Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Jenny Sheahan and Kate O'Driscoll
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Home & Garden

In the Rip it Up podcast, RTE's Home of the Year winner Jenny and finalist Kate step the listener through everything they've learned in buying a wreck of a house and turning it into a dream home. They demystify the entire renovation journey, from finding the right house, all the way through the renovation process, from picking a builder, to choosing wallpaper. No brick will be left unturned.  As well as being a management consultant, Jenny writes a weekly home column in a national Irish newspaper as well as being a regular guest on national Irish radio.  Kate, before branching out into renovation consulting full time, worked in technical roles in engineering and sustainability. Together, they make an expert team, ready to inspire and motivate would-be renovators and DIYers alike. Follow them on Instagram to see more of their renovation journeys - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

  1. 5d ago

    The Best Renovation Advice We Heard This Year: Trade Secrets Wrap-Up

    After weeks of hearing from builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, and kitchen designers, we're wrapping up our Trade Secrets series by looking back at the advice that stuck with us the most. In this season finale, we revisit the biggest lessons from the experts, share the top renovation tips they'll be taking into every future project, and reveal what they think homeowners should prioritise if they want a smoother, less stressful renovation.  What we cover  The decisions you need to make earlier than you think  Where it's worth spending more - and where you can save your money  Why communication is the secret to a smoother renovation  The biggest mistakes homeowners make time and time again  The advice that surprised us most from this season's trade experts  Our own biggest renovation lessons after multiple projects  What's coming next for the podcast Key takeaways  Understand the renovation process before you begin  Invest in the things that are difficult to change later  Don't rush to furnish or finish everything at once  Ask questions and attend every important site walkthrough  Design your home around the way you actually live, not someone else's Pinterest board We'll also be taking a short break during August while we recharge. We'll be re-sharing some of our most popular renovation episodes throughout the month before returning in September with brand-new episodes. And we'd love your input. Should we bring back more trades? Or would you like to hear from architects, quantity surveyors, interior designers, mortgage experts and other professionals involved in the renovation process? Or anything else?? Let us know below! Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

  2. Jul 23

    What Your Paint Expert Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

    In this episode of Trade Secrets, we get top tips from paint professional Karena Hyland, Research & Development Manager at Fleetwood Paints. From surface preparation and choosing the right paint finish to how to buy the correct amount of paint and invest in quality products, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your paintwork stand the test of time.  What we cover  Why preparation takes longer than most people expect  The importance of filling, sanding and allowing repairs to cure properly  Where it's worth spending more on paint, and where it isn't  Why durable, washable paints are worth the investment in busy homes  How to calculate the right amount of paint for your project  The value of quality brushes, rollers and masking tape  Why different rooms need different paint finishes  Common mistakes people make when choosing paint based on colour alone Key takeaways  Great paint jobs are built on great preparation  Choose paint for performance as well as colour  Invest in quality products for high-traffic areas  Don't rush surface preparation or curing times  The cheapest paint job is rarely the best value in the long run Items mentioned Wooster paint brushesPurdy paint rollersFleetwood Prestige Multi-surface paint finishFleetwood low tack Washi Masking tapeFleetwood Easyclean Washable Matt (ideal for kitchen areas)Whether you're choosing a painter, taking the DIY route, painting a single room or tackling an entire house, this episode will help you achieve a better finish, and avoid some very expensive mistakes. Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

  3. Jul 16

    What Your Kitchen Designer Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

    Everyone dreams about their new kitchen, but what does a kitchen designer wish every homeowner knew before they started planning one? In this episode of Trade Secrets, we hear from Dawn from Savvy Kitchens, the designer behind both Kate's kitchens and Jennifer's own kitchen renovation. Dawn shares the five biggest lessons she's learned from designing kitchens every day, from planning layouts before your drawings are finalised to avoiding the trap of designing for Instagram instead of real life.  What we cover  Why your kitchen should be designed before construction drawings are signed off  How kitchen layouts influence glazing, door positions, electrics and plumbing  Where your kitchen budget is best spent, and where you can save  Why expensive features aren't always the best investment  The importance of communicating changes early  Why every kitchen should be designed around your family's daily routine  Common mistakes people make when copying Pinterest and Instagram kitchens  Practical examples from Jennifer and Kate's own kitchen renovations Key takeaways  Design your kitchen around how you actually live, not how you wish you lived  Bring your kitchen designer in as early as possible  Invest in the features you'll use every single day  Don't be afraid to challenge assumptions and ask questions  A beautiful kitchen is one that works effortlessly for your lifestyle Whether you're choosing an IKEA kitchen or a fully bespoke design, these are the principles that make every kitchen function better.  Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

  4. Trailer

    Rip It Up Podcast Trailer

    Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

  5. Jul 9

    What Your Plumber Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

    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

  6. Jul 2

    What Your Builder Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

    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

  7. Jun 25

    What Your Electrician Wishes You Knew - Trade Secrets

    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

  8. Jun 18

    The House That Divided Us - Kendall Jenner’s Mountain Home | Unpacking Iconic Homes

    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

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About

In the Rip it Up podcast, RTE's Home of the Year winner Jenny and finalist Kate step the listener through everything they've learned in buying a wreck of a house and turning it into a dream home. They demystify the entire renovation journey, from finding the right house, all the way through the renovation process, from picking a builder, to choosing wallpaper. No brick will be left unturned.  As well as being a management consultant, Jenny writes a weekly home column in a national Irish newspaper as well as being a regular guest on national Irish radio.  Kate, before branching out into renovation consulting full time, worked in technical roles in engineering and sustainability. Together, they make an expert team, ready to inspire and motivate would-be renovators and DIYers alike. Follow them on Instagram to see more of their renovation journeys - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Sheahan and Kate O'Driscoll
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast
  • Show Website
    Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast