
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
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I complement my heating schedule with this one thing that keeps me cosyIt beats having the heating on all day
By Sarah Handley
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Need to use your tumble dryer over Christmas? Try these energy-saving tipsIf your festive schedule means you have no choice but to use your dryer, these are the methods I swear by to keep the cost as low as possible
By Sarah Handley
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I made this one energy-saving change three years ago, and I still rave about it todayI think radiator reflectors are an utter game changer
By Sarah Handley
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Nobody told me there's a specific order your should bleed your radiators inI've been doing it wrong for years without realising, and I bet I'm not alone
By Sarah Handley
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5 ways you’re wasting energy with your Christmas decorationsLuckily these easy tweaks will fix them fast
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 homeAnd 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 ownersI 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 wrongThese 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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My mum has always hated the draughty door between her kitchen and garageThis £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 rightIt'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 yearsIt 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 windowIncluding one I swear by year-round
By Sarah Handley
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IKEA is selling heat pumps now and I am here for itThis 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 winterThis 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 spotsExperts 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 prosPlus, 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 prosIt 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 heatingPros 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 needPros 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 expertsPlus the spots where you should proceed with caution
By Sarah Handley
