Rip It Up: The Renovations Podcast

Bathroom design starts long before you choose tiles or taps. In this episode, we break down the layout and planning decisions that make a bathroom comfortable, functional and easy to live with.
What we cover
Why bathroom layouts should be decided early in a renovation
Planning clearances - it's recommended to have a space 800mm wide and 700mm deep for your toilet
Keeping the toilet out of the main sightline where possible
Wall-mounted taps, channelled walls, and other early plumbing decisions
Shower planning, including tileable shower trays (only when the area is properly tanked)
Lighting and electrics - we love wall lights and demister pads
Storage solutions - alcove shelves
Items mentioned
IKEA FAXÄLVEN mirror with integrated light
Roberto Tiranti concrete sink (Etsy)
Naka shower shelves
This episode focuses on the planning stage of bathroom design - getting the layout right before plumbing, electrics and finishes are locked in.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Before you choose cabinet colours, you need to lock down layout, flow, storage, and how the room actually works day to day. In this episode we break down the early decisions that will make your kitchen renovation successful.
What we cover
Why kitchens are usually the first major design decision in a renovation
The layout choices that affect plumbing, electrics and budget
Why the classic “kitchen triangle” is outdated
Designing kitchens in practical zones: storage, prep, cooking and cleaning
Storage strategies that make kitchens easier to live with
Floor-to-ceiling units, drawers vs cupboards and corner solutions
Planning sockets, appliances and everyday countertop clutter
We also share the biggest kitchen regrets - from narrow islands to nowhere to hide clutter.
This is part 1 of a two-part kitchen episode - in the next episode we’ll cover appliances, materials and kitchen lighting.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Designing your electrical plan isn’t just about picking lights - it’s about how your home actually works every day. In this episode (our fiftieth!), we break down the lighting, sockets, switches and electrical decisions that happen during the first fix and second fix stages of your renovation. This is the second of a two-part episode on creating your M&E plan - we covered the mechanical plan in our previous episode.
💡 What we cover in this episode:
Lighting basics: lumens, kelvins and how to create a plan
Creating layered lighting - general, task and soft mood lighting
Choosing adjustable spotlights, LED strips, and avoiding mixed light tones
Where to place sockets, switches and other controls
Planning for charging points, vacuum routes and future flexibility
Data points, Wi-Fi planning and avoiding dead zones (especially in older Irish homes)
First fix vs second fix - when you need to make your key electrical decisions
👉 If you’re planning a renovation, this episode will help you avoid harsh lighting, missing sockets and costly changes later.
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

Early in your renovation, you need to lock down your M&E plan - mechanical and electrical. In this we deep dive into the dirty business of mechanical plans - waste pipes, connection points, pumps, heating, toilets, showers, drainage, and more. The decisions you make here will have a big impact later in your renovation, and there are some important things you should know.
We will be covering electrical plans (including Jenny's favourite topic - lighting!) next week.
Key Topics in This Episode:
Why plumbing, drainage and heating plans must be decided early in a renovation.
Toilets, waste pipes and the impact of pipe routes on layout and design.
Boxing off waste pipes.
Hidden vs visible toilet cisterns.
Macerators (e.g. Saniflo).
Common bathroom planning mistakes.
Boilers, water tanks, combi-boilers, and other hot water systems.
How gravity affects water flow.
Radiators, zoning and smart heating decisions to be aware of.
Pumps, drainage challenges and avoiding costly issues later.
BTU calculator for checking radiator requirements.
Pipe to pipe distance between radiators.
Temperature knobs on radiators.
Sump pump if your drain pipes are low compared to the water table.

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

Planning permission in Ireland is a minefield, and we have had a different experience with each renovation we have done. It's not a straightforward process with guaranteed outcomes, but in this episode we give your our best tips plus lessons learned from our own encounters (positive and less positive!) with local planning authorities.
Who this episode is for:
Homeowners planning a renovation or extension
Anyone unsure if they need planning permission
Renovators who want fewer delays and surprises
As a rule of thumb, assume planning permission is required unless you know your project is exempt. Permission is usually needed in Ireland if your renovation:
Is new or over 40m²
Changes the use of a building
Materially alters the exterior
Is in a protected or sensitive area
We unpack what “material change” actually means - and where homeowners most often go wrong.
How the planning process works
We walk through the full planning journey, including:
Pre-planning (when it’s worth doing)
Preparing and submitting an application
Public consultation and submissions
Planner assessment and Further Information requests
Decisions, appeals, and what happens after permission is granted
How long does it really take?
Typical timelines discussed:
Straightforward application: ~3–4 months
With Further Information: ~5–8 months
With appeal: ~9–15+ months
Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines