Sarah Handley
Sarah is Ideal Home’s Renovation and Home Energy Editor 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 how you can make your home more energy efficient.
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
-
Can you put a rug over underfloor heating? Experts warn it needs more thought than you thinkIt turns out you can put a rug over underfloor heating, but most people pick the wrong one — this is what the pros say to do instead
By Sarah Handley
-
I’m closing my curtains early to save energy — this impacts how well the hack worksThis is a tried and true hack, but it's not always equally effective. I've found out why
By Sarah Handley
-
Love the idea of a log burner, but don’t have a chimney? All may not be lostHere’s how you can still have a log burner in your home, plus the alternatives that may suit you better
By Sarah Handley
-
Around 34,000 homes could be left without heating or hot water over the coming days5 ways to make sure you're not one of them
By Sarah Handley
-
I always thought oil-filled radiators looked dated, but this one definitely bucks the trendI've been using the Morphy Richards HeatFlux 2.5kW digital oil-filled radiator in my own home for the last two weeks, but is it worth your money?
By Sarah Handley
-
What is the cheapest electric heater to run? I compare the running costs of top-rated heatersAnd reveal the other key factors to consider for an efficient appliance
By Sarah Handley
-
Octopus launches £500 air con add-on for its heat pumps — but is it really that affordable?It might seem more affordable than fitting air con, but there's one main caveat to bear in mind
By Sarah Handley
-
Should your heating be on or off when you bleed radiators? How to nail this crucial stepExperts explain the right heat setting and timeframe for this easy heating maintenance
By Sarah Handley
-
I struggle to heat my open-plan kitchen, but this oil-filled radiator is a game changerPowerful heat output at an affordable price point
By Sarah Handley
-
RenovationEverything 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
-
It turns out this heated seat cushion is the solution to my chilly home office woesAnd it won’t send my energy bills soaring
By Sarah Handley
-
3 reasons you should be shopping for a portable air conditioner right nowAnd no, you won't have to wait until summer to use it
By Sarah Handley
-
This is the only home appliance I swear by when it’s cold one minute then hot the nextThese models will be useful year-round
By Sarah Handley
-
Should you bleed upstairs or downstairs radiators first? I asked the pros for the definitive answerThis is exactly where you should start
By Sarah Handley
-
6 best oil-filled radiators to boost your cosiness when temperatures dropTried and tested options for every budget and room size
By Sarah Handley
-
I dreaded chilly mornings until I popped this electric heater on my bedside tableIt’s compact, quiet, and heats up instantly
By Sarah Handley
-
I want plug-in solar panels, but this crucial factor means it will be harder than I thoughtThis simple check highlighted that I'd need to make significant changes before I could use plug-in solar panels at home
By Sarah Handley
-
Can my neighbour object to me installing a heat pump? They can if you break these rulesFollow the guidance and communicate clearly with your neighbour to avoid potential conflict
By Sarah Handley
-
Best electric heaters, tried and testedThese 6 buys are my top picks for heating the room you’re in
By Sarah Handley
-
6 household appliances you can power with a plug-in solar panel, and 5 you can'tUnderstanding how much power plug-in solar panels generate is key before you buy
By Sarah Handley
-
Can my neighbour object to me putting plug-in solar panels on a fence?Yes they can, and for 3 good reasons
By Sarah Handley
-
Where to buy plug-in solar panels — 6 retailers selling regulation-compliant kitsPrices start from £432, with delivery from five days
By Sarah Handley
-
This retro style electric heater has proved to me that these appliances can be stylishIt's under £50 too!
By Sarah Handley
-
4 reasons I’m not packing away my fan just yet — and why it’s useful all year roundTemperatures might be dropping, but I've still got plans for my fan before the year is out
By Sarah Handley
