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What Your Builder Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets
02 July 2026

What Your Builder Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

About

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