Articles by: Sam Webb | Homebuilding

Sam is based in Coventry and has been a news reporter for nearly 20 years. His work has featured in the Mirror, The Sun, MailOnline, the Independent, and 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, he converted a van into a mini-camper and is currently planning to convert his shed into an office and Star Wars shrine.

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What is the cost of artificial grass? Types and cheapest options

BySam Webbpublished20 March 23

Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a contractor, here's a guide on the costs you can expect

Many homeowners opt for artifical grass because of the way it looks

How to lay artificial grass: A step-by-step guide

BySam Webbpublished19 March 23

There is a lot to take into account when laying an artificial lawn but the result will be the ultimate low-maintenance garden. Here's our expert guide on how to do it

Mulching on a rose bed with rose bushes growing out of it

What is mulching? How mulch makes plants healthier and helps save water

BySam Webbpublished18 March 23

Mulching is great for your plants and garden. Here's everything you need to know, including the different types of mulch, how to do it and how it can save water in the summer months

Moss being held in a hand with a scarify rake nearby

Extreme moss growth warning for gardeners

BySam Webbpublished17 March 23

Moss is thriving with the current weather conditions, leaving gardeners scrabbling to protect their grass health

Immigration rules to be relaxed to ease skills shortages for builders

BySam Webbpublished16 March 23

The government has changed the rules to help construction firms struggling to meet post-pandemic demand

stone barn with tesla powerwall on exterior wall with view of garden

可以看到存储电池突破达到1200 Wh/kg — four times existing capacity

BySam Webbpublished13 March 23

The new technology has the potential to tackle one of renewable energy's biggest hurdles

It is not known how long the property has been empty for

Britain's most expensive doer-upper? Derelict mansion on sale for £22 million

BySam Webbpublished12 March 23

The dilapidated property sits in one of the most exclusive postcodes in Britain and comes with a large garden

Too mucb thatch can severely hamper the lawn's health

How to scarify a lawn using a leaf rake —plus petrol or electric scarifier methods

BySam Webbpublished11 March 23

Scarifying can help rejuvenate your lawn by removing excess organic matter. Here's our easy guide on how to do it

Government hands out additional £14 million for heat pump scheme

BySam Webbpublished10 March 23

The government has added another £14 million worth of funding to the controversial Boiler Upgrade Scheme despite calls for it to be scrapped

EPC ratings shown to be 'staggeringly inaccurate' by report

BySam Webbpublished9 March 23

Some energy experts have urged a note of caution over writing off EPCs completely

UPVC doors can be adjusted to tighten the seal

Do uPVC doors really have a winter and summer setting for draughts?

BySam Webbpublished5 March 23

A TikTok video showing how to adjust a uPVC door on a DIY basis has gone viral. But is it accurate — do uPVC have settings to help prevent draughts?

Family stood in front of newly 'barbie' renovated house

Cottage given 'Barbie makeover' with candyfloss kitchen and pink interiors

BySam Webbpublished4 March 23

Assault on the senses or a cosy and vibrant masterpiece? You decide! The influencer behind this transformation has turned her passion for colour into a new career

A loft conversion can add 'wow' factor to a home

How much value does a loft conversion add — plus room types that add the most value

BySam Webbpublished1 March 23

Loft conversions can transform a property's value if done right. But how do you achieve that and what kind of rooms in a loft conversion add the most value?

A black plastic septic tank partially concealed with soil

What is a septic tank and is one worth installing?

BySam Webbpublished28 February 23

Remote or rural properties are more likely to need a septic tank. Here's our guide on what they are and whether one is a sensible option for your build

A heat pump outside a brick house with a fake plastic plant beside it

Calls for 'immoral' heat pump scheme to be scrapped amid 'disappointingly low' uptake

BySam Webbpublished27 February 23

能源贸易机构的负责人称为锅炉Upgrade Scheme a “sick dog that needs to be put down” after government inquiry found it to be "seriously failing"

The exposed foundations of the West's home

Couple claim builder damaged foundations of their home while building a patio

BySam Webbpublished25 February 23

The builder who undertook the work on the home in Kent claims the circumstances were beyond his control

Highest number of renewables installed in UK homes since 2015

BySam Webbpublished24 February 23

The installation of renewables in the UK appears to be picking up pace with a record number of installations last year

Mr Britez's property (left) in south London

Apprentice star in £200k legal battle after neighbour falls into hole dug to fix damp

BySam Webbpublished24 February 23

Estate agent Alexander Britez was "fired" from the seventh series of the hit show

Octopus Energy Trains Heat-Pump Installation Teams At Facility In Slough

Glitch in energy bills gives thousands of Octopus customers almost-free gas

BySam Webbpublished23 February 23

A data problem means some customers have been given an accidental 99.9% discount on their gas bill — and they won't have to pay the money back

These ceramic pantiles double up as solar panels

BySam Webbpublished21 February 23

Solar panels can be an ugly addition to a roof but these ceramic pantiles with solar technology hidden inside could change everything ⁠— opening up possibilities for historic buildings too

Moss can affect the overall health of your lawn. File picture

Best way to kill moss in lawn? How to get rid of moss without killing your grass

BySam Webbpublished20 February 23

Is 'moss killer' the way to go or are more natural methods the optimal technique? We explore all the options

Scott Baggaley seen to the right and his new first floor brick extension to the left

'I saved £35,000 building my extension using YouTube tutorials'

BySam Webbpublished19 February 23

Scott Baggaley, 30, explains how he did it, saying: "You need to be mentally prepared, it’s going to take everything you have got!"

Homeowner wins £300k court battle against local council over Japanese knotweed

BySam Webbpublished18 February 23

Another homeowner has won a court case over Japanese knotweed, costing a local council £300,000 in legal fees

The UK Government released their official Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) statistics

How the government made billions from stamp duty last year

BySam Webbpublished17 February 23

Are we paying too much for stamp duty? After raking in a record £14 billion last year, we look at what the experts have to say and whether the system is still fit for purpose

Octopus designs and manufactures heat pumps

Heat pump price war as heat pump goes on sale for SAME price as gas boiler

BySam Webbpublished16 February 23

Octopus Energy is offering a heat pump plus installation for as little as £2,500 — the cheapest rate we've seen so far. Here's how to get one

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