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

Mould growth releases harmful spores into the air

How to remove mould from fabric in 9 steps

By Sam Webb published

We asked the experts for the best products and methods to removing the worse mould stains from fabric. Here is what they said in an easy to follow step-by-step guide

A macerator toilet in a bathroom with grey wall

What is a macerator toilet and are they a good option for your project?

By Sam Webb published

Macerator toilets can be a solution when you don't have the required "fall" for a soil pipe to install a regular toilet. Here we look at how they work and whether they are a good idea

The ruins of the castle overlook the village of Wigmore

You can buy a castle for £500,000 with its own jousting field and a moat — dating back to William the Conqueror

By Sam Webb published

Wigmore Castle was established in 1067 and was a major centre of power for over 500 years, and now you can be the owner of it

Permeable paving takes many forms

What is permeable paving and how does it improve SuDS on patios and driveways?

By Sam Webb published

Sustainable drainage systems are set to become more important focus in our homes due to a change in the law from next year. Here we look at permeable paving

contemporary two storey extension

A loft conversion or extension can add the most value — but what offers the least?

By Sam Webb published

Different ways of investing in your home yield varying returns and we look at what kind of work to your home can add the most value to your house

There is no single ‘best’ alternative for an oil boiler

What will replace oil boilers in 2035? Oil boiler alternatives explained

By Sam Webb published

A proposed government ban on oil boilers from 2035 could force millions of homeowners to seek alternative heating systems for their houses. Here we look at all the options

Flooding is becoming more frequent in the UK

SuDS to become mandatory in homes from next year

By Sam Webb published

Sustainable drainage systems that help control surface water will become mandatory next year in an effort to tackle rising flood levels

An overhead shot of the property shows a small driveway and large back garden

Private road owner seeks court order to stop couple’s building project on £1.5m home by withdrawing their access

By Sam Webb published

The couple want to build a second home on their plot and gained permission to do this, but neighbours have opened an injunction to stop materials being brought to the site

A mock up of Wheatley House shows a house on a hill surrounded by forestry

Family home with 'living roof' given planning under Paragraph 80 — despite owner being warned she'd 'never succeed'

By Sam Webb published

Self build family home, reflecting the highest standards in architecture and innovative designs, was approved after initial rejection due to Paragraph 80(e) clause of planning regulations

Finding the type of insulation needed requires research

What is mineral wool insulation and what are the benefits?

By Sam Webb published

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing insulation for your home. Here we look at mineral wool and ask an expert to explain all the benefits

Aultmore House is situated on 24 acres of land

Take a look inside Bob Dylan’s 16-bedroom period mansion in the Scottish Highlands as it goes on sale for £3million

By Sam Webb published

The folk icon bought the stunning 24-acre period property in 2006 for a reported £2.26m but is now looking to sell the home in Cairngorms National Park

Two elderly people sitting with a blanket by a heater

Energy companies announce billions in profits after 'cost of living crisis' saw households unable to afford heating

By Sam Webb published

Eon, Scottish Power, and EDF announce record profits in the first half of 2023 as millions of UK households continue to stay in fuel poverty

The property features five double bedrooms

Rick Astley's former childhood home has gone on sale for £360,000

By Sam Webb published

The pop star grew up in the village of Newton-le-Willows but his modest former family home is now up for sale

A cellular tower overlooking towers

Could a 5G mast devalue your home? Proposals for 50ft-high 5G masts leave homeowners fearing house price drop

By Sam Webb published

Can a 5G mast close to your home affect its market value? We answer your concerns over the towers

A river in front of a countryside cottage with a bridge in the foreground

What are SuDS? Everything you need to know about sustainable drainage systems

By Sam Webb published

SuDS will become a legal requirement next year. Here's our guide on what SuDS are as well as the examples of SuDS you can start incorporating into your home

A Grohe rimless wall hung toilet with white tiled backdrop

What is a rimless toilet? Why they can be more hygienic and quieter

By Sam Webb published

Rimless toilets are touted as more efficient, hygienic, and quieter than traditional designs. Here we explain why as well as how they are different to other toilet styles

A Hive security doorbell camera

These Hive smart devices will stop working after Centrica ends product lines

By Sam Webb published

The company say they have stopped a number of their Hive products to focus on eco-friendly devices such as air source heat pumps as part of their "big plans to make Britain’s homes greener"

An overhead shot of Ed Sheeran's Suffolk home shows large green plots next to his house

Ed Sheeran builds his own chapel with underground crypt 'as part of Sheeranville'

By Sam Webb published

The singer has had plans to create a private chapel on his Suffolk estate approved, which he says he plans to use for social gatherings and religious ceremonies for "people from around the world"

Japanese knotweed

How you could be fined £5,000 or imprisoned over Japanese knotweed

By Sam Webb published

If you have the invasive plant species you can face civil or legal action if you do not deal with it properly. Here we show you how to avoid these penalties for Japanese knotweed

A walkway leading up to a brick house with large windows and hot tub and stone wall in front

Stunning home built into a steep cliff edge and designed to withstand 96mph winds

By Sam Webb published

The cliffside property in Cornwall needed specific materials and design in order to be built into a steep cliffside edge and so it could withstand the harsh seaside elements

A man emptying a cesspit

What is a cesspit and are they still legal?

By Sam Webb published

Cesspits are a simple drainage solution but there is a fair bit you need to know if you're thinking of installing one in your garden — including whether they are still legal

Neighbours are objecting to plans for a helipad

Homeowner sparks planning row at £1.3m home over helipad in his back garden

By Sam Webb published

A top lawyer says he needs clients to be able to fly in to see him with "unrestricted access", but neighbours object to the plans claiming it would have a detrimental effect on the wildlife

Blue Flame Of Gas Stove Burner

British Gas announces £969million profit — almost £900m more than last year

By Sam Webb published

Record profits follow energy price hikes last winter, that sparked fuel poverty across the UK and left millions shivering in their homes

Simon Cowell's mansion in west London's Holland Park

Simon Cowell sells his multimillion-pound mega mansion in Holland Park

By Sam Webb published

The music and TV executive suffered multiple intrusions at his West London home, forcing him to sell up amid concerns over his and his family's well-being

Kevin (right) with Tom and Nigel (centre), as well as installers Ben and Jamie (left)

Watch: Kevin McCloud visits converted boat house where owners claim heat pump has cut their energy bills in half

By Sam Webb published

The Grand Designs presenter speaks to the owners of an old thatched, coastal boat house, who say their newly-installed heat pump saves them money and works perfectly despite being exposed to the salty sea air

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