Judith Leary-Joyce

At a time when energy prices are unpredictable and climate resilience is a growing concern, homeowners are seeking trusted, transparent guidance more than ever before. Judith meets this need with clarity and empathy whilst also addressing the confusion and mistrust that often accompanies home improvement projects.

Judith Leary-Joyce, known to her family as “Instagran,” has become an unexpected online force for sustainable living, growing from 300 to over 175,000 Instagram followers in under two years. At 76, she sees this work as her legacy for her grandchildren and future generations. Through @ecorenovationhome and her YouTube channel she shares clear, practical insights on insulation materials, emerging building technologies, and the enduring wisdom of traditional methods for keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.

Her first book, Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation, was inspired by the deep retrofit of her 1901 Victorian home, which cut energy use by 75% and significantly increased its value. A TEDx speaker on how homeowners and builders can help save the planet, she continues to champion accessible, actionable knowledge for anyone seeking a more sustainable home.

Explaining every energy efficiency concept in her down-to-earth manner, the author helps readers understand what truly matters when improving insulation, managing ventilation, choosing sustainable heating systems, and creating a healthier indoor environment for the long term. This new book continues the author’s mission to support the growing community of homeowners committed to creating homes that are beautiful to live in, economical to run, and resilient for decades to come. What the Builder Won’t Tell You stands as an essential, timely, and empowering contribution to the ongoing retrofit revolution and has already been featured in The Sunday Times.

Judith is keen that homeowners take control of your home improvement journey by understanding the key elements of successful retrofits, from insulation to ventilation to sustainable heating and how to collaborate effectively with professionals and ensure you get the quality and comfort you deserve. This is not an areas widely understood by builders, so it's down to homeowners to get the homes they want and need for the future.

Judith's mission is to inform anyone who wants to future proof their home and encourage those who only now know this can be done.

Author Judith Leary Joyce says: “I’ve worried about climate for as long as I can remember. Acid rain, a hole in the ozone layer, nuclear waste….. you name it, I’ve been concerned. And don’t get me onto the endless battle with plastic. The reason for my concern has always been family – my own and yours. I have two fantastic daughters, three amazing grandkids, two cuddly grand-dogs, plus a remarkable husband of 40+ years. We’ve been through life’s challenges in glorious technicolour, but always done it together, learning loads along the way. When it came to transforming our home: I needed a book that didn’t exist, so I wrote it. I didn’t understand retrofit, so I learned. I didn’t know others who were as concerned, so I found them. It’s been the best journey, shifting my focus from leadership development to insulation – not to mention a lot of fun! As a self-proclaimed building bore, I love talking about and hearing about retrofit stories, so do let me know how you’re getting on. Let’s work together to get the word out and make a real difference for all those little people to come.”

Judith has been featured in:

The Times: https://bit.ly/4u3q2oq

The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/35051795/solar-panels-energy-bills/

Daily Express: https://bit.ly/4aEPtUg

The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/victorian-marmite-b2885483.html

Everything Electric Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CvilBdkXMg

BBC You and Yours: bbc.in/4gy3HIJ

TEDx Talk: https://bit.ly/47gctpQ

BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c897x4g21j2o