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 unique set of demands. It requires a delicate balance between modern comfort and historical preservation.
Hi, I’m Steve, the owner of South Devon Construction. I’m Devon born and bred, and I’ve spent over 25 years working on the unique structures that make our county so special. My business follows traditional Devon values of honesty and integrity—values that are essential when dealing with the “bones” of an old building. With a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management and a Level 3 in Quantity Surveying, I help homeowners navigate the complexities of heritage builds to ensure their renovation is both beautiful and structurally sound.
The Challenge: Respecting the “Old Ways”
The biggest challenge in an Ashburton renovation is often undoing the “quick fixes” of the past. Many heritage properties have suffered from the use of modern materials—like cement render or non-breathable paints—which trap moisture and lead to damp.
In a traditional Devon property, the walls need to breathe. We specialise in traditional masonry and the use of lime mortars and plasters. Using my 25 years of experience, I ensure that we use the right materials for the specific age of your property. Whether it’s repairing a lath-and-plaster ceiling or restoring a stone chimney stack, we focus on methods that preserve the building’s integrity for another century.
The Reward: Uncovering Unique Character
The rewards of a heritage renovation are found in the details. There is a sense of satisfaction in uncovering original flagstone floors, oak lintels, or hidden fireplaces that haven’t seen the light of day for decades.
At South Devon Construction, we offer a tailor-made approach to these projects. We don’t just “rip and replace”; we restore. We work with a small team of local professional tradesmen who share my passion for quality and innovation. We strive to exceed expectations by finding creative ways to hide modern essentials—like updated wiring or high-efficiency heating—without compromising the historic aesthetic.
Navigating Regulations and Costs
Renovating in a town like Ashburton often involves working closely with Conservation Officers and Building Control. This is where my background in Construction Management and Cost Estimation becomes your biggest asset.
As your Principle Contractor, I manage the red tape and the budget. I provide an honest, transparent breakdown of costs, helping you understand where to invest in “hard graft” and where to save. We ensure that every stage of the renovation is documented and compliant, providing you with a seamless and stress-free construction experience.
A Commitment to Ashburton’s Architecture
We cover South Devon, with a strong focus on the 10-mile radius around Newton Abbot, including the historic heart of Ashburton. Every build we work on is unique, and we take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction. We treat your heritage home with the respect it deserves, combining 25 years of “on-the-tools” knowledge with high-level management expertise.
Are you looking to breathe new life into an Ashburton period property?
I would love to help you turn your heritage house into a modern home while protecting its historic soul. I’ve seen a lot of builds, and I know exactly what it takes to do the job right.
Would you like me to join you for a site walk-through to identify the original features and discuss the potential structural requirements for your renovation?
