like all the family holidays you know, going up mountains and eating soggy sandwiches in the rain, those are the ones you talk about for years to come, isn’t it?

So I

Jane: Making memories. one construction site at a time.

Amy: Yeah, embrace it, I guess.

It is difficult though,

Jane: And for anybody who has got a site that is, you know, not working towards the Christmas deadline, you might have a bit more of a, a quieter site works might you? And that, you know, there is a reason for that and things will pick up again in January, I’m sure.

Amy: yeah,

I do think December and January do tend to be quite quiet, don’t they?

There’s not the new year kind of,

Explosion of energy doesn’t happen on site in the same way as maybe in the fitness world it happens. So be prepared for that. I guess. But talking of the new year, we have lots of exciting things coming up and if you’re not on our waitlist for the app, this is a great time to get on there because there will be some early access for people in January.

if you’re thinking about having a renovation for next Christmas, then Now is the time to start getting things together, isn’t it?

I guess also if you’re thinking about renovating or you’re feeling a bit stuck or you’re having all those conversations where you’re like, Oh my goodness. Everyone’s coming to stay at Christmas. Where is everyone going to go? I wish we’d done the loft. Oh, but can we afford to do the loft?

Oh, should we do the rear extension? No, we can’t afford that. if you’re in that kind of whirlwind of questions and unanswered questions where you can’t really get out of it, By yourself, we are doing a guide to getting started course in January, and we’re actually doing an early birddiscount this December, which is the first time we’ve done it.

And you basically get 50 percent off that will be true for January as well, but you’ll get that plus a consultation with us and also one to one email support For the duration of the course. So it’s worth signing up. We will put a link in the show notes and that is just a really great way to kickstart your renovation and just finally kind of just get out of that.

Like,

Jane: It’s a bit of a

Amy: describe it?

Jane: a rut. or or a circle. I feel like

Amy: I’m imagining you’re more in a kind of torrent, you

know, like,

Jane: like,

a, you’re being buffeted around

Amy: yes. Well, you don’t know where to start, do you? And like, there’s so many things. It’s like, do I need an architect? Should I work with my builder? Is there someone down the road? You know, you, it’s that mentality of like, someone’s probably got the answer for me somewhere, but I don’t know what it is and how do I get it?

So we are that place. So if you’re in that, that circumstance,

Jane: Mm hmm. And if you, if you start now, you do, you stand a good, a good chance of being in next Christmas, right?

So

We’ll be back next year with another series, won’t we?

Amy: Yes.

Have a great break over the Christmas holidays, everybody. And we can’t wait to see you in January for 2025.

Jane: Yeah, looking forward to it.