Best Builders Of Insta Podcasts (2024)

1
Our takeaways: End of series 6 round up 23:35

2d ago23:35

23:35

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our sixth series of the Stories from Site podcast. They discuss the common themes that emerged, including the importance of communication, the need for clear documentation and some cooking analogies! __________________________________ This podc…

1
Ep 45: How To Lead When Sh*t Hits The Fan w/ John Scepaniak from Wm. D. Scepaniak - A Family-Owned Aggregates Company 44:03

8d ago44:03

44:03

How to lead when things go sideways. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of handling unexpected problems on the job site and when situations take a turn for the worse. Our guest, John Scepaniak, shares his extensive experience and insightful strategies for maintaining composure and leadership during chaotic times. Handling Bad News: J…

1
Life and architecture entwined: The tale of two architects 30:14

9d ago30:14

30:14

This week we sit down with Irene to chat about her personal renovation journey, a renovation of a quirky house in leafy East London. We meander through her work as an architect with husband Peter, the difficulties of making decisions, and the joy of creating space together for expanding family life. You can find Irene and Pete's work @ https://astr…

1
Building dreams together: Lessons from a family-run builder 25:52

17d ago25:52

25:52

This week we chat to builders Sian and James who share their inspiring journey from purchasing their first terrace home to transforming a 1930s semi detached for their growing family. They share their insights and tips for navigating renovations efficiently, including the importance of budgeting, phasing projects, and working with trusted builders.…

1
The art of attraction: Creating a home that sells 18:26

24d ago18:26

18:26

This week we chat with Lorna about her home renovation alongside her architect husband James. She reflects on how her experience running an estate agency has influenced their renovation approach. And as they prepare for yet another renovation project with two young children in tow, Lorna provides insights into the key aspects of creating a valuable…

1
Ep 44: MattBangsWood w/ Matt Panella: Small Beginnings, Big Builds, Chips on Shoulder & The Impact of Social Media 59:14

28d ago59:14

59:14

This is the first time MattBangsWood shares his story. We learn more about his influences, how he got started, and the mentality he's developed to stay hungry in the game. Episode Summary: Family background and influences Building Up Contacts and Networking Social Media and Its Impact (Pros & Cons) Looking Forward and Supporting the Youth Advice to…

1
Design is key: An interior designer's clever budget choices 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

In this episode we chat with Gemma, a furniture, interior and spatial designer who created her own family home on a budget. We discussed the joys of creating a practical home fit for family life and the art of using good design to elevate off the shelf items, as well as cost effective solutions to create something special. Gemma shares her practica…

1
Out of the box: Bespoke design vs off the shelf architecture 30:32

1M ago30:32

30:32

This week we dive into the world of sustainable home renovation with our guest Tishna. Motivated by her daughter's health needs, Tishna embarked on an in depth exploration of eco friendly and natural materials for her loft extension. However, she faced significant challenges in convincing her team to engage in using them. __________________________…

1
The uphill struggle of getting that 'architect look' 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

This week, we talked to Kat, whose renovation started from a developer finished home. Kat shares her gradual process of transforming it into her dream space, and the particular challenges encountered working with her contractor to get those design details right and achieve the considered look she was after. See Kat's project photos at homenotes.co/…

1
Ep: 43 - One Project Changed It All w/ Victor Mezhvinsky from Forma Construction: Immigrant Roots to Luxury Builder 1:11:32

2M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Have you ever felt like you had a "make you" or "break you" project? We dive in with Victor Mezhvinsky, President and Founder of FORMA Construction, whose journey from immigrant roots to luxury builder is nothing short of inspiring -- Especially with one make or break project that defined his future. Episode Summary: Family Journey and High Expecta…

1
Ep: 42 - Roof Slayer w/ Ryan Smith: Mastering the Art of Roof Cutting, Mentorship and the Impact of Social Media 54:45

2M ago54:45

54:45

On this episode we dive in with the legend, Ryan Smith (aka Roof Slayer), to discuss his journey of mastering framing and roof cutting, gaining knowledge, and embracing growth and mentorship. Episode Summary: Ryan's Journey and Expertise The Market for Hand-Cut Roofs Passing Down Knowledge and Challenges Embracing Education and Mentorship Ryan's Jo…

1
Ep: 41 - Building People w/ Herb Sargent: Employee Ownership, Development, and Long-Term Vision 1:30:55

3M ago1:30:55

1:30:55

On this episode we dive in with Herb Sargent, President and CEO of Sargent Corporation, known for their heavy civil construction work across seven states in the Northeast. Episode Summary: Exploring Sargent Corporation Transition to Employee Ownership Investing in People and Development Utilizing Podcasting for Company Growth Future Outlook and Per…

1
Our takeaways: End of series 5 round up 15:55

5M ago15:55

15:55

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our fifth series of the Stories from Site podcast. They discuss the common themes that emerged, including the different ways of phasing your project, the essential preparation that every project needs and the different timescales involved. ____…

1
Blank slate to dream home: Avoiding interiors overwhelm 19:46

5M ago19:46

19:46

This week we talk with Isabelle who shares her experience working with an interior designer to renovate her London flat. We discuss the importance of creating a warm and inviting home, the vision for the space, and how her interior designer helped bring it all together. Find Topology Interiors at https://www.topologyinteriors.com/ Quote HOMENOTES a…

1
Getting the best deal: Just say what you want 25:17

5M ago25:17

25:17

This week we talk with Jamila, who shares her experience of renovating her home in Yorkshire, room by room. We discuss her negotiation strategies with suppliers, how she worked with her husband as a team, and how visual references and detailed communication helped in getting what she wanted from contractors. Find Jamila on instagram @prosecco_lifes…

1
Listening to the walls: Restoring an Edwardian villa 22:55

5M ago22:55

22:55

This week we chat with Lou about her experience renovating an Edwardian villa. She has rolled up her sleeves, learned trades on the fly, and brought her tired house back to life. We'll discuss how she tackled the project, restored original features, and let her home guide the process of creating cozy and inviting spaces. Plus, Lou shares the satisf…

1
Race to the finish line: A design & build loft conversion 28:38

6M ago28:38

28:38

This week we talk to Ella, who’s need for a quick turnaround led her to work with a design and build company to create a loft extension for her home. We discuss the hurdles she went through to get to the finish line and the pros and cons of the renovation route she chose to take. __________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by Plyke…

1
Slow renovating: Creating interiors that last 32:00

6M ago32:00

32:00

This week we talk to Lee, founder of Bert and May tiles about his latest home renovation. We discuss his approach to creating ‘timeless’ interiors, the art of slow renovating to create a space rich in layers and materiality, plus the environmental need to consider our purchases and avoid renovation waste. __________________________________ This pod…

1
The renovation game: Climbing the property ladder 22:42

6M ago22:42

22:42

This week we chat to Jen, as she shares her journey of climbing the housing ladder, one renovation project at a time. We talk to her about upgrading her skills over multiple renovations and the dangers of taking on more than you can handle. Plus the benefits of having a large Instagram following cheering her on. Check out Jen on Instagram @thehouse…

1
Our takeaways: End of series 4 round up 17:28

8M ago17:28

17:28

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our fourth series of the Stories from Site podcast. They discuss the common themes that emerged, including creating a vision for your project, making sure it meets the needs of your household now and in the future, the emotions of having to adj…

1
Halfway there: Reflecting on the journey so far 25:22

8M ago25:22

25:22

This week we chat with Lauren, a first-time renovator whose partner's electrician skills are coming in handy as they tackle updating their 1970s home. As we catch up with her midway through her renovation journey, having just completed the kitchen extension and gearing up for the rest of her home, Lauren reflects on the accomplishments achieved so …

1
When perseverance pays off: A rural barn conversion 31:32

8M ago31:32

31:32

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable self-build journey of Ade, an architectural designer and project manager, who transformed a dilapidated barn into a dream home for his family in the picturesque Kent countryside. We discuss his drive to uncover hidden opportunities, his commitment to maintaining the highest standards throughou…

1
Navigating the budget creatively: An interior designer's story 28:30

8M ago28:30

28:30

In this episode, we sit down with Bo Fetum, an experienced interior designer who had to make some tough decisions when faced with skyrocketing renovation costs. She shares her insights on how to pivot a project successfully and create beautiful, engaging spaces without breaking the bank. Check out Bo Fetum's Instagram account @bo.fentum.design ____…

1
Renovating remotely: Transforming an old school on Anglesey 27:39

9M ago27:39

27:39

This week we talk to Gemma who renovated an old school building on Anglesey whilst living in Manchester. We talk to her about managing a remote renovation, the pros and cons of working directly with a larger contractor, and the differences in renovating a holiday home as a business. You can stay in Gemma's renovation - check out her listing at http…

1
The doer-upper: A journey of renovating, diy and maternity leave 26:33

9M ago26:33

26:33

In this episode, we talked to Barbara about the journey of falling in love with a fixer-upper home, as well as the challenges of handling costs in a labour-only building contract, and the joys of undertaking DIY projects during maternity leave. Check out Barbara's panelling in action on Instagram and TikTok @thebabshouse. __________________________…

1
Prioritising positivity: Converting a bungalow with separate trades 33:38

9M ago33:38

33:38

This week we talk to Claire and Dan who renovated a 1950’s bungalow in Poole. With construction costs rising, they reduced the scope of their project, lived on site through the build and managed the project themselves - hiring the different trades they needed on day rates. We discuss their ambition to keep the process a positive one, and how they o…

1
Our takeaways: End of series 3 round up 15:04

12M ago15:04

15:04

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our third series of the Stories from Site podcast. They discuss the common themes that emerged, such as tight budgets and the need for inventive solutions to make renovations affordable. And share their top tips from the series, including the u…

1
The ugly duckling: Transforming a 1960s house 29:10

12M ago29:10

29:10

This week we speak to Camilla whose renovation journey started during lockdown when she and her husband realised they needed more space for their growing family. After an initial dream of finding a period property, they fell in love with a 1960s property which needed a complete renovation. We talk to her about envisioning her finished project, and …

1
The secret garden flat: A self-build extension 22:15

12M ago22:15

22:15

This week we talk to ‘Don’t Move Improve’ winner Nic who, together with his partner, self-built a garden studio and extension to their 1 bedroom flat. We talk to him about his decision to take on a self-build project, the process they went through and what he would do differently next time. You can see more of Nic's project on his website https://n…

1
A blank canvas: Bringing a home to life 23:43

1y ago23:43

23:43

This week we talk to Tamzin who explains why, after renovating previous properties, she chose not to take on a big renovation for her current home. We discuss the joy of getting creative in your home, being savvy with up-cycling interiors and her process of turning a blank canvas into something special. You can find Tamzin's project on Instagram @a…

1
Unexpected discoveries: A cottage renovation 26:50

1y ago26:50

26:50

This week we talk to Hannah who is mid-way through renovating her thatched cottage in the countryside. We discuss the downsides of renovating an old property. The difficulties of finding contractors and how she manages the logistics of DIY renovating around life and kids. You can see Hannah's project and work in progress on her website here and on …

1
Grabbing an opportunity: Developing a garden site 26:40

1y ago26:40

26:40

A serendipitous chain of events led Siobhan and Joe to quickly move from a finished flat straight into a building site with development potential. Over the next 6 years, they worked together in their spare time to renovate a ’60s house and build a new property in the adjacent garden plot. Joe, who is an architect by trade used his skills to input i…

1
Room by room: A DIY Renovation 27:55

1y ago27:55

27:55

This week we talked to Sharn about DIY renovating her Victorian property room by room. We discuss how both her and her partner skilled themselves up and the process of managing a project in multiple stages. Plus the power of making renovation transparent and accessible through social media. You can find Sharn and her project here on Instagram and T…

1
Ep: 40 - From Kidney Beans to Shark Tanks w/ JMAX Plumbing aka Bearded Plumber (Justin Bowie) 1:21:10

1y ago1:21:10

1:21:10

College wasn't for Justin. His father was a builder and he found himself in Arizona building everything from kidney bean pools, shark tanks, and monster pools to keep the desert residents cool. On this episode we discuss more about: What motivated him to specialize in pools Lessons from another plumber in 2008 What qualities separate good builders …

1
Our takeaways: End of series 2 round up 19:54

1y ago19:54

19:54

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their key takeaways and top tips shared by the renovators in our second series of the Stories from Site podcast. __________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by Plykea; Website: https://www.plykea.com/ Instagram: @plykeakitchens __________________________________ Stories from Site is brou…

1
How communication can get you the home you envisage 29:23

1y ago29:23

29:23

This week we talk with Temi and Eugene about their process of creating the perfect home to suit their family life both now and in the future. In this episode, packed with top tips, they share their method of meticulous research and planning, how they knew their contractor was the one, and how great communication, both between themselves and with th…

1
Ep: 39 - 7 Ways to Sell On Value Over Price w/ TJ Snowdon (Owner of Snowdon Construction) 22:19

1y ago22:19

22:19

7 Ways Sell On Value Not Price. We break down 7 topics in the episode and how it's worked for TJ Snowdon in his business. Communicate well. Communicate often. Be responsive. Take initiative. Get organized. Build systems. Show up. Be confident in your work. But don't be cocky. Look the part. Be professional. Make sure you're qualifying your client. …

1
What to do when your contractor becomes insolvent 29:31

1y ago29:31

29:31

We're so glad to share this story with you this week as it's one that we were involved with and means a lot to us personally. We talked with Alex, a client from the early years of our architecture practice, who despite undertaking a lot of preparation work to ensure the project ran smoothly, faced their contractors becoming insolvent, just six week…

1
When home meets garden: A sustainable retrofit case study 27:12

1+ y ago27:12

27:12

This week we chat with Christian and Faye, an architect and garden designer who became each other's clients when they decided to renovate a studio flat with a generous garden. Using their own professional skills. The two project managed the works, and got hands-on in the build to reduce costs. The project became a case study on how to retrofit a sm…

1
An eye for detail: And why you shouldn't leave it all to chance 22:31

1+ y ago22:31

22:31

This week we talked with Jess, whose renovation of her one-bedroom garden flat became a springboard for her creative studio, King Celia Studio. Having found that she either didn't have the budget for or couldn't find the interior fittings she wanted, Jess said about making them herself. The result is a playful and considered space. We talk with her…

1
Taking the leap to retrofit your home 26:43

1+ y ago26:43

26:43

This week we talked to Stewart, who together with his wife Fiona, relocated to make a home in which to enjoy their retirement. When they reached out to Paul and Alan of HEM Architects, it was then that their real retrofit journey began. In this episode, we talk about Stewart's role in the project. The benefits of living in a home with a properly de…

1
Holding on to the vision when your builder disappears 25:20

1+ y ago25:20

25:20

This week we talked to Katie who started a loft extension of her Victorian terrace house, only for her main contractor to disappear after taking her roof off, leaving her exposed to the winter weather. With the help of a stellar team of carpenters who stepped up to complete the project, Katie took up the lead in the renovation to ensure the vision …

1
Ep: 38 - Story Behind American Pavement & Raised On Blacktop w/ Matt Stanley 1:23:35

1+ y ago1:23:35

1:23:35

American Pavement started with humble beginnings. It is a family-run business that prides itself on hard work, branding, and elevating the paving industry. In this episode, we chat with Matt Stanley, one of the four sons, about the family's history and the vision behind starting and growing the well-respected movement, Raised On Blacktop. In this e…

1
Listener Testimonial - How our podcast has helped Lucas Comstock 37:04

1+ y ago37:04

37:04

We did something new. We brought on a listener to share how the podcast has positively impacted them. Here are some things Lucas said during this episode: "Yes, recommend 10/10. Listen to the podcast. Take in as much content as you can. It has been phenomenal." "Taking those points from the podcast and like morphing it into... what can this do for …

1
Ep: 36 - That Tile Chick - The Brand Story 1:39:41

1+ y ago1:39:41

1:39:41

Tune in to hear from Schannon Yodice & Chris Ortega on how they build the That Tile Chick brand. In this episode you'll hear: Changing careers Starting a new life and business in a brand new city Using social media to grow their tile installation business & That Tile Chick Overcoming the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry And t…

1
Our takeaways: End of series 1 round up 14:22

1+ y ago14:22

14:22

In this bonus episode, Amy and Jane round up their takeaways and lessons leant from the first-ever series of Stories from Site. __________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by Plykea; Website: https://www.plykea.com/ Instagram: @plykeakitchens __________________________________ Stories from Site is brought to you by HomeNotes; Check…

1
Using your professional skills to make your forever home 26:55

1+ y ago26:55

26:55

This week we're talking to Sandra, who renovated a forever home for her retirement after downsizing. Sandra had a really clear vision for the space she wanted to create and used her professional skills coupled with some additional training to create a stylish and sociable home for this next stage in her life. In our chat, she shares her strategies …

1
'Doing it yourself' to get the home you want 23:01

1+ y ago23:01

23:01

This week we chat with Jess, who along with her partner Darius embarked on an 18-month process of completing the interior of their project themselves. What started out as a necessity due to budget constraints became an expression of Jess's passion for interiors and design showing if you can't get someone to do it for you, then you can do it for you…

1
A joyful renovation: You just need the right people 26:12

1+ y ago26:12

26:12

In this week's episode, we talked to Elesa and Steve who found a rundown house that needed a complete back-to-brick renovation. We chat about how they successfully pieced together a range of professionals to offer advice where needed and benefited from a great match with their contractor who was there to guide them through the process. But maybe it…

1
The highs and lows of self-finishing your renovation 28:27

1+ y ago28:27

28:27

Today we're chatting to Lydia about the extension and renovation of her one bedroom flat in London. Lydia is an architect and ceramicist with her own practice Fettle Studio. Together with her partner architect, Dan Ruddick, they wanted to wholeheartedly get involved in the build process. The pair arranged with their contractors to self-finish their…

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