Dive into this eye-opening episode of the She Renovates Podcast!

Where Bernadette sits down with experienced real estate agent Con to unpack one of the most overlooked deal-makers (and deal-breakers) in renovating for profit the strata report.

While many renovators focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and styling, buyers often make their decision long before auction day, quietly judging a property based on what’s inside a document they may never talk about out loud.

In this episode, Bernadette and Con reveal how strata reports influence buyer psychology, property value, financing, and renovation profitability sometimes overriding even the most beautiful renovation.

From hidden red flags and special levies to why “clean strata” beats cosmetic upgrades every time, this conversation delivers real, on-the-ground insights from the coalface of selling strata properties.

💡 If you’ve ever wondered why a stunning renovation struggled to sell or how to spot strata risks before you buy this episode is essential listening.

Tune in to learn how understanding strata reports can protect your profit, shape smarter buying decisions, and help you renovate with confidence.

“You can have the best renovation in the world, but at some point the strata report will come out and unless the buyer is emotionally attached, that document usually wins.”

-Bernadette Janson

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 – Welcome & Why Strata Reports Matter More Than You Think

02:00 – What Buyers Really Judge First (Before Renovations)

04:30 – Levies, Sinking Funds & Buyer Red Flags

07:00 – Why ‘Clean Strata’ Sells Faster

09:30 – Special Levies, Unknown Costs & Renovation Risk

12:00 – Developer vs Builder: What Actually Matters

14:30 – Can a Great Renovation Beat a Weak Strata Report?

17:00 – What Renovators Must Check Before Buying to Flip

20:00 – Practical Strategies to Protect Your Exit Price

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

Episode 271

10 Tips for Clearer Trade Communication

Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode!

Ever come home from a renovation trip to find something very different from what you imagined?

That’s exactly what happened to Bernadette, a tiling mix-up that left one of her bathrooms looking nothing like the plan. 😱

In this candid episode, she shares what went wrong, what it cost, and the practical systems she’s now built to make trade communication foolproof, even when renovating remotely.

From WhatsApp groups to the “Single Source of Truth” document, you’ll learn the simple tools that can save your sanity (and your tiles).

00:00 – When grouting goes wrong: the story behind the bathroom disaster

02:45 – Why remote renovating is not for the faint-hearted

04:10 – How scattered messages caused a costly misunderstanding

06:30 – Creating one clear communication channel

08:15 – Introducing the “Single Source of Truth” spec doc

10:40 – Visuals that save you from lost-in-translation moments

13:00 – Keeping trades aligned with WhatsApp and project schedules

15:30 – How to debrief and learn from every project

17:00 – Download Bernadette’s Trade Spec Template + 10-Point Checklist

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

Episode 270

Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode!

After five unforgettable years of running She Renovates Live, Bernadette is facing a big question: Should it return in 2026?

In this heartfelt episode (recorded from a forest in Croatia 🌲), she opens up about the highs, heartbreaks, and hard-won lessons behind last year’s event, including a near-disaster with an event manager that almost derailed the entire thing.

Now, Bernadette is turning the tables and asking YOU, the renovating community, to decide whether She Renovates Live 2026 should go ahead.

Discover the story behind the new 24-hour “proof test,” why it matters, and how you can help shape the future of this much-loved event.

00:00 – Welcome from Croatia 🇭🇷 — sailing, forests, and reflection

02:00 – Why She Renovates Live is Bernadette’s favorite event of the year

04:00 – Storytime: how 2024’s event almost didn’t happen

06:00 – The event manager experiment that failed spectacularly

08:30 – How a free-ticket sprint filled the room in 10 days

10:00 – The aftermath: pride, scars, and lessons learned

11:30 – Why 2025 was skipped — and the plan for 2026

13:00 – The new validation experiment: a 24-hour “proof test”

15:00 – How it works: 50 tickets in 24 hours = She Renovates Live 2026 is ON

16:30 – Why it’s like running feasibility on a renovation deal

18:00 – How this process honours the community’s voice

19:00 – The psychology behind the waitlist and VIP members

20:00 – How to join the waitlist and shape the future of She Renovates Live

21:00 – Final words: “You get to decide whether this dream lives on.”

✨ Join the Waitlist: https://member.theschoolofrenovating.com/event-page

Because just like any renovation project — profit (and purpose) starts with proof.

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

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

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

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

00:00 – 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

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

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

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

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