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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20 home improvements you can do without planning permission
Many alterations can be done under Permitted Development
By Sarah Handley
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Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?
Make sure you know the rules before you build your conservatory
By Sarah Handley
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What is retrospective planning permission and how easy is it to get? Experts explain why it may be harder than you think
If you didn't get planning consent before starting work, you can apply for it afterwards, but it's a risky move
By Sarah Handley
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What are the building regulations and what can happen if you ignore them?
This is what the pros say
By Sarah Handley
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Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?
This is when you do and don’t need it, according to the pros
By Sarah Handley
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Is it illegal to ignore the Party Wall Act?
Experts reveal why you could be risking serious financial consequences if you do
By Sarah Handley
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8 strategic ways to get your planning application approved first-time around
Try these tactics to get your application approved by the planners
By Sarah Handley
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What is Permitted Development?
Architectural designer Charlie Luxton explains what you need to know before altering your home
By Sarah Handley
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What is planning permission and when do you actually need it?
This jargon-free guide explains what you need to know
By Sarah Handley
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Are bifold doors the right choice for your home? These patio door experts reveal all
Everything you need to know from materials and glazing to cost and configuration
By Sarah Handley
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How much does double glazing cost? Find out how much you should budget
This is everything you need to know
By Sarah Handley
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I made these two small decisions when choosing new windows, and 10 years later, I'm so glad I did
These two simple window choices made a huge difference to my home — here's why
By Sarah Handley
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I was frustrated by a lack of flow and natural light in my kitchen, but this small structural alteration has been a game changer
In hindsight, adding a new external doorway was such a worthwhile decision, I wish I'd done it sooner
By Sarah Handley
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Should you go for sliding patio doors? Everything you need to know so you don't make the wrong choice
Are they the right choice for your home?
By Sarah Handley
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13 pointless home improvements that won't add value to your house — and 6 that will
These projects might not be worth the investment if you're looking to increase your home's value
By Sarah Handley
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How much does a new front door cost? This is how much you should budget and what can drive up the price
Discover what budget you'll need for a new front door
By Sarah Handley
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What size extension can I build without planning permission? The rules you need to know
If you stick to the stringent criteria of Permitted Development, you can build an extension without planning permission
By Sarah Handley
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Replacing a front door — how to choose the right option to maximise your home’s kerb appeal
If you need to replace your front door, this guide will help you choose the option that best suits your home and your budget
By Sarah Handley
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Are metal windows right for your home? Experts explain the pros and cons you’ll need to weigh up before deciding
Metal windows can have striking visual appeal, and suit period and contemporary homes alike, but they need careful thought to ensure they are right for your home
By Sarah Handley
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Floodproofing a house — 12 things flood experts say you can do while renovating
Your home doesn't have to be in a flood zone to be at risk of water damage. Protect it with these top renovation tips
By Sarah Handley
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Is your garden room breaking the law without you realising it? Experts explain how to tell and what to do if it is
Your garden room might give you an ideal bit of extra space, but is it falling foul of rules and regulations?
By Sarah Handley
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Extension ideas for small houses — 11 clever ways to increase space in a compact home
These extension ideas can have a big impact on a small home, and make it more suitable for modern life
By Sarah Handley
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14 glass extension ideas to make your home feel brighter and more spacious
If your vision for a light, bright, sun-filled home is falling short, a glass extension could be the answer
By Sarah Handley
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Extension ideas for semi-detached houses — 10 clever options to consider
There are more options for extending a semi-detached property than you might think, as these ideas show
By Sarah Handley