Sam Webb

Sam Webb

Sam is based in Coventry and has been a news reporter for 20 years. He is the former deputy editor of food industry news website just-food and has covered hard news, in-depth analysis features, interviews and comment pieces on the industry. For more than two years he was a reporter for the Daily Mail Online, one of the world’s largest newspaper websites at the forefront of online journalism. He covered breaking news stories on a global scale, including the death of Margaret Thatcher and the hurricane that ravaged the East Coast of the United States.


After the Mail he moved to the Mirror.co.uk and was an integral part of the award-winning and rising news website’s successes. His freelance work has featured in news outlets throughout the world. As a copywriter, he has written for clients as diverse as Saint-Gobain, Michelin, Halfords Autocentre, Great British Heating, and Irwin Industrial Tools.


During the pandemic, Sam helped his carpenter brother renovate his home in Lincolnshire and the pair converted his van into a mini-camper. He is currently planning to convert his shed into an office and Star Wars shrine.

Latest articles by

gardener cutting the grass with an electric lawnmower

'Can I cut wet grass?' Experts respond to this commonly asked lawn care question

By Teresa Conway, Sam Webb last updated

How mowing wet grass can damage your lawn and mower, but how wet is too wet?

The family went ahead with the extension to add a fourth bedroom

Family left homeless after paying £62k to building firm that went bust

By Sam Webb published

The parents commissioned the work so their autistic daughter could have her own room

A channel drain built into a driveway

What is surface water drainage and do you need it for your driveway or patio?

By Sam Webb last updated

We ask the experts to explain surface water drainage and how it is increasingly essential to disperse water from your property

Carlisle House is believed to have been designed by John Billing

19th century Carlisle House given consent to undergo major renovations

By Sam Webb published

The Gothic Revival property is a Grade-II listed property with origins in the church

Anyone who gets a heat pump or solar system installation from Octopus can refer friends and family

Octopus launches £100 heat pump and solar referral scheme

By Sam Webb published

The energy company says it is trying to drive more householders to renewable energy

A street in Wirrall and a WW2 grenade with a pin in

Man calls bomb squad during renovation after discovering live WW2 grenade

By Sam Webb published

The homeowner initially thought the deadly weapon was a toy before realising it was real

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and his director wife, Sam

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in planning row over 'rewilding' project on his land

By Sam Webb published

The rumoured next James Bond actor started work on building a lake at their sprawling property in a bid to 'rewild' the land

The cost of damp proofing varies based on several factors

How much does damp proofing cost and what are the options?

By Sam Webb, Sarah Harley published

Damp proofing costs will likely form part of your self-build or renovation project. We explain the options and what you can expect to pay

The enforcement notice was made after the unlawful demolition of the building

Crooked House owners appeal against order to rebuild the property

By Sam Webb published

The pub, famous for its 15-degree lean, was demolished after a fire

A water boss claims customer bills must increase by 40% by 2030

Thames Water accused of 'blackmailing' customers as plans to raise bills by 40% announced

By Sam Webb published

Michael Gove has slammed the debt-laden company's proposal claiming he has 'zero sympathy' for the management of Thames Water

Tilt and turn windows on a brick house

Self build with six different window styles on its front elevation puzzles passers-by

By Sam Webb published

The new build has an unusual assortment of window types, leading to passers-by feeling unsettled when walking past

Sir Keir Starmer says the Tories have failed on energy security

How could Labour’s Energy Security Bill affect homeowners?

By Sam Webb published

Labour has committed to renewable energy and infrastructure in a bid to lower energy costs for households

Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal and Baxi, who control 90% of the market, have previously warned that costs would be passed onto consumers

Boiler manufacturers face competition inquiry over 'boiler tax' price rises

By Sam Webb published

Politicians are concerned about leading boiler companies raising prices that they call "unjustified price hikes"

The council has faced criticism over the permission to greenlight the development

Council admits it can no longer carry out planning inspections after 'losing control'

By Sam Webb published

Greenwich Council says it does not have the budget to monitor developments after permission is granted

Few builders feel comfortable advising on the installation of heat pumps

56% of builders say they don't have the knowledge to recommend heat pumps, according to E.ON

By Sam Webb published

Many builders would rather tackle conversations about material shortages and rising costs than heat pumps

Amanda, 53, and close friend Alan, 47, took on a major project in Tuscany

Alan Carr and Amanda Holden's 88p Tuscan home has gone on sale for £187,777

By Sam Webb published

The celeb pair have created a striking property with a jaw-dropping garden and views of the Italian countryside

The empty homes premium was introduced in 2013

Council tax for empty house homeowners to double at the start of April

By Sam Webb published

The new rules for empty homes could have implications for renovators with habitable homes undergoing work

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho says building new gas plants will reduce the UK's reliance on gas

Government announces plans to build new gas power stations to ‘lower energy costs’

By Sam Webb published

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the decision will help the UK reach its 2035 net zero goals in a "sustainable way"

Lord Callanan meeting at an EU conference

'Boiler tax' will go ahead despite warning of costs being passed on to consumers

By Sam Webb published

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism will go ahead next year with boiler manufacturers set to be fined if they fail to meet heat pump targets

A brick rear extension with an AstroTurf back garden

Extension built without permission to be torn down after 12-year planning battle

By Sam Webb published

The man was charged and fined for failing to comply with an enforcement notice after he repeatedly refused to remove the extension

A roof with a gap in the ceiling

Ceiling collapses onto eight year-old's bunk bed after builders abandon work on £67k loft conversion

By Sam Webb published

'It was purely by the grace of God that it was daytime and he was outside his room'

The former loo could soon be a tiny home

Room with a loo! Old public toilet to be turned into a one-bedroom home

By Sam Webb published

The owner hopes to transform the former WC and bus shelter into a one bedroom home

The enforcement notice is for the unlawful demolition of the building

Crooked House ordered to be rebuilt after enforcement action is served

By Sam Webb published

The suspected arson and subsequent demolition of the pub led to calls for greater legal protection for historic buildings

A surveyor’s report on the loft said there was a real possibility the structure could 'catastrophically collapse'

'Reckless' cowboy builder given suspended sentence over 'unsafe' loft conversion

By Sam Webb published

Each of his victims was left 'grossly' out of pocket as the builder is banned from any building work for 10 years

An exterior view of Holm Wood estate

Council says wildlife pond added to estate is 'in breach of planning permission'

By Sam Webb published

The large pond was criticised by parish councillors, who claimed it could affect biodiversity in the area

123456789Archives