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.

Why Confident Women Pay Less for Renovations (And How to Start)
Stop the “pink tax” on your renovation. Learn how preparation, a detailed Scope of Work, and a Project Leader mindset help women save thousands on trades.

The $50 Puddle Flange: The Detail That Prevents a $30,000 Bathroom Renovation Disaster
What is a puddle flange? Discover the $50 waterproofing detail most renovators miss that prevents costly leaks. Essential guide for profitable renovating.

The Due Diligence Truth No One Tells You About Renovation Profits
Profit isn’t made by fixing problems it’s made by avoiding them. Discover the 5 “invisible costs” that kill renovation profits and why due diligence is your only safety net.

The 5 Rookie Renovation Mistakes That Silently Destroy Your Profit (And How to Avoid Them)
Most first-time renovators fail by over-capitalizing and underestimating costs. Learn the 5 deadly renovation mistakes and the business mindset to fix them.

Why Speaking Tradie Language Is Your Secret Weapon for Renovation Success
top losing money on renos. Learn why “speaking tradie” and knowing standards like “the fall” (AS 3740) are your secret weapons for profit.

The Renovation Safety Checklist: A System to Prevent $50K Mistakes
Don’t start your renovation without this safety system. Discover the 5-step checklist to managing risk, feasibility, and budget buffers. Stop losing money; start profiting.

Strata Approval Renovation: The Brutal Truth About Delays
Waiting for strata approval? Discover why “winging it” costs $2,000/week in holding costs. Use our Velocity Strategy to fast-track approval and protect profit.

The System Wasn’t Broken. It Was Built This Way.
Australian women face a $90k super gap and a “Good Girl Tax.” Learn the 4 pillars of financial insecurity and how strategic renovation acts as the equity accelerator to fix it.

Renovation Project Funding: How to Start (Even With $0)
Don’t let a lack of cash stop you. Discover 5 renovation funding strategies from equity loans to JVs to build your project cash stash. Read now.

How to Start Renovating Without a Deposit: Creative Ways to Secure Your First Project
Think you need 20% down? Think again. Learn 3 creative ways to secure your first renovation project using equity, options, and JVs without a massive deposit.

How to Fund a Renovation With No Money: The Two-Puzzle Strategy
Stuck on funding? Discover the “Two-Puzzle” renovation funding strategy. Learn why 71% of renovators delay and how to separate Acquisition Finance from Project Cash Stash.

The Two Types of People Every Profitable Renovator Needs (And Why You’re Failing Without Both)
Most renovators fail because they lack balance. Learn why you need a “Cheerleader” AND a “Truth-Teller” to build wealth. Get the renovation mentor guide.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas That Sell Homes
Discover kitchen renovation ideas that sell homes fast. Learn budget-friendly trends to boost your resale value and wow buyers with timeless style.

The Ultimate Guide To Banquette Seating: The Social Butterfly of Your Renovation
Discover the best banquette seating ideas for stylish, space-saving dining. Learn design tips, dimensions, and DIY solutions for your renovation.

How to Own A Home Faster with Renovating: A 10-Step Strategy
Discover 10 strategic steps to secure housing after 60. Achieve financial independence and affordable homeownership with these practical tips.

The Renovation Value Pyramid: What Renovations Are worth Doing
Discover what renovations are worth doing with the Renovation Value Pyramid. Learn how to plan profitable projects that attract buyers and boost returns.

2024 Interior Design Trends: A shift away from open plan, mastering colour drenching and utilising sustainable elements.
Discover 2024 design trends for profitable renovations: defined spaces, color drenching, sustainability, cafécore, equestrian themes, and oceanic hues.

3 Crucial Steps to Finance a Renovation
Learn how to finance a renovation in 3 simple steps. Discover smart strategies to fund your projects, stay on budget, and grow your renovation income.

Four Tips On How to Manage a Renovation
Learn how to manage a renovation with four proven tips. Discover how to hire the right tradies, stay on budget, and complete your projects stress-free.

Profitable Renovating Strategies: The Homeowner’s Guide to Smart Improvements
Discover the most profitable renovating strategies that boost home value. Learn smart improvements to maximise ROI and renovate for profit.

Echuca Home Renovation: Breathing New Life into a Rural Victoria Property
Discover how a family’s Echuca home renovation transformed a rural Victoria property with smart planning, teamwork, and creative design.