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Why Does Knocking Through a Wall Involve More Than Just Removing It?
Opening up a kitchen and dining room, connecting an extension or creating a more spacious living area can
Why Good Pre-Construction Planning Makes for a Better Build
Whether you are planning an extension, renovation, conversion or new build, the decisions made before construction begins can have a significant effect on the cost, timing and overall success of the project. Before work starts, the design should be developed sufficiently for the main elements of the project to be understood. This may involve architectural…
Can You Start a House Extension in Autumn or Winter?
Many homeowners assume that extension work has to begin in spring or summer, but that is not necessarily the case. With the right planning and an experienced team managing the work, a house extension can be started successfully during autumn or winter. In fact, beginning during the colder months can work particularly well if you…
What Can Be Hidden Behind the Walls of a Home? 
Some homes often have character that is difficult to recreate, solid walls, original features and layouts shaped by generations of use. But once renovation work begins, they can also reveal a few surprises. That does not mean renovating a property should feel worrying. It simply means that careful planning, realistic allowances and an experienced team…
What Does a Principal Contractor Do – and Does Your Building Project Need One?
Planning a renovation, extension, conversion or new build should feel exciting....
How We Work
We believe that successful projects are built on clear communication, careful planning, and quality workmanship.
Can You Live in Your House During a Renovation?
One of the first practical questions homeowners ask when planning a renovation is whether they will be able to remain in the property while the work is carried out.
Can You Build an Extension Over a Drain? What to Check Before Foundations Begin
You have found the perfect place for an extension. The plans work, the new kitchen will open onto the garden and everything appears straightforward, until somebody discovers a drain running directly underneath it.
Do You Need an Architect for an Extension? A Simple Guide to Who Does What
Planning an extension is exciting, but it can quickly raise a long list of questions. Do you need an architect? When should you contact a builder? What does a structural engineer do and who deals with planning permission and Building Regulations?
7 Things a Builder Notices at a Property Viewing That Most Buyers Miss
Viewing a potential new home is exciting. Most buyers naturally focus on the layout, the size of the rooms, the garden and whether they can picture themselves living there.
On-Call Property Support Service
Owning or managing a property often means dealing with unexpected repairs, ongoing maintenance and the challenge of finding reliable tradespeople at short notice.
How Long Does a Home Renovation Take? A Realistic Stage-by-Stage Timeline
One of the first questions we are asked is, “How long will the renovation take?”. Click to read on our answer...
What Happens Before Building Work Starts? A Simple Guide for Homeowners
Planning building work can feel exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at the beginning.
Knocking Through Internal Walls: What Needs Checking Before You Start?
Opening up two rooms can completely change how a home feels. Learn More...
How to Choose the Right Builder for Your House Extension in Devon
Planning a house extension is exciting. Whether you are planning a larger kitchen, an open-plan family space, an extra bedroom or just a more practical layout, the builder you choose will have a major impact on how smoothly the project runs.
300-Year-Old Bakery Converted Into a One-Bedroom Annexe in Uffculme
South Devon Construction recently completed a very special renovation project in Uffculme, Mid Devon, converting a 300-year-old former bakery into a two-storey, one-bedroom annexe.
Buying a Property in Devon? Why a Pre-Purchase Building Works Estimate Could Save You Money
Buying a property is exciting, but it can also come with a lot of unknowns. Click here to find out why a pre-purchase building works estimate could save you money!
What Affects the Cost of an Extension in Devon?
One of the first questions homeowners ask when planning an extension is “How much is it going to cost?” The honest answer is that every project is different.
Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space: Patios and Walling in Bovey Tracey
There is something truly special about the "Gateway to the Moor." Here in Bovey Tracey, we are blessed with a landscape that inspires—from the rugged granite of Dartmoor to the lush gardens that line our historic streets.
Timber vs. Composite Decking: What’s Best for the Devon Climate?
If you live in South Devon, you know that our weather is... let’s say, "characterful." From the salty sea mists in Teignmouth to the heavy rain that rolls off Dartmoor and settles in the valleys of Newton Abbot, our outdoor spaces have to work hard to stay looking good.
Essential Groundworks: Why a Solid Foundation is Key for Your Next Project
I’ve also seen what happens when someone tries to save a few quid by cutting corners on the one thing you can’t see once the job is finished: the groundworks.
Choosing the Right Driveway for Your South Devon Property: Paving vs. Gravel
Whether you’re tucked away in a quiet lane in Ipplepen, navigating the hills of Bovey Tracey, or living in the heart of Newton Abbot, your driveway is the first thing people see.
Boosting Curb Appeal: Top Hard Landscaping Ideas for Newton Abbot Gardens
They say first impressions count, and in the world of property, that starts at the garden gate.
Leadwork and Tiling: Choosing the Right Materials for Your Roof
In the 25 years I’ve spent in the building trade, I’ve worked on everything from coastal cottages in Teignmouth to modern extensions in the heart of Newton Abbot.
Guttering and Fascias: Protecting Your Home from the Devon Rain
Living in South Devon, we are no strangers to a heavy downpour. From the mist rolling off Dartmoor to the seasonal storms that hit Newton Abbot and Teignbridge, our homes are constantly tested by the elements.
Why Structural Integrity Matters: Essential Building Repairs in South Devon
In the 25 years I’ve spent in the building trade, I’ve seen that the most important parts of a house are often the ones you can’t see. From my early days as a labourer to my current role running South Devon Construction with a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management, I have learned one vital…
The Benefits of Rubber Roofing for Flat Extensions in Newton Abbot
If you’ve lived in South Devon for any length of time, you know that flat roofs have historically had a bit of a “bad reputation”...
Common Roofing Issues in Coastal Devon and How to Fix Them
Of my 25 years in the building trade, I’ve worked on everything from the windswept heights of Dartmoor to the salt-sprayed streets of Teignmouth and Dawlish...
Preserving Dartmoor: A Specialist Approach to Rural Construction
Building on the edge of or within the Dartmoor National Park is a privilege, but it comes with a unique set of responsibilities...
The Challenges and Rewards of Renovating a Heritage Property in Ashburton
Ashburton is a town steeped in history, defined by its ancient "Stannary" status and a stunning collection of listed buildings and period homes.
Working with Natural Stone: Traditional Building Techniques for South Devon Homes
There is something timeless about the way natural stone sits within the South Devon landscape...
Maintaining Architectural Integrity: Heritage Repairs in Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot is a town defined by its rich architectural history, from its roots as a medieval market town to its Victorian expansion as a railway hub...
Restoring History: Our Approach to Listed Building Work in Dartington
Dartington is home to some of the most significant architectural gems in South Devon...
Turning Your Garage into a Home Office: A Guide for Local Homeowners
With more people working from home than ever before, the demand for a dedicated, quiet workspace has skyrocketed...
Barn Conversions in Dartmoor: Blending Modern Comfort with Rural Character
Converting a redundant barn into a home is perhaps the ultimate Devon building project. It is the chance to save a piece of our agricultural history while creating a living space that is truly unique.
Creative Conversion Ideas for Unused Spaces in South Devon Homes
In my 25 years in the building trade, I’ve walked through hundreds of houses across South Devon. One thing I see time and again is "dead space"...
The ROI of a Loft Conversion: How Much Value Does it Add to a Totnes Property?
If you live in Totnes, you know that space is at a premium. With its historic streets, unique architecture, and the beautiful surroundings of the South Hams, finding a way to grow your home without moving is a top priority for many...
Converting Your Loft: Is Your Newton Abbot Home Suitable?
Many homeowners in Newton Abbot look up at their roof and see more than just storage; they see a master suite...
Internal Structural Work: How to Create an Open-Plan Living Space Safely
The dream of a bright, airy, open-plan kitchen and diner is something many homeowners in Newton Abbot and the surrounding South Devon villages share...
Breathing New Life into Coastal Properties: Refurbishment Tips for Dawlish & Teignmouth
There is an undeniable charm to owning a property along the South Devon coast...
The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations in South Devon
Kitchens and bathrooms are the engine rooms of the home...
Modernising Your Space: Home Refurbishment Ideas for Newton Abbot Houses
Many of the homes in Newton Abbot and the surrounding Teignbridge area have fantastic "bones," but they don't always suit the way we live today...
Revitalising Period Properties: Expert Renovation Tips for Ashburton Residents
Ashburton is one of the jewels of the South Hams, famous for its historic stannary status and a stunning array of period architecture that ranges from medieval timber frames to elegant Georgian facades...
Navigating Planning Permission for New Builds in the Teignbridge Area
Starting a new build project in the Teignbridge area is an exciting prospect, whether you’ve secured a plot in the rolling hills of Ipplepen or a pocket of land in the heart of Newton Abbot. However, before the first spade hits the ground for your groundworks, there is the significant hurdle of Planning Permission. Navigating…
Maximising Space: Why Side-Return Extensions are Trending in Totnes
If you walk through the residential streets of Totnes—from the Victorian terraces near the station to the characterful homes off the High Street—you’ll notice a growing trend. More and more homeowners are opting for "side-return" extensions. In a town where garden space is precious and property prices reflect its popularity, filling in that narrow, underused…
New Build Trends for 2025: Customised Solutions for Devon Homeowners
As we move into 2026, the landscape of new home construction in South Devon is shifting. Homeowners are no longer looking for "off-the-shelf" housing...
How Much Does a Home Extension Cost in Teignmouth?
Whether you are looking to capture those stunning sea views or simply need a larger kitchen for family life, a home extension is one of the most rewarding investments you can make...
Building Your Dream Home in Newton Abbot: A Guide to New Builds in South Devon
There is nothing quite like the prospect of a blank canvas—a chance to build a home in Newton Abbot that is perfectly tuned to your lifestyle, from the first scoop of earth during the groundworks to the final ridge tile...

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