
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 Sam Webb

How to clean patio slabs with or without a pressure washer to get your home ready for summer
By Teresa Conway last updated
The start of spring is the perfect time to tidy up your patio and make it look inviting

Need a soakaway for a driveway? Everything you need to know when upgrading your entrance
By Sam Webb, Sarah Harley last updated
If you're updating your entrance you may need a soakaway for a driveway. Here's how to get the size and type right to meet drainage regulations

What temperature should a fridge be? How to run your appliance more efficiently
By Joseph Mullane last updated
Fast, easy and effective ways to adjust your fridge and freezer for lower energy bills and improved efficiency all year round

Learn how to build a soakaway — an affordable and effective way to protect your home and driveway from flooding
By Teresa Conway last updated
Adding a soakaway can be essential if you are installing a driveway or trying to reduce waterlogging in your garden. Here's how to build one – plus soakaway crates you can easily buy

When is the best time to lay turf? All year round potentially — but experts share when you'll get the best results
By Teresa Conway last updated
Our guide on the best time to lay new turf after a building project as well as looking at how to prepare the soil beforehand

The best time to scarify a lawn according to experts - and why doing it too early can cause damage
By Teresa Conway last updated
For the best results for your lawn, it's essential to scarify at the optimum time

When to replace a boiler? Signs your heating system needs an upgrade
By Sam Webb published
Homeowners need to consider efficiency, cost, performance and even new laws when considering replacing a boiler

How adding these types of loft ventilation can stop condensation in your attic
By Sam Webb last updated
Unchecked damp in your loft can cause serious – and expensive – damage to the structure of your home

How long does central heating last?
By Sam Webb published
Installing central heating is a major investment and different systems are more reliable than others. Here we take a look at how long it lasts, from heat source to emitters

The Great British Insulation Scheme – could you be missing out on free insulation?
By Joseph Mullane last updated
The £1 billion scheme was been launched to help upgrade the UK's existing housing stock

How does a wind turbine work? We ask the experts
By Sam Webb published
Home builders have turned to renewable energy to keep running costs down – but is wind power a viable source?

How to scarify a lawn — experts share how to get a thicker and healthier lawn with this key garden task
By Teresa Conway, Sam Webb last updated
Scarifying can help rejuvenate your lawn by removing excess organic matter. Here's our easy guide on how to do it

Wind turbines: Pros and cons of using this renewable energy source in your project
By Sam Webb published
The effective installation of wind turbines requires careful assessment

What size does a double bedroom need to be?
By Sam Webb published
Ensuring a comfortable and accessible double bedroom is vital if you're planning a welcoming sleep space

How much space do you need for a swimming pool?
By Sam Webb published
A pool is the dream of many householders, but there are many decisions to be made about size and use before the work can begin

Octopus Energy and Aira launch heat pump tariff claimed to save up to £500 a year
By Sam Webb published
The heat pump tariff is said to be £500 cheaper than a gas boiler tariff due to a 51% discounted rate applied eight hours a day

Shed of the Year entree told he needs planning permission
By Sam Webb published
The York-based food bank shed feeds the less fortunate and public sector workers every day

The best types of paint for children’s rooms — and why
By Sam Webb published
Selecting the right paint for a child's room can make a parent's life much easier when it comes to cleaning

How to kill bamboo and stop it causing damage to your home and garden
By Teresa Conway last updated
Bamboo is attractive to look at and hardy, but can quickly overwhelm an unprepared gardener. Follow these five easy steps to keep it under control or kill it off entirely

Building industry battles to recruit candidates with vital sustainability skills
By Sam Webb published
Many industry professionals fear losing their competitive edge without trained talent

How two derelict garages were transformed into this stunning end of terrace self-build
By Sam Webb published
Innovative space-saving techniques, such as pocket doors, are used throughout

Warning over bamboo after pictures show plant growing through walls and tarmac
By Sam Webb published
Some types of bamboo are so invasive they can damage the foundations of your home

Mandatory solar panels could power an extra 1.17m homes, energy firm claims
By Sam Webb published
The research also suggests households could save an average of £600 on their annual heating bills
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