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. Moving out can add a considerable expense to the project, particularly if the renovation will take…
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. This happens more often than many homeowners realise….
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? The good news is that…
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. A builder tends to look at the same property rather differently. We notice where water is…
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. A minor problem can quickly become more complicated when it requires several different contractors…
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?” It is a fair question. Renovating your home is exciting, but it can also feel disruptive, especially when you are trying to plan work, family life, finances and where you will live while…
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. You might have an idea in your head, a few inspirational photos saved, or a property that you know has potential, but you may not be sure what actually needs to happen…
Knocking Through Internal Walls: What Needs Checking Before You Start?
Opening up two rooms can completely change how a home feels. Whether it is creating a bigger kitchen-diner, bringing more light into a dark layout, making space for family life or simply improving the flow between rooms, removing an internal wall is one of the most…
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. A good extension is not…
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. The building had more recently been used for storage, but it still held so much…
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. A house may look full of potential during a viewing, but once you start thinking about repairs, renovations, access issues, damp, structural work or future extensions, it can be difficult to…
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. The cost of an extension depends on a wide range of factors, from the size of the build and ground conditions…
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. Hi, I’m Steve, the owner of South…
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…
Essential Groundworks: Why a Solid Foundation is Key for Your Next Project
In my 25 years in the building trade, I’ve seen a lot of builds. I’ve seen beautiful extensions, stunning conversions, and grand new builds. But 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…
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. But in South Devon, a driveway isn’t just about “curb appeal”—it’s…
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. Whether you’re looking to add value to your home or you simply want a space that makes you smile when you pull into the driveway after a long day, hard landscaping is the…
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. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a roof is only as good as the materials—and the…
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. While they might not be the most glamorous part of a…
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…
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.” We’ve all seen the old felt roofs in Newton Abbot that bubble in the summer and leak during a classic Devon downpour. But as…
Common Roofing Issues in Coastal Devon and How to Fix Them
In 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. While the South Devon coastline is a beautiful place to live, it is undeniably one of the harshest…
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. It’s not just about putting up walls; it’s about respecting a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Whether you are…
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. For many, owning a piece of Ashburton’s history is a dream, but renovating a heritage property comes with a…
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. From the warm, sandy tones of limestone to the rugged, grey granite found on the fringes of Dartmoor, stone is the DNA of our local architecture. However, working with stone…
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. For those of us lucky enough to live in or own these heritage properties, we aren’t just homeowners—we are…
Restoring History: Our Approach to Listed Building Work in Dartington
Dartington is home to some of the most significant architectural gems in South Devon. From the medieval grandeur of the Hall to the unique Grade II listed cottages scattered through the village, these buildings are a vital part of our heritage. However, when it comes…
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. In Newton Abbot and the surrounding South Devon villages, many homeowners are sitting on the perfect solution without even realizing it: the garage. Most…
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. However, Dartmoor barns were built for livestock and crops, not for…
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”—that dusty corner of the loft, the damp basement, or the cluttered outbuilding that everyone avoids. These…