There is an undeniable charm to owning a property along the South Devon coast. Whether it is a Victorian townhouse overlooking the sea in Teignmouth or a traditional cottage near the red cliffs of Dawlish, these homes offer a lifestyle that is hard to beat. However, the very things we love about the coast—the salt air, the sea breeze, and the dramatic weather—are exactly what make refurbishing these properties a unique challenge.
Hi, I’m Steve, owner of South Devon Construction. I’m Devon born and bred, and over my 25 years in the building trade, I’ve seen how the coastal environment can take its toll on a build. At South Devon Construction, we operate on traditional values of honesty, integrity, and hard graft. With a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management, I provide the technical expertise needed to ensure your coastal refurbishment isn’t just a cosmetic “facelift,” but a long-term investment in your home’s structural health.
Tackling Salt Corrosion and Damp
The biggest hurdle for any refurbishment in Teignmouth or Dawlish is the salt-laden air. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture from the atmosphere directly into your masonry. This can lead to “blown” plaster on the inside and crumbling mortar on the outside.
When we take on a coastal refurbishment, we don’t just paint over the problem. We offer a tailor-made approach to damp proofing and masonry repair. This often involves stripping back salt-contaminated plaster and using specialist breathable renders or tanking systems that can withstand the unique pressures of the seafront. Because I have a background in Quantity Surveying, I can provide an honest, transparent cost estimation for these essential “behind-the-scenes” fixes before we move on to the beautiful finishes.
Choosing Weather-Resistant Materials
In a coastal refurbishment, your choice of materials can be the difference between a job that lasts twenty years and one that fails in five.
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Stainless Steel and Marine-Grade Fixings: For any external work—whether it’s a new balcony, guttering, or fascias—we use marine-grade stainless steel fixings. Standard galvanised nails and screws simply won’t cut it against the salty winds.
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High-Performance Render: We often recommend modern K-Rend or silicone-based renders for coastal homes. These are through-coloured and highly water-resistant, meaning you won’t have to spend your summers repainting flaking masonry.
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Roofing and Leadwork: We ensure that all leadwork is correctly weighted (coded) to resist fatigue from the high thermal movement and wind uplift common in places like Dawlish.
Maximising the View and Light
The reward of a coastal refurbishment is, of course, the view. Many older properties have small windows that don’t take full advantage of their location. We can act as your Principle Contractors to manage internal structural work, such as installing larger, high-performance glazing or bi-fold doors. We ensure these are fitted with coastal-grade seals and frames that won’t pit or corrode in the sea spray.
A Seamless and Stress-Free Experience
Refurbishing a coastal home can be complex, often requiring coordination between multiple trades and Building Control. At South Devon Construction, we strive to exceed expectations by managing the entire process for you. From the initial groundworks to the final masonry work, our team of local professional tradesmen ensures a seamless construction experience.
We cover a 10-mile radius from Newton Abbot, which puts us right on the doorstep of Dawlish, Teignmouth, and Shaldon. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and our ability to deliver quality builds that stand up to the Devon weather.
Are you ready to restore your coastal home to its former glory?
I’ve seen a lot of builds, and I know that coastal properties require a builder who understands the elements. I’d be happy to use my 25 years of experience to give your property an honest assessment and a plan for a high-quality refurbishment.
Would you like me to visit your coastal property to conduct a “weather-tightness” survey and discuss your ideas for a tailor-made refurbishment?