Eco Renovation Home - Judith Leary-Joyce

26/01/2026

My husband built me a soundproof box in the loft and no - it's not why you think - he's not planning to leave me up there.

i'm recording an audio book of What the Builder Won't Tell You. So i'll just go up there day after day for the next few weeks, turn on my smart new mic, pull down the duvet and talk to myself.

If you love an audio book, encourage me! And if you've ever done this and have tips for me, pop them in the comments.

And if you're thinking, 'I need to understand more about this renovation stuff and making home energy efficient before I make mistakes I might regret', comment Builder for a sample chapter of the book.

24/01/2026

Met with Sir Keir Starmer last week to talk about the Warm Homes Plan and how we can make our homes energy efficient.

He was thrilled to hear that we've done a retrofit with amazing results. "You're the evidence" he told me.

The government are putting loads of money behind this plan to make more homes energy efficient:

People in social housing - 5 million households will get grants to do what's needed.
Private tenants - private landlords given financial help and new regulations adhere to so they improve their properties
Homeowners - low interest or no interest loans to undertake energy efficiency work on your home

Plus the £7,500 grant to anyone installing a heat pump remains.
Stay tuned for what else the PM had to say.

And if this makes you think, 'I need to know more about this retrofit stuff' take a look at What the Builder Won't Tell You. Amazon and on order from bookshops.

19/01/2026

Clay plaster in your bathroom will manage moisture for you.

It’s hydroscopic which means it absorbs and releases moisture from the air giving you a steady rate of humidity.

Ideal for those with asthma who get triggered by high humidity

Perfect in bathrooms with cold spots that lead to condensation and mould.

If you’re working on the bathroom don’t do anything else until you’ve looked into clay plaster as an option.

If this makes you think: I need to understand more about my home and renovation before making decisions I can’t change’ go take a look at What the Builder Won’t Tell You. Order from Amazon or through your local bookshop. # energyefficient

15/01/2026

You've been told that heat pumps don't work when it's really cold - so here's the truth.

They've been used in Norway since the early 70's and they have temperatures down to -30C. I know I've been there and experienced it first hand! But inside is always warm.

The rest of Scandinavia are also very familiar with heat pumps and the number of installations are growing. So if they work there, they will certainly work here.

Everyone I know that has one is really pleased with it and paying lower bills. Including myself - we've never been so warm in our Victorian home.

True - it's needs a change in mindset - and many of us don't like change. But this one is worth the effort.

So do your research and don't be put off by the doom sayers. They may stop you making the best decision of your life.

And if this isn't enough, take a look at What the Builder Won't Tell You (Amazon and on order from bookshops)

01/01/2026

Imagine it's this time next year and you're in the midst of a cold winter. But this winter is different:

- you have low energy bills - 75% lower than the year before
- you are warm and cosy for the first time, with no idea of what the weather is like outside
- you've discovered your house is worth a load more money

And all because you decided - on Dec 31st 2025 - to retrofit your home and make it energy efficient.

Yes it was a challenge but you didn't have to do it alone. All the help you needed was out there.

You bought a copy of What the Builder Won't Tell You from Amazon (or maybe you ordered it from your local bookshop) which gave you loads of really useful information about the process, including how to find a good builder and how to manage them through the process.

It was all to go for - and you went! And now on Dec 31st 2026 you are delighted and just a little bit smug 😏

Happy New Year!

31/12/2025

Who needs energy guzzling concrete when you can build foundations and floors with recycled foam glass aggregate?

It’s made from old glass bottles and is perfect for saving energy. It provides insulation to floors slabs and it’s eco friendly.

Foam glass is light, easy to install, strong, drains well and is fire resistant.

Not to mention fascinating to watch, when streaming out of a massive bag 😅

04/02/2025

Would you use sustainable materials in your home?

They are good for the home and the planet so always worth checking out. These are some that we used:

Diathonite - a thermal plaster that can be applied to any thickness, inside or outside the house.
Sheep's wool - a great alternative for the loft
Rigid wood fibre - perfect for internal wall insulation

Which would you use in your home? Drop a comment below!

03/02/2025

Snowdrops are pushing up and birds are singing, but the energy bills are still 'winter high'. Now is the time to start planning for next winter with improved energy efficiency.

https://ecorenovationhome.com/how-to-retrofit-a-home-for-energy-efficiency/

How to retrofit a home for energy efficiency, insulation, energy saving, renovation, home improvement, zero carbon

27/01/2025

Would you employ a female builder? Would you prefer a woman builder?

Women in Construction has just completed a first boot camp training women in the crafts of retrofit. Insulation, lime plaster, sustainable materials.

I think it’s great news. What do you think?

Thanks to Barrow Training Partnership and In Cumbria

24/01/2025

Fabulous evening with . Great craic and good advice, not to mention delicious cake!

Who said vegan food isn’t tasty 🌱🥑🍍🍓

20/12/2024

🌍 Ready to live greener? 🌱

Join us for Living the Green Life – an interactive event to share ideas, celebrate wins, and tackle challenges while creating real plans for climate action!

🗓 Jan 20, 2025 | 7-10 PM
📍 Quaker Meeting House, Harpenden
🎟 Tickets? Link in bio!

Let’s connect, inspire, and ACT. 🌿