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 spaces aren’t just wasted square footage; they are missed opportunities to add value and comfort to your home.
Hi, I’m Steve, the owner of South Devon Construction. I’m Devon born and bred, and I run my business on the traditional values of honesty, integrity, and a good bit of hard graft. With a Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management and a Level 3 in Quantity Surveying, I specialize in taking these underutilized areas and turning them into high-quality, functional living spaces.
If you are looking for a seamless and stress-free construction experience, here are some of the most creative ways we can transform your home.
The “Hidden” Loft Room
Many homes in Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton have sprawling lofts that are only used for Christmas decorations. A loft conversion is one of the most effective ways to add a bedroom or a hobby room without eating into your garden space.
We offer a tailor-made approach to lofts. Whether you want a simple “room-in-roof” conversion with Velux windows to capture views of Dartmoor, or a full dormer extension for maximum head height, we ensure the structural integrity of your roof is maintained. My team of local professional tradesmen handles everything from the initial structural floor joists to the final plastering.
The Garden “Snug” or Studio
If your house feels a bit crowded, the solution might be just a few steps away in the garden. Converting an old masonry outbuilding or a sturdy garage into a “garden snug,” gym, or art studio is a fantastic way to create a retreat from the main house.
In South Devon, these buildings often suffer from damp. As part of our comprehensive services, we focus heavily on the groundworks and tanking systems to ensure these spaces stay bone-dry and warm year-round. Because I have a background in Cost Estimation, I can help you decide if it’s more cost-effective to renovate an existing structure or build a new, high-performance timber-frame studio from scratch.
The “Utility Revolution”
Sometimes the best conversions happen in the heart of the home. Large, draughty porches or oversized hallways can often be reconfigured into stylish utility rooms or “boot rooms.” This is a hugely popular choice for families in rural areas like Ipplepen or Bovey Tracey who need a place to shed muddy boots and coats after a walk on the moor.
Why Quality and Management Matter
Any conversion project—no matter how small—requires a commitment to quality. Moving a wall or adding a window involves Building Control and structural considerations. At South Devon Construction, we strive to exceed expectations by acting as your Principle Contractors. We manage the architects, the trades, and the regulations, ensuring the project is finished on time and to the highest standard.
I’ve seen a lot of builds where shortcuts were taken on insulation or ventilation, leading to problems later on. We don’t work that way. We do the hard graft properly the first time, using our 25 years of experience to ensure your new space is as durable as it is beautiful.
Serving Newton Abbot and the Surrounding Areas
We cover a 10-mile radius from Newton Abbot, reaching out to Ashburton, Totnes, and Ivybridge. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and our ability to find innovative solutions for unique Devon homes.
Is there a space in your home that isn’t reaching its full potential?
I’d love to walk through your property with you and share some honest, professional ideas on how we can unlock its value.
Would you like me to visit your home to identify any “unused” potential and provide a free estimate for a creative conversion?
