
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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Love the look of polished concrete flooring?
Understand the pros and cons before choosing it for your home to avoid a costly mistake
By Sarah Handley
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6 simple tricks that gave me the confidence to start renovating my home
It takes courage to get started
By Sarah Handley
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This is the weekly extension planner I'd follow if I was adding space to my home
What to expect week-by-week and the factors that can knock your build off schedule
By Sarah Handley
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Can my neighbour stop me from converting my loft?
Find out which objections have merit and how to resolve them
By Sarah Handley
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I’m a renovation expert and this is how I’d plan a loft conversion in 10 steps
Transform unused roof space into a practical room while also increasing your home's value
By Sarah Handley
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14 inspiring loft conversion ideas to help you create the ultimate attic room
Maximise space and value with a smart loft conversion
By Sarah Handley
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What do you do with stuff in your loft if you want to convert it? I’ve got 5 expert-approved solutions for you to try
If you use your loft for storage, what on earth do you do with all the stuff if you want to turn it into living space?
By Sarah Handley
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5 things I wish I’d left to the pros when renovating my house
Even as a seasoned renovator
By Sarah Handley
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How much does a porch cost?
Experts reveal a price break down to help you plan your budget
By Sarah Handley
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Is it a huge mistake to sacrifice a bedroom to create a bigger bathroom?
Experts reveal what it could do to your home’s value
By Sarah Handley
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Replacing a conservatory roof — this is how to go about it
It could be key to making the room usable year-round
By Sarah Handley
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Is triple glazing worth it?
Experts explain when the added cost is worthwhile, and when it isn’t
By Sarah Handley
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I wasted £3,000 trying to make my old conservatory usable
This is what I wish I'd done instead
By Sarah Handley
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How to create a garden room
Create a garden room that complements your home perfectly with this advice from the pros
By Sarah Handley
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How to add a conservatory and make the most of the additional space
These pros share their top tips
By Sarah Handley
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Is it a huge mistake to sacrifice part of your garden for an extension?
I asked the pros for their take
By Sarah Handley
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How to choose the right conservatory
Experts reveal the 10 key decisions you’ll need to make
By Sarah Handley
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Do you need planning permission for a garden room?
Make sure you check what consent you need before you add a room in your garden
By Sarah Handley
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How much does a conservatory cost?
These are the average prices and the factors that affect them, according to the pros
By Sarah Handley
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Planning a kitchen extension? Avoid project overwhelm by following these 11 straightforward steps
If you're dreaming of a bigger kitchen, follow our guide
By Sarah Handley
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How much does a kitchen extension cost and is it actually worth it?
These design pros weigh in on what you could pay
By Sarah Handley
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5 reasons to add a rooflight to your kitchen extension
It could be the best decision you ever make
By Sarah Handley
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Do you need planning permission for a porch?
Make sure you check whether your porch needs planning consent before you start the installation
By Sarah Handley
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These are the 7 huge mistakes to avoid if you want to nail your kitchen extension on a budget, from dodgy DIY to no contingency fund
Use your budget wisely
By Sarah Handley