Renovation Planning Academy
All you have to do is show up, follow the plan, and let me guide you through every step.
RPA is the game-changing program designed for homeowners who want to plan their renovation projects like a pro—no contractor, designer, or architect required. Inside this step-by-step online program, you'll go from feeling uncertain and overwhelmed to confidently creating the detailed plans you need for a successful renovation. By the end, you'll have a clear budget, a full scope of work, and even a list of contractors ready to bring your dream home to life.
These two videos explain the "why" behind Renovation Planning Academy's existence.
Renovation Planning Academy is your comprehensive, full-support program that gives you everything you need to confidently plan your renovation from start to finish—without the guesswork, mistakes, or budget surprises.
Inside RPA, you'll go from feeling overwhelmed to completely in control, equipped with professional-grade skills to plan your renovation just like an expert. With easy-to-follow lessons, videos, and worksheets, you'll build the foundation for your dream home. By the end of the course, you'll have detailed lists, layouts, design styles, specifications, drawings, and a team of contractors ready to start construction!
RPA isn't just about learning theory—it's about taking action. You'll finish the program with a complete, printable PDF package containing everything you need to hand off to your contractors and tradespeople to kickstart your project.
It isn't just about picking pretty finishes either. It's about making smart, strategic decisions that will affect how you live and love your home—for years to come. Things like lighting, layout, flow, and furniture placement all come together to create a home that works for your family's needs.
Inside RPA, I teach you the skills to make these important decisions and show you exactly how to document your choices so your contractors will understand your vision and execute it flawlessly.
I know it sounds like a lot of work right now, and you might be thinking, “Whoa, can I really do all this?” But trust me—it's way easier than you think, and here's why:
👉 You're guided every step of the way. In each video and worksheet, I walk you through exactly what to do. You won't be left guessing or wondering what's next—every task is broken down into easy, actionable steps. Say goodbye to confusion and overwhelm!
👉 No experience required. You don't need any prior knowledge of construction or renovations to complete RPA. This program is designed for total beginners, so even if you're brand new to the process, you'll be able to follow along and succeed.
👉 It won't take long to complete. Just swap out 30 minutes a day—skip a Netflix episode or a bit of social media scrolling—and before you know it, you'll have your renovation plan ready to go. It's manageable, practical, and efficient.
👉 It's FUN! Designing your dream home is exciting—and once you get the hang of drawing simple shapes, you'll get hooked. Trust me, you'll wake up every day excited to see your plans coming together. It's not work; it's a creative process that brings your dream home to life.
👉 Overcoming fear of the unknown. Our brains often resist new challenges because they feel daunting. But remember, this process is for YOU. If you want to create your dream renovation affordably and get it right the first time, this course will show you how—step by step. You're not alone in this. The roadmap is clear, and you have everything you need to succeed.
But this course... this process... IS FOR YOU if you want to get your dream renovation affordably, and done right the first time.
✅ Contractors can't give accurate quotes without detailed plans. If you approach them early, you're getting ballpark estimates that will only lead to mistakes, delays, and blown budgets.
✅ Interior designers can't understand your home and needs like you do. By doing the internal work yourself, you get the power to design according to your exact priorities.
✅ Architects don't handle every detail. They don't make decisions like where to place outlets, what trim will work best, which kitchen cabinets offer the most functionality, or if you want built-in ceiling speakers. RPA empowers you to make those decisions, ensuring your plans are complete and reflect your true vision.
✅ Without detailed documentation, the construction phase will lead to costly mistakes. But with RPA, you get accurate, comprehensive documents that make the process smooth and stress-free.
✅ Most people never renovate because they're scared to start. But knowledge is the cure for fear...which is why RPA gives you the knowledge (and therefore confidence) to move forward without fear or uncertainty.
RPA Lets You:
Go get started! 😊 👇
confused intimidated stressed overwhelmed disappointed regretful
(And don't get me started on the budget blowouts!)
"I had been thinking about renovating for years and Renovation Planning Academy finally encouraged me to start the project. I could not have done it without this."
- Anna D.
"Super Helpful! Totally love how easy this makes my planning tasks."
- Jasmine M.
"I'm a handy guy and have always wanted to do some of my renovation work myself, but until I got my hands on these resources, I had no idea how to start. Now my path is clear."
- Shane F.
"I was looking for inexpensive resources to help me figure out my renovation, and this was more than I could have asked for."
- Brenda M.
MODULE 1
Achieve total clarity about where you're at now and where you want to be at the end of the process.
MODULE 2
Set firm parameters around your project's scope and budget so that you'll know for sure you can actually afford the things you want.
MODULE 3
Design your dream layout that will finally bring incredible flow, storage, and functionality into your life.
MODULE 4
Don't leave the most critical functional design decisions to contractors or tradespeople.
MODULE 5
Transform into a confident Interior Designer who picks gorgeous finishes you'll love forever.
MODULE 6
Get ready to start the execution phase with killer documentation and a strong team.
"My contractor said that the documentation took all the guessing out of his tasks, and he had never had a job run so smoothly before mine. He told me that he will be recommending that all his future clients use RPA!"
- Krissy R.
1. SketchUp 2D
Design the Perfect Floorplan. Learn the fundamentals of SketchUp and how to create and edit your own 2D floorplans to create the layout of your dreams. ($1,000 Value)
2. The Renovation Colour Guide
Learn essential colour theory you need for picking finishes and bringing colour into your home. ($500 Value)
3. Cabinetry Design Guide
Detailed guide showing you how to plan your RTA or custom cabinetry like a pro. Use tricks of the trade to ensure your drawings are accurate and perfect for your space. ($500 Value)
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RPA students save 25% on all courses, tools and services so that you can get the help you need to keep moving forward! No need to sign up right away... dive into RPA first and grab some extra help only if you need it.
This is the roadmap you've been waiting for.
If you follow it, you can not fail—Guaranteed.
From the moment you start, all the way to your demolition, this program walks you through the process in the right order.
Every video you need to watch and task you need to complete—everything you need to plan is in the course.
Complete the course, and you'll be set.
And this is not a complex plan... It is simple, straightforward, and designed for you to succeed.
The home renovation industry is flawed.
Going to a contractor for planning is like asking a web developer to write content for the website. Or asking a surgeon to schedule the operating room.
Don't ask the resource with the execution skills to also do the planning.
It's not their skill set. It's not a good use of their time. It will cost you too much for the result you get back.
Leave the construction to the Contractor.
Leave the planning to a Project Manager (aka You, once you learn from me).
The planning should be your job. It's your home. And you CAN do it.
Good contractors don't want uneducated clients.
They know their value is in the fine building details—the craftsmanship—not in spending hours helping you pick finishes and explaining the construction process.
The best contractors want "easy" clients, who have already done their homework and are prepared to have the right conversations.
Any contractor who tries to tell you that this program is a waste of time or money just wants to keep that money for themselves.
Anyone who tries to hold you back, stop you from being educated, and keep you in the dark cannot be trusted. They have an ulterior motive.
And you can bet it's about keeping money and control—not what's best for you.
I am not going to show you how to install baseboard or connect your kitchen sink to the plumbing.
This is not about DIY construction. If that's what you want, go to YouTube.
RPA tackles the bigger, strategic problems and helps you make the decisions that really matter in your renovation.
(The stuff that you NEED to plan well in advance.)
I'll teach you to make the 'why' and 'how' decisions in relation to the strategic planning.
I'll show you how to understand what matters to you, how to budget for your own custom solution, and how to create documentation your tradespeople need.
"As a realtor and investor, Renovation Planning Academy saves me so much time trying to figure out my renovations. And time is money."
- Marc R.
"The most detailed and supportive package I've ever seen for this price."
- Kristen J.
"The value of Renovation Planning Academy is unparalleled. I never knew that renovation planning was something I could even learn and do myself!"
- Emily J.
"Just the thought of renovating seemed so daunting before I found this course. Now I know we can do it!"
- Elan V.
Renovation Planning Academy is the only step-by-step roadmap designed to guide you through every stage of your renovation. It's not just about the big decisions—it's about breaking down the entire process into manageable steps, so you can make your renovation dreams a reality without the overwhelm, budget blowouts, or regret.
This is everything I wished existed when I was getting started. I searched high and low for a clear, actionable roadmap… and it didn't exist.
I was just like you—motivated, ready, and willing to put in the work. But when I turned to Google and YouTube for help, all I found was confusing, conflicting information with no clear direction—and absolutely no guarantees of success.
I was stuck. Overwhelmed. Stressed. And with no clear path forward.
So, after figuring it all out and nailing the process, I knew I had to share it with you.
That's how Renovation Planning Academy was born.
I wanted to create this for you because I can't stand seeing homeowners struggle with the same frustrations I faced—feeling like their hard-earned money isn't enough, and ending up with regretful thoughts like:
You don't have to hand over control of your most important—and expensive—project to people who will never care about your home as much as you do.
Stop overpaying just because it's the so-called "industry standard."
Stop feeling like you're at the mercy of others just because they're labeled as "industry professionals."
Here's the truth: If construction was really that complicated, Uncle Lenny wouldn't be rolling up in his Lambo to collect a paycheck for a job his 22-year-old nephew and his friends just finished in your home.
Yes, I mean lifetime—for as long as you need it. You'll never have to worry about losing access to Renovation Planning Academy, whether you decide to pause your renovation for a few years or plan multiple projects in the future.
And don't worry about outdated info—RPA includes automatic updates to keep pace with new technologies, industry trends, and code changes. You can trust that RPA will always be up-to-date, so you're never left behind.
"Initial quotes I received (before I found RPA) were nearly $100k! After working through the process and using the templates, I was able to get exactly what I wanted for a fraction of those original estimates."
- Kim O.
I know that this course is jam packed with insider knowledge that may seem daunting from time to time.
And Yes, you're going to need to dedicate some time and attention to implementing the planning techniques outlined in Renovation Planning Academy.
And Yes, you may feel like you've bitten off more than you care to digest.
But here's the thing...As long as you're willing to invest a few hours every week and reach out for help every time you get stuck, you can absolutely do this.
You probably already know that nothing of value is free. You either need to pay with your money or your time. Renovation Planning Academy gives you the roadmap that allows you to make a relatively small financial spend in order to make a larger investment through your effort.
If you're reading this, I know you're ready to put in that effort (to save thousands of dollars) to enjoy that dream home you never want to leave. I know you're ready to dedicate a little bit of time each day to your biggest financial asset so that you can get closer and closer to having that bright, safe, warm sanctuary for you and your family.
And that's my big promise to you. You'll never waste your time or energy, and you'll always feel like EVERYTHING you're doing inside Renovation Planning Academy is bringing you one step closer to having your dream home and all the fulfilment it provides.
You don't NEED to, but I would be remiss if I didn't highly recommend the full trainings inside SketchUp for Renovators. You're getting SketchUp 2D as a bonus inside RPA, but SketchUp 3D will show you how to turn your 2D layouts into detailed 3D renders, which I think is really important for validating your design choices. The third mini-course is SketchUp Documents, which translates your 2D and 3D models into professional documentation for the contractors and trades. It includes templates and fancy ways to demonstrate lighting and electrical plans, cabinetry specs, etc.
SketchUp for Renovators teaches you how to complete these tasks efficiently, or I can complete them for you. You can explore these options on this Services page.
Absolutely not. Renovation Planning Academy teaches regular people who are not in the renovation industry to think like a project manager, contractor, tradesperson, and interior designer so that you can complete the necessary tasks with ease.
Oh yeah! When you first sign up, you'll have immediate access to the SketchUp 2D mini course where you can learn the ins and outs of this incredible tool for designing your 2D layouts. You'll also have access to the entire Renovation Planning Academy course and bonuses right on day 1.
You will have access to the modules, lessons, worksheets, and all the bonuses for life, so you never have to worry about not moving fast enough, or taking a break if you need to.
You can work at your own pace or come back to the lessons a year from now and pick up where you left off. There is no pressure to make progress or even finish, even though I will be encouraging you to dive in and continue with the program. I can't help it—I just really want you to have that dream home and all the functionality that only you can define.
Also, as I make updates and improvements to Renovation Planning Academy over time, you automatically get access to all of the new content—for free! And even as the course price goes up, you will never pay more.
There is no benefit to waiting until later. These bonuses will disappear, and I will hate to see you kicking yourself for not enrolling while you had the chance.
This is an "independent study" program in order to keep the cost super low for you. As a result, access to me is not included. However, if you need extra help, I have coaching programs and other services to keep you from getting stuck and help move you forward. Email me with questions at help@barncatreno.com.
Let's be honest...how many times have you ended up disappointed when you rely on someone else to do an important task and it's just not done right (if it gets done at all). Even when money is on the line and you're paying someone to do a service, how often do you find yourself making the follow-up calls and chasing them down when they just don't call you back? It's incredibly frustrating and disheartening to realize that other people will just never care about your project as much as you do.
The renovation industry is no different. Interior Designers, Architects, Contractors, Design-Build companies... these are all just people with jobs, being paid flat fees in exchange for a task. They will never pay as much attention to detail or give your home as much considerate thought as you will. They want the job to be done, but only you want the job to be perfect.
We both know you're ready for this. And that you won't stop until it's done right. Renovation Planning Academy is how you make that happen.
By now, you understand that you can pay for something with your time, or with your energy & effort. And you're the type of person that understands how far a dollar needs to stretch, so you're not about to throw tens of thousands of them away on something that you could do yourself with the right guidance. You're ready to roll up your sleeves.
Renovation Planning Academy is a valuable investment, both in your largest asset and in yourself. You should be able to feel confident and empowered when it comes to your home and be able to talk about it—and all its parts—with ease. You master every other part of your life, so your home (your biggest financial investment and source of safety and security for your kids) should be your next new area of expertise.
You're already passionate about renovations and design, and this is the guide you need to channel that passion in the right direction.
You've heard enough horror stories about renovations going terribly wrong because people don't plan them properly—or at all. You also know how expensive it is to make changes AFTER you're done the construction to fix things you should have planned properly the first time.
Imagine this one scenario that is incredibly common: Against your better judgement, you don't accept my offer to join Renovation Planning Academy. You assume that your contractor or electrician will advise you on what pot lights to install throughout your main floor, so you don't think to inquire or learn about them. Of course they use the cheap ones that are quick and easy to install but have no light tone variation and give off incredible glare so you don't even like to turn them on. After several months, you finally decide to swap them out for better quality ones.
You did the math and realize that $2,560 is WAY more than the cost of Renovation Planning Academy.
Money goes out the door quickly in the world of renovations—today more than ever.
You cannot afford to make mistakes in your renovation. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make the right decisions from the start.
You'd expect this type of step-by-step implementation program to sell for nearly FOUR TIMES the investment.
And if you paid someone else to do the work I teach you to do in this course, you'd need to pay closer to TWENTY TIMES the investment. You're a little shocked that the core Renovation Planning Academy program comes in at just this introductory investment.
Along with the stack of special launch bonuses, you're totally unwilling to let this opportunity slip—and even MORE unwilling to let a countdown timer get to decide what the next few months looks like for you.
If any of these motivating factors had you nodding your head, I borderline insist that you start your Renovation Planning today with RPA.
I've experienced first hand what it feels like to take control over my renovation and find the solutions that bring clarity and simplicity.
More than anything else, I want to share that with you today.
If you're a die-hard design fan, prudent money-saver, or just dreaming of the day you can bring over your friends and family to entertain in your home with confidence, you owe it to yourself to at least take a risk-free plunge to see just how straight-forward the process really is.
I want you to experience the joys of living your best life in your biggest financial asset that you personally designed and customized for your own needs and lifestyle.
Should you choose to accept my invitation, I guarantee that this course will be completely and utterly life changing. Get ready to become a massive renovation success story that will have everyone hoping that you'll be hosting the next holiday gathering.
I look forward to meeting you inside Renovation Planning Academy.
All my positivity,
Karen McMillan
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See you inside!
- Karen
