Renovations in Devon & Cornwall
Breathing new life into Devon homes — done properly, from the ground up.
Renovations& Cornwall
Renovations by Clifford Building Contractors cover everything from a straightforward cosmetic refresh to a complete gut-and-rebuild of an older Devon or Cornwall property. Based in Holsworthy, we've worked on all sorts — damp-ridden stone cottages that needed stripping back to the bare walls, Victorian terraces being rewired and replumbed for the first time in decades, farmhouses being opened up and reinsulated, and period properties that needed careful restoration to respect the original character while making them genuinely liveable. Renovation work in Devon and Cornwall often throws up surprises — hidden damp, old elm floor joists in poor condition, lime mortar that needs matching rather than replacing with modern cement — and having a builder who's familiar with older West Country building methods makes a real difference to how smoothly the job goes. We manage the whole process, coordinating the different trades so you don't have to, and we tell you about problems as soon as we find them rather than letting them grow into something much more expensive.
What we offer
Whether you've bought a tired property to bring back to life or your existing home needs a serious overhaul, we handle the full scope of renovation work. Whole-house refurbishments where everything gets updated in one go. Period cottage restorations where lime plaster, stone walls, and original features need to be treated with care. Damp investigation and remediation — a common issue in older Devon properties built without modern damp-proof courses. Rot treatment and structural timber repairs. Full rewires and replumbing where old systems have reached the end of their life. Insulation upgrades, including solid wall insulation where cavity wall isn't an option. Roof repairs and replacements as part of a wider scheme. New kitchens and bathrooms fitted as part of a complete refurbishment. We coordinate all the trades and manage the programme so the job runs in the right order and to the agreed timescale.
What's included
- Strip-out and site clearance
- Damp investigation, treatment, and re-plastering
- Structural timber repairs and rot treatment
- Full rewire and new consumer unit (coordinated with approved electrician)
- Replumbing and new heating system (coordinated with registered plumber/gas engineer)
- Solid wall or cavity insulation upgrades
- New internal plasterwork and external renders
- New kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and doors as required
Our process, step by step
No surprises, no grey areas — you know what happens next at every stage.
- 01
Free site visit and scope of works
We walk through the property with you, discuss what you want to achieve, and identify any obvious issues that will need addressing. For older or more complex properties we may recommend a full building survey before finalising a price, as renovation work can reveal things that weren't visible at the initial visit.
- 02
Detailed estimate and programme
We produce a detailed written estimate that breaks the work down into sections so you can see clearly what each element costs. We also provide a realistic programme showing the order of works and expected timescales. This is a working document — if things change during the build we'll update it and discuss the implications with you.
- 03
Strip-out and investigation
Once the existing finishes are removed, we get a clearer picture of what's behind them. This is when damp, rot, or structural issues that weren't fully visible come to light. We document everything we find, discuss the options with you, and agree how to proceed before doing any additional work.
- 04
Building fabric and services
The core building work happens in the right sequence: structural repairs first, then services (wiring, plumbing, heating), then insulation, then the fabric of the building (walls, floors, roof). Getting this order right avoids expensive rework and keeps the programme on track.
- 05
Finishes and completion
The final phase covers plasterwork, floor finishes, decorating, kitchens, bathrooms, and all the finishing touches. We do a final walk-through with you to make sure everything is exactly as agreed, and deal with any snags promptly before calling the job complete.
Cost guidance
Renovation costs vary more than almost any other type of building project because so much depends on what's found once the work starts. Older stone properties common in Devon and Cornwall frequently need additional work on damp, structural timbers and roof that's hard to assess from the outside. For that reason we don't publish stock renovation prices — every property gets a free site visit, and where the condition warrants it, we may recommend open-up inspections or a building survey before finalising a price. The written quote breaks the work down into clear sections so you can see exactly what each element involves, and we discuss any additional costs with you before carrying out extra work.
Planning & regulations
Most internal renovation work doesn't require planning permission — you can strip out, rewire, replumb, and refit a property without making a planning application as long as you're not changing the external appearance. If you're replacing windows or doors you'll want to check whether like-for-like replacement is permitted development or whether the materials or style require consent, particularly in Conservation Areas or for listed buildings. Work on a listed building requires listed building consent for any changes that affect its character — including internal alterations. If you're converting a property from one use to another (a barn to a house, for example) you'll need planning permission for change of use. Building regulations apply to structural alterations, extensions, rewires, new heating systems, and roof work — your building control officer can advise on what needs formal sign-off in your specific case.
Fully insured
Public & employer's liability on every job.
Free estimates
No-obligation quotes — usually same day.
Clear pricing
Detailed written quotes, no hidden extras.
Tidy site daily
We respect your home — clear up every evening.
Renovations — FAQs
Other services you might need
House Extensions
More space, more light — built to last by your local Devon builder.
Learn moreStructural Work
Steel beams, load-bearing walls, underpinning — done safely and to building regs.
Learn moreKitchens & Bathrooms
All the trades, one team — kitchens and bathrooms fitted properly from start to finish.
Learn moreAreas we cover for renovations
Ready to start your renovations project?
Tell us what you're planning and we'll give you honest advice and a free, no-obligation estimate — usually the same day.