The Reality of Building your Exmouth and East Devon Dream Home in 2026

Building a new home is exciting. It is also a journey filled with choices, constraints and the occasional surprise. East Devon has its own quirks. Clay pockets in Exmouth. Steep garden plots in Lympstone. Hidden drainage in Budleigh. Planning sensitivities across the whole coastline.

After years of helping families design and building house extensions,  low conversions and dream homes they are proud of, we have learned what makes the biggest difference. 

These insights will help you make clearer decisions and avoid the problems many self-builders only discover halfway through their project.

1. Budget for the new build you will actually get, not the one you hope for

Most projects run into difficulty before the first spade goes in the ground. Why? Because the budget was based on best case assumptions.

A reliable 2026 new build budget in East Devon should account for:

• Ground investigations: typically £1,500 to £3,000

• Architectural design and engineering: £6,000 to £15,000 depending on complexity

• Main build costs: vary widely, but even modest homes often begin at £1,900 to £2,400 per square metre

• Contingency: at least 10 percent, rising to 15 percent for brownfield or sloping sites

Setting a realistic budget early sets the tone for the whole project. It keeps design choices sensible and prevents budget panic later.

2. Choose an East Devon architect who designs for the land, not just the drawing board

Some architects design beautiful homes that fall apart when the engineering or planning stage begins. Others understand how the ground, the weather and the coastline shape what can actually be built.

Signs you have the right architect:

• They ask to visit the site before sketching anything

• They talk openly about planning constraints

• They consider how materials perform in coastal conditions

• They welcome your builder’s input rather than resisting it

If your plans include additional space or new layouts, it is worth exploring how these choices tie in with our Home Extensions and Loft Conversions work.

3. Get the ground tested early so your design is based on facts

Nothing affects cost, structure and timelines more than the soil beneath your home. Yet many people leave this step too late.

A ground investigation tells you:

• Whether you need deeper foundations

• How much soil removal or replacement is required

• If drainage upgrades are essential

• Whether the site is hiding old foundations or filled ground

We regularly see homeowners surprised when their “flat, solid garden” needs reinforcement. A small survey fee early on can save thousands during build.

If your existing property needs improvement before extending or building, our Renovations and Refurbishments page explains the process.

4. Involve your builder before you submit planning

Many projects become more expensive than they need to be because builders are brought in too late. Early involvement is not about upselling. It is about preventing expensive mistakes.

When we join a project early, we can:

• Flag structural challenges before designs are final

• Suggest practical adjustments that reduce costs

• Help create a timeline that works for everyone

• Identify potential planning objections

A quick design review early on often saves weeks of redesign later. You can see more about how we manage full build projects on our New Builds page.

5. Prioritise engineering so your home lasts decades, not just until handover

Pinterest boards do not show wind loads, ventilation paths or steel placement. They show the finish, not the foundation. Yet the unseen structure is what protects your home for the next fifty years.

What this means in East Devon:

• Coastal winds demand solid framing and anchoring

• Moisture control is essential on exposed plots

• Correct steel sizing prevents future movement

• Well installed ventilation keeps the home healthy

If your project involves major openings, steels or structural timber, take a look at our General Building and Structural Works page.

6. Design for the life you will have in ten years, not the life you have today

The best homes support you for decades. This means making choices with future flexibility in mind.

Consider:

• Whether stairs will still suit long term

• If your job may require a home office

• The benefit of wider hallways and doorways

• How adaptable your main living space is

• Energy usage and heating bills as they rise

Homeowners often thank us years later for steering them toward layouts that still fit their life today. If you are opening up space, our Home Extensions guidance is a good starting point.

7. Craftsmanship is not a luxury. It is what makes the home feel right

Two homes can use the same materials yet look completely different. The difference is the hands that built them.

Craftsmanship shows up in:

• Skirting that meets cleanly at every corner

• Timber that sits true and tight with no movement

• Door linings that are perfectly plumb

• Consistent shadow lines and smooth finishes

8. Treat energy efficiency as a structural decision, not an add-on

A warm, efficient home begins long before insulation is installed. The core structure determines how easy or difficult it will be to achieve strong energy performance.

Key decisions include:

• Wall build-up type

• Airtightness targets

• Mechanical ventilation

• Window placement and glazing ratings

• Insulation thickness and material choice

These choices affect comfort and running costs for decades. If you want to understand how performance ties into layout, visit our Loft Conversion page.

9. A realistic timeline prevents stress and unnecessary cost

There is no such thing as a fixed timeline for a new build. Every site, design and material choice affects how long the project will take.

Factors that slow builds:

• Persistent wet weather

• Delays in planning approval

• Structural changes during design

• Long lead times on windows or steel

• Busy periods for specialist trades

A well planned build feels calm and controlled. A rushed one feels chaotic. We explain how we structure full projects on our New Builds page.

10. Choose a builder who treats the project as if it were their own home

Skills can be learned. Care cannot. The builder you choose shapes your entire experience.

Look for someone who:

• Communicates clearly and regularly

• Is open about pricing and changes

• Runs a tidy, respectful site

• Takes pride in the finished product

• Has a track record of delivering on promises

You can learn more about how we approach this on our About Us page.

If you want a build that runs smoothly, start with the right conversation

Most problems in new builds begin long before the first trades arrive. They begin with unclear expectations, incomplete information or a design that does not match the reality of the site. A short conversation early on can eliminate months of stress later.

If you would like honest guidance from builders who know East Devon inside out, get in touch.

We are happy to review your plans, explain where costs tend to rise and help you prepare for a confident start to your 2026 build.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just experience you can use.