In this episode, host Tanya Neufeld Flanagan shares her insights from a year-long renovation of a Georgian protected structure in Dublin. She discusses the evolution of the podcast format, focusing more on industry experts and solo episodes. Tanya emphasizes the importance of understanding budgeting in renovations, the role of quantity surveyors, and the necessity of hiring experts to avoid costly mistakes. She shares three key lessons learned during her renovation journey: understanding how to get accurate cost estimates, the importance of expert guidance, and building confidence in decision-making throughout the design process. Takeaways

• The podcast is shifting to include more solo episodes and industry expert insights
• Renovating a home requires a pragmatic approach to budgeting and planning
• Architects may not provide accurate budget estimates without detailed designs
• Hiring a quantity surveyor can help manage costs effectively during renovations
• It's essential to do thorough research before purchasing a property for renovation
• Having a contingency plan is crucial for unexpected costs during renovations
• Don't underestimate the workload involved in managing a renovation project yourself
• Expert guidance can save you money and stress in the long run
• Building confidence in your design decisions is key to a successful renovation
• Iterating on design choices is a natural part of the renovation process

Sound Bites

• "Architects are not budget experts."
• "You need a plan A, B, and C."

Time-Stamps 00:00Introduction to the Renovation Journey 02:50Understanding Budgeting in Renovation 11:43The Importance of Hiring Experts 22:03Building Confidence in Decision-Making