
Sarah Handley
Sarah is Ideal Home’s Section Editor of the Renovation content and looks after subjects such as how to add more space to your home, what permissions you might need, and the costs you need to consider, as well as inspiring ideas to help you make your home the best it can be.
After Sarah graduated from University of Wales Aberystwyth, with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she entered the world of publishing in 2007, working as a writer and digital editor on a range of titles including Homebuilding & Renovating (where she was digital editor for three and a half years), Real Homes, Gardeningetc, GoodtoKnow, The Money Edit and more.
Sarah has worked with the Ideal Home team since November 2021, where she looked after all of the home finance content, before taking up the mantle of Section Editor for Renovation in September 2024. Sarah is slowly renovating her home and has so far ticked a kitchen revamp, new windows and external doors, and a garden makeover, off her list.
When not focusing on renovating, Sarah can be found getting opinionated about a movie or learning British Sign Language.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place? Home is my happy place. My house is filled with finds that remind me of experiences I’ve had, places I’ve been or people that I love, so it feels like a warm hug every time I step through the front door.
What’s your home addiction? I love the unexpected when it comes to decor, so I’m obsessed with quirky and eclectic finds that spark both joy and conversation. This could be anything from wall art and knick-knacks to lamps and soft furnishings. If they’re amusing too - all the better.
What’s your next home project? I’m constantly adding to my list of home improvements, but the top priorities are to decorate my bathroom (I’m keen on Valspar’s Emperor Butterfly for the walls) and change the awful black and grey flecked carpet on my stairs and landing (which I have been saying I’ll do for years, but this year I’ll definitely get round to it). Longer term, I am also really keen to replace the roof on my conservatory to make the space more usable year round.
Latest articles by Sarah Handley
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Wet vs electric underfloor heating — are you making a huge mistake fitting one over the other?
This is what the heating pros say the right choice depends on
By Sarah Handley
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3 reasons I regret not putting underfloor heating in my home office
It’s definitely moving up my priority list
By Sarah Handley
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I thought it would be a bad idea to put a log burner in a conservatory
But heating experts say it could be key to a cosy garden room in winter
By Sarah Handley
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Kitchen extensions made easy
From start to finish, this is how to turn a small, cramped kitchen into the hub of your home
By Sarah Handley
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These 7 design tricks will make a small kitchen extension feel bigger
But experts warn there are some you should definitely avoid
By Sarah Handley
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4 things I wish had been done differently in my kitchen extension
This is how I've managed to make them work
By Sarah Handley
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These 5 underfloor heating mistakes will make your system cost more to run and less efficient
No wonder experts say they should be avoided
By Sarah Handley
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How to tell if underfloor heating is a good idea in your home
Experts explain the real pros and cons all homeowners should know
By Sarah Handley
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Renovation
Everything you need to know about renovating your home — from making the most of what you already have to adding extra space when you need it. However you are transforming your home, starting a new project can be overwhelming. We have beginner guides, cost breakdowns and all the expert advice you need to renovate your home with confidence.
By Sarah Handley
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6 floorcoverings that work really well with underfloor heating
And the ones that should be avoided at all costs
By Sarah Handley
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Using air con to heat your home in winter can side step planning red tape
I’ve checked what the legislation actually says
By Sarah Handley
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I’m shocked more people haven’t heard of a contour gauge – it makes laying flooring and tiling so much easier for DIYers (and it costs less than £15)
Snap one up and thank me later
By Sarah Handley
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3 effective ways to avoid a dingy space and maximise natural light in a basement conversion
No dungeon here!
By Sarah Handley
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Tarmac driveway pros and cons revealed
My mum gave me her honest opinion after living with a tarmac driveway for more than 30 years
By Sarah Handley
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How to insulate a cold wall from the inside, and why the type of wall you have matters
Experts share options to suit a variety of budgets
By Sarah Handley
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Think air con is just for summer? Think again – it could be key to reducing your heating bills over the winter
It’s a common misconception that air con is just for summer
By Sarah Handley
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I get it, this might sound ludicrous, but there are 4 compelling reasons now is the ideal time to install air conditioning
Turns out it's not as unreasonable as it sounds
By Sarah Handley
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This £20 Amazon bestseller gives me peace of mind when hanging pictures and more
Here's why I think everyone should have one in their toolkit
By Sarah Handley
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Do you need planning permission to convert a basement?
I asked a legal expert about the complex rules
By Sarah Handley
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There's a lot to love about block paved driveways – but my best friend has one, and this is why she's rethinking her driveway design
She gave me her honest opinion on the pros and cons
By Sarah Handley
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9 game changing tools I'm adding to my renovation kit
And they’re all under £30
By Sarah Handley
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How to insulate a basement — your options explained, plus how much it’s likely to cost
Get this crucial step right with this guide
By Sarah Handley
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This is what a cavity wall actually is and how you identify one, according to the experts
I put your most asked questions to the pros
By Sarah Handley
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How to convert a basement into usable living space
It could add value to your home too
By Sarah Handley
