Renovations rarely go exactly to plan, and that’s normal. In this final episode of our 'What We Wish We Knew Then' series, we talk about what happens when things go wrong, from minor snags to bigger issues, and how to handle them calmly and effectively.

What we cover:

•  The most common things that go wrong (including our own disasters!) 
•  How to create and manage a snag list
•  Issues you can expect - from cracks and leaks to finishing details 
•  How to communicate clearly with builders and trades 
•  Why retention is critical - and when to use it
•  What to do if work isn’t fixed or things become difficult 
•  When to escalate and what support is available 

Key takeaways

•  Most renovation issues are normal and fixable
•  Clear communication and documentation are your biggest tools 
•  Retention protects you - agree it early 
•  A successful renovation is one where problems are resolved, not avoided 

A practical, honest guide to navigating the final (and often most stressful) stage of any renovation.

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