
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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How much does loft insulation cost?
This is what you can expect to pay, but the factors that can influence what you should budget
By Sarah Handley
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5 methods I’ve honed over 5 years to keep warm while working from home
And it means I don't need the heating on all day long
By Sarah Handley
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I tested Hoover’s new cordless vacuum cleaner – it has ideal features you’ll *actually* use and a game-changing attachment for pet owners
I put this vacuum through its paces, with the help of my cockapoo puppy, to see if it's worth your money
By Sarah Handley
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7 ways you've been using your thermostat wrong
These thermostat mistakes are costing you money, according to the pros
By Sarah Handley
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How many hours a day should your heating be on right now?
I asked the pros for a heating schedule that hits the sweet spot between warmth and efficiency
By Sarah Handley
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Best electric heaters, tried and tested
These 8 buys are my top picks for heating the room you’re in
By Sarah Handley
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My mum has always hated the draughty door between her kitchen and garage
This £20 solution might not look pretty but it worked instantly
By Sarah Handley
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How to get your roof and loft insulation right
It'll ensure your home stays warm and energy efficient all winter long
By Sarah Handley
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I've been following Martin Lewis' 'tactical' 4pm rule for years
It means I never have to turn my heating on for a sneaky extra hour in the evening
By Sarah Handley
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4 inexpensive and non-permanent ways to insulate a draughty window
Including one I swear by year-round
By Sarah Handley
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IKEA is selling heat pumps now and I am here for it
This is everything you need to know about the eco-friendly offering
By Sarah Handley
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This is the easy heating trick that I'm using to keep my home damp and mould-free this winter
This expert-approved (and super-easy) thermostat hack will keep moisture damage at bay
By Sarah Handley
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Winter is coming! Don’t waste your money insulating these spots
Experts reveal the solutions to try instead that'll keep damp and mould at bay
By Sarah Handley
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This is how long insulation lasts and how often it should be replaced, according to the pros
Plus, the factors that will drastically shorten its lifespan revealed
By Sarah Handley
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How to remove old insulation – this is the most effective and safest way to get rid of damaged insulation, according to the pros
It can be trickier and more dangerous than you think
By Sarah Handley
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What's in insulation and why does it matter?
Experts explain the different types of insulation and their pros and cons
By Sarah Handley
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How much loft insulation do you need and how thick should it be?
Adequate loft insulation is essential if you want to prevent heat loss through your roof
By Sarah Handley
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Ultimate guide to underfloor heating
Pros reveal what you need to know about turning your floor into a heat emitter
By Sarah Handley
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This is how to determine what size log burner you need
Pros explain how to get the heat output right, and reveal what can happen if you get it wrong
By Sarah Handley
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3 places you should never install underfloor heating according to experts
Plus the spots where you should proceed with caution
By Sarah Handley
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What does underfloor heating run off? These are the heat source options that work, and the one that experts agree is the best
Everything you need to know
By Sarah Handley
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Ignoring log burner ventilation requirements is a huge mistake
Experts explain why it’s crucial to get it right, and the consequences if you don't
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
