She Renovates

Bernadette Janson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the She Renovates Podcast with Bernadette JansonOur home renovation podcast, She Renovates hosted by Bernadette Janson, helps women with a passion and flair for beautiful homes create an income and a life they love through renovating and property.

  1. SEP 22

    269- Mortgage Freedom Before 35: Lessons from Maddie’s Reno Journey

    Episode 263 Mortgage Freedom Before 35: Lessons from Maddie’s Reno Journey Introduction Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode! Most 30-somethings are staring down decades of repayments—Maddie and her husband flipped that script and became mortgage-free by 32. On modest incomes (dental assistant + storeman), they used smart buys, tight budgets, and two well-timed renos to unlock freedom—without giving up family life or joy. From choosing the “doer-upper” in a great suburb to selling at the right moment, resisting the big-house trap, and learning when DIY helps (and when it hurts), this episode shows how ordinary choices—made consistently—create extraordinary results. You’ll hear how they navigated rising interest rates, why they sold the dream house to buy their freedom, and the money habits that turned equity into options. Plus, what mortgage-free feels like—and how it’s changed the way they parent, plan, and play. If you’ve ever wondered whether renovating can change your life on a normal income, this is your proof. “We didn’t stop living—we got smart. Every dollar asked: will this make us money later?” — Maddie EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Welcome & why Maddie’s story matters 01:30 – The first buy: choosing a “doer-upper” in a great suburb 04:00 – Reno #1 realities: young, hands-on, and learning fast 06:30 – Trading up (too far): the beautiful big house during rate rises 09:00 – Hard call: sell the dream to buy freedom 12:30 – Reno #2: finishing well, timing the sale, and agent vs DIY selling 15:30 – Numbers that moved the needle: equity, savings, and living on less 18:00 – DIY truths: when to stop tiling and hire the pro 20:30 – Motherhood & money: sharper risk decisions with kids in the mix 23:00 – Mortgage-free moments: sunsets, yellow, and breathing room 25:00 – New conversations: income plans, splurge rules, and what freedom funds 28:00 – What she’d tell her younger self (and any 20-something listening) 30:00 – Next steps: a flip outside the family home—and holding in the future Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    26 min

  2. SEP 22

    268- Starting Over at 60: Why Jane Proves Age Is No Barrier

    Episode 263 Starting Over at 60: Why Jane Proves Age Is No Barrier Introduction 🎙️ Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode! When most people are thinking about slowing down, Jane Lynch decided to speed up. Kicking off her seventh decade with a brand-new business, Jane embodies resilience, reinvention, and the courage to start fresh at any age. From navigating life as a single mum and rebuilding after a stroke, to creating wealth through renovating, flipping, and running Airbnbs, Jane’s story proves that it’s never too late to design a life you love. You’ll hear how she faced health challenges head-on, why tough financial choices with her kids became a gift, and how property gave her freedom, stability, and a legacy. Plus, Jane reveals why women in their 50s and beyond are perfectly placed to launch powerful second-act businesses. 💡 If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to start again, Jane’s story is your reminder that the best chapters are often written after a reinvention. “I don’t want to be a burden to my kids. That means taking care of my health, my finances, and building a life I love.” — Jane Lynch EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Welcome & Why Jane’s Story Matters 02:00 – Facing an Autoimmune Diagnosis in Her 40s 05:00 – Becoming a Single Mum & First Steps in Property 08:30 – Teaching Kids Sacrifice and Financial Savvy 12:00 – The Stroke That Changed Everything 15:00 – Building a Digital Business Without a Voice 18:30 – Flipping 16 Properties & Finding Renovation Freedom 22:00 – Launching a Property Styling Business 25:00 – The Power of Community in Wonder Women Renovators 28:00 – From Airbnb to New Ventures: Not Plain Jane 32:00 – Why It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself 36:00 – Advice for Women in Their 50s, 60s & Beyond Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    28 min

  3. SEP 22

    267- How Suzanne Built a Renovation Empire in Just One Yea

    Episode 263  How Suzanne Built a Renovation Empire in Just One Year Introduction 🎙️ Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode! Meet Suzanne, a Diamond Wonder Woman Renovator who went from funeral director to full-time property renovator—and achieved more in 12 months than most do in a decade. From surviving toxic workplaces and personal tragedy to negotiating off-market deals, staging unfinished bathrooms, and building a trusted team of investors, Suzanne’s journey is raw, inspiring, and proof that resourcefulness is a renovator’s greatest superpower. You’ll discover how she turned setbacks like a house fire, financial hurdles, and even trashed properties into six-figure equity wins and a future pipeline of projects, including a creative regional subdivision. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to walk away from a job and back yourself in renovating full-time, this episode is your roadmap to courage, creativity, and financial transformation. “I wouldn’t recommend giving up your job cold turkey. But if you’ve got six months of living expenses and a money partner, you can make the leap.” — Suzanne EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Welcome & Why Suzanne’s Story Matters 01:30 – From Funeral Director to Renovator: The Turning Point 04:00 – Christmas Day House Fire & The First Reno That Changed Everything 07:00 – Landing a $140K-Under-Market Deal in Hot Perth 11:00 – Creative Staging: Fooling the Valuer & Adding $300K in Equity 15:00 – Regional Dream vs Harsh Reality: From Heritage Reno to Subdivision Opportunity 20:00 – Investor Deals, Trust, and Building a Money Team 24:00 – Distressed Sales, Delays & Glass-Smashing Tenants: A Renovator’s Worst Nightmare 30:00 – Settlement Drama & Why Resourcefulness Wins Every Time 34:00 – How to Leave a Job (Without Losing Financial Security) 38:00 – Suzanne’s Advice for Anyone Feeling “Stuck” 41:00 – Reflections on Growth, Grit & Gratitude Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    38 min

  4. SEP 15

    266-Turning Setbacks Into Strategy: The Next Class Project

    Introduction: Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode! Join Bernadette as she shares the real story behind the Melbourne Class Project—where careful planning met unexpected challenges, and powerful lessons emerged. From navigating builder setbacks to dealing with benchtop disasters and the realities of remote project management, this episode reveals the unfiltered highs and lows of flipping a property with a team. You’ll discover why tight oversight, strong trades, and timing can make or break a renovation—and how these lessons are reshaping the blueprint for the upcoming Sydney Class Project. 💡 If you’ve ever wondered what really happens when theory meets reality in renovating for profit, this episode is your inside look Tune in now and learn how setbacks can fuel smarter strategies—and why the next project is set to be our biggest yet. If you’re going to renovate remotely without an onsite project manager, you need to have very low standards—because even good trades, if not supervised, will cut corners -Bernadette Janson EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:  00:00 – Welcome & Why Class Projects Exist 01:30 – Melbourne: Plan vs Reality 03:00 – Remote Management Pitfalls 05:00 – Trade Troubles & Wins 07:00 – Benchtop & Sale Contract Setbacks 09:30 – Auction Outcome & Lessons 11:00 – The Personal & Business Toll 13:00 – Silver Linings & Student Outcomes 15:00 – Rethinking the Model 17:00 – Sydney Project: New Rules & Invitation Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    17 min

  5. MAY 21

    265 - Transforming a Mid-Century Home: Design, Setbacks, and Market Strategy

    Introduction: Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode! Join Bernadette as she unveils the challenges and triumphs of her latest Melbourne project—a mid-century gem revamped to captivate young families. From transforming outdated ceilings to crafting bespoke wood-grain joinery, every detail echoes timeless elegance. With insights on project timing and team dynamics, this episode is a masterclass in hands-on learning. Discover why every renovation tells a unique story and learn how to turn passion into profit with She Renovates. Tune in now and be inspired!  “ One of the things that you need to be careful with when you're going to market is your timing and the timelines always move. And that's very important in the first few weeks of your campaign." -Bernadette Janson EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:  00:00 Introduction 00:38 The Class Project: An Overview 01:41 Challenges and Insights from the Melbourne Project 03:11 Design and Market Considerations 05:33 Renovation Process and Setbacks 09:31 Final Touches and Market Strategy 16:55 Looking Ahead: The Next Class Project in Sydney 17:07 Investment Criteria and Risk Management 21:28 Conclusion and Call to Action Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    22 min

  6. APR 30

    264 - Creating The Perfect Kitchen: Expert Tips with Melissa Betts

    Introduction: Dive into the heart of home renovations on She Renovates! Join us as Melissa Betts shares expert insights on creating the perfect kitchen.  From functional layouts to timeless designs, discover how to elevate your space. Tune in now to transform your kitchen into the centerpiece of your home! “ Think about the style you're going for, the kitchen is part of the home, so it needs to be cohesive. Whether you've got a master plan, you're doing a whole heap of renovations or you're just doing the kitchen, it all needs to look like it works together." -Melissa Betts EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:  00:00 Introduction 00:49 Guest Introduction: Melissa Betts 02:31 Top Considerations for Kitchen Design 06:42 Common Mistakes in Kitchen Planning 13:29 Designing for Resale or Profit 16:34 Creating a Designer Kitchen on a Budget 20:16 Trends vs. Timeless Elements 20:48 The Myth of Timeless Design 21:47 A Bold Purple Kitchen 24:32 Color Mistakes in Kitchens 24:57 Current Trends to Avoid 26:06 High-End Looks on a Budget 28:07 Favorite Design Tools and Software 29:29 A Heartwarming Kitchen Transformation 33:09 Quick Fire Round: Kitchen Do's and Don'ts Resources Positive Space Design https://positivespacedesign.com.au/ The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    39 min

  7. APR 15

    263 - Behind the Doors - Our Experience Ordering Custom Steel & Glass from China

    Episode 263 Behind the Doors_ Our Experience Ordering Custom Steel & Glass from China Introduction: Unveil the untold tales of bravery and betrayal in our latest podcast episode! Dive deep into the shadows of intrigue as we uncover secrets that redefine history. Prepare for a riveting journey through forgotten corridors of power and passion.| Don't miss out on this gripping narrative that challenges everything you thought you knew. Tune in now to uncover the truth behind the masks! “ If you are planning to order from overseas, one, make sure that it's a company that has shipped to your country before.Twomake sure that they can, manufacture to Australian standards. Three, make sure you're dealing with a manufacturer and not an agent. And four, if possible, have someone review before they are shipped to you." -Bernadette Janson EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:  00:00 Introduction 00:28 Welcome to She Renovates Podcast 00:49 The Pots Point Project: A Renovation Challenge 01:06 Exploring Custom Doors from China 02:27 Sourcing and Communication with Suppliers 06:55 Designing the Custom Doors 11:33 Finalizing the Order and Production 16:44 Shipping and Importing Challenges 23:30 Installation and Final Thoughts 27:19 Conclusion: Tips for Ordering Overseas Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow  on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    30 min

  8. MAR 19

    Shop Drawings Explained: A Guide for Profitable Renovations with Stephen Janson

    Want to avoid costly renovation mistakes? 💰  Bernadette and Stephen break down everything you need to know about shop drawings! From custom joinery to overseas manufacturing, learn why these detailed drawings are your secret weapon for a flawless renovation.  Discover how to spot potential issues before they happen, the key elements to review, and how to manage the revision process like a pro. This episode is packed with practical advice to ensure your project is a success. Tune in now!  #shopdrawings #renovationadvice #renovate  “..the whole purpose of the drawings is to give one another a clear understanding of how it's been interpreted by the contractor or whoever it is that has developed that drawing or shop drawings and your opportunity to go through and check that it is correct to your understanding." -Stephen Janson “So we would encourage you to embrace shop drawings as another tool in your toolkit for delivering your quality renovations on a budget.” -Bernadette Janson EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:  00:00 Introduction 01:00 Talking about Shop drawings 05:00 Difference between shop drawings and design drawings 06:00 Why Kitchen joinery needs to be shop drawn 12:52 Shop Drawings is a collaboration process 17:52 Do you pay for the shop drawings? 21:26 Episode Takeaways! Resources The School Of Renovating https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com She Renovates Podcast https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/ Connect with The School of Renovating ASK BERNADETTE: https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/  Subscribe to She Renovates Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3faoWlT Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSchoolOfRenovating Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renovatingsc Follow  on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_school_of_renovating

    25 min
See All (265)

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the She Renovates Podcast with Bernadette JansonOur home renovation podcast, She Renovates hosted by Bernadette Janson, helps women with a passion and flair for beautiful homes create an income and a life they love through renovating and property.

Information

  • Creator
    Bernadette Janson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    265
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 null All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    She Renovates

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