Welcome to The School of Renovating Articles
– with Bernadette Janson
Recent Articles
Explore Inspiration and practical advice here to help women with a passion and flair for beautiful
homes create an income and a life they love.
AI Bookkeeping for Renovators: How I Did a Week’s Work in Two Hours
End-of-project bookkeeping used to take me a week. With AI, it took about two hours. Here’s how I reconciled a renovation’s receipts with Claude.
IP44 Bathroom Lights: The Rule I’m Wrestling With in the Last Two Weeks of a Reno
Bathroom lights need the right IP rating for where they hang. Here’s what IP44 means, the bathroom zones, and the last-minute reno problems I’m solving now.
Floating Floor Installation: Five Decisions That Make the Difference
Floating floor installation day comes down to a few small decisions: board direction, the joiner, underlay and protection. Here’s what we did on our reno.
House Prices Falling? The Buffer and Boost Strategy for Renovating in a Down Market
House prices are falling in Sydney and Melbourne. Here’s the buffer and boost strategy I use to renovate in a down market – and what our Bondi flip taught me.
How to Become an Airbnb Superhost: The Small Touches Guests Remember
Becoming an Airbnb Superhost comes down to the small things. The butter trick, the toilet roll fold and why we reshot our photos.
Airbnb Occupancy Rate: How We Went From 40% to 75% by Charging Less
Our Airbnb was stuck at 40% occupancy. Three small changes – a lower price, longer stays and a fresh headline – took it to 75% in a year.
Capital Gains Tax Changes 2027: Why Renovators Should Get a Valuation
The 50% CGT discount is set to end on 30 June 2027. If your rental needs a renovation, here’s why timing – and a valuation – could matter.
Airbnb Arbitrage in Australia: Why I’d Build a Management Business Instead
Airbnb arbitrage looks like a fast way into short-term rentals. Here’s why I’d skip it in Australia and build an Airbnb management business instead.
Downsizing in Retirement: Why Right-Sizing Beats Going Small
Thinking about downsizing in retirement? Count the real costs, size your next home for 20 years, and weigh staying and renovating before you sell.
The $810,000 windfall hiding in his two-bedroom apartment
James was preparing to spend six figures renovating his apartment.
The renovation would have created a beautiful home, but it would have left his biggest problem completely untouched.
Why This Budget Is Quietly the Best News Active Renovators Have Had in Years
Most investors are reading the 2027 Budget as bad news. For active renovators who understand feasibility and adding value, it could be the best news in years.
The Purple Kitchen Is a Shocker , But It Is Not the Problem
Airbnb Host Mistakes: Why Guest Experience Matters More Than Décor
AI Bookkeeping for Renovators: How I Did a Week’s Work in Two Hours
End-of-project bookkeeping used to take me a week. With AI, it took about two hours. Here’s how I reconciled a renovation’s receipts with Claude.
IP44 Bathroom Lights: The Rule I’m Wrestling With in the Last Two Weeks of a Reno
Bathroom lights need the right IP rating for where they hang. Here’s what IP44 means, the bathroom zones, and the last-minute reno problems I’m solving now.
Floating Floor Installation: Five Decisions That Make the Difference
Floating floor installation day comes down to a few small decisions: board direction, the joiner, underlay and protection. Here’s what we did on our reno.
House Prices Falling? The Buffer and Boost Strategy for Renovating in a Down Market
House prices are falling in Sydney and Melbourne. Here’s the buffer and boost strategy I use to renovate in a down market – and what our Bondi flip taught me.
How to Become an Airbnb Superhost: The Small Touches Guests Remember
Becoming an Airbnb Superhost comes down to the small things. The butter trick, the toilet roll fold and why we reshot our photos.
Airbnb Occupancy Rate: How We Went From 40% to 75% by Charging Less
Our Airbnb was stuck at 40% occupancy. Three small changes – a lower price, longer stays and a fresh headline – took it to 75% in a year.
Capital Gains Tax Changes 2027: Why Renovators Should Get a Valuation
The 50% CGT discount is set to end on 30 June 2027. If your rental needs a renovation, here’s why timing – and a valuation – could matter.
Airbnb Arbitrage in Australia: Why I’d Build a Management Business Instead
Airbnb arbitrage looks like a fast way into short-term rentals. Here’s why I’d skip it in Australia and build an Airbnb management business instead.
Downsizing in Retirement: Why Right-Sizing Beats Going Small
Thinking about downsizing in retirement? Count the real costs, size your next home for 20 years, and weigh staying and renovating before you sell.
