What the Builder Won’t Tell You
The essential homeowner’s guide to an energy efficient, healthy home.
A warmer, healthier, more comfortable home is possible, but most people don’t get the information they need to do it well. This book gives you the insider knowledge builders rarely share, so you can ask the right questions, avoid expensive mistakes, and get the home you actually want.
Available from Amazon and all good bookshops.
What you’ll get from the book
A practical guide you can actually use
If you’re renovating, extending, or retrofitting, you’ll learn what matters most for comfort and performance, not just how your home looks.
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In this book you’ll learn how to:
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Understand what an energy-efficient home really does (warm in winter, cool in summer, better air quality)
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Spot the risks that cause condensation, mould and indoor pollution
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Make smart choices on insulation, airtightness, ventilation and heating
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Navigate quotes, budgets and contracts with confidence
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Work better with builders and trades so you get the quality you’re paying for
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Ask for natural, breathable materials and avoid “standard defaults” that can backfire in older homes
“This book made me see renovation differently, sustainable design isn’t a compromise, it’s an upgrade.”
Josie Gibson, TV Personality
Judith Leary-Joyce
Why I wrote this book
I’ve lived in a Victorian end-of-terrace for nearly 50 years. After building an eco-designed extension, we realised how pointless it was to add one high-performance room to the back of a leaky house, so we committed to retrofitting the whole home.
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The results were dramatic:
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Energy use reduced by around 75%
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EPC improved from D to B
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Comfort transformed (goodbye to the “indoor scarf”)
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Long-term value increased
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That journey taught me what homeowners really need: balanced, practical information, not horror stories or vague optimism. This book is the guide I wish we’d had at the start.
FAQ
Is this book for older homes or newer homes?
Both. It’s especially useful for older, leakier homes, but the principles apply to any property.
Is it a technical manual?
No. It’s plain-English guidance to help you make good decisions and work well with professionals.
I’m just planning a renovation, not a full retrofit. Is it still relevant?
Yes. Many decisions you make during renovations affect comfort, health, bills, and future retrofit potential.
Does it cover heat pumps and ventilation?
Yes, including common misconceptions and what to ask installers.
I’m worried I’ll make expensive mistakes.
Reader Reviews
Take charge of your home’s future
Retrofit is a big journey, but it’s manageable when you know what’s likely to happen and what good looks like. This book gives you the clarity and confidence to get better outcomes for your home, your budget, and your wellbeing.
Available from Amazon and all good bookshops.