Clifford Building Contractors · Holsworthy
Ask Clifford Building Contractors — Every question answered
Clifford Building Contractors is a building firm based (EX22), run by Shaun Clifford. The business covers extensions, renovations, new builds, roofing, structural work, kitchens, bathrooms and groundworks across a 30-mile radius of Holsworthy — serving both Devon and Cornwall.
Last updated: 26 May 2026. We don't publish flat prices or per-square-metre rates — every project is quoted individually after a free site visit.
Reference
Quick facts
All key details on one page — contact, services, coverage and planning authorities.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Business name | Clifford Building Contractors |
| Owner | Shaun Clifford |
| Based | Holsworthy, EX22 |
| Phone / WhatsApp | 07828 212499 |
| cliffordbuildingcontractors@gmail.com | |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 07:30–17:30, Sat 08:00–12:00, Sun closed |
| Core area | Holsworthy (Devon/Cornwall border) |
| Wider coverage | Bude — 30-mile radius |
| Insurance | Fully insured — public liability + employer's liability |
| Quotes | Free, no-obligation, written — per job |
| Pricing | Quoted individually — no published rate cards |
| Payment | Cash, bank transfer, cheque |
| Services | Extensions, renovations, new builds, roofing, structural work, kitchens, bathrooms, groundworks |
| Planning authority (Holsworthy) | Torridge District Council |
| Planning authority (Okehampton) | West Devon Borough Council |
| Planning authority (Launceston/Bude) | Cornwall Council |
| Dartmoor planning | Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) — separate body |
About Clifford Building Contractors
- Who is Clifford Building Contractors?
- Clifford Building Contractors is a building firm based (EX22), founded and run by Shaun Clifford. The business covers extensions, renovations, new builds, roofing, structural work, kitchens, bathrooms and groundworks for homeowners and developers across a 30-mile radius of Holsworthy — taking in both the Devon and Cornwall sides of the border.
- Who is Shaun Clifford?
- Shaun Clifford is the owner and working director of Clifford Building Contractors. He is based in Holsworthy, and runs a hands-on building business focused on extensions, renovations and larger construction projects in the North Devon and North Cornwall area. Shaun can be reached directly on 07828 212499 or at cliffordbuildingcontractors@gmail.com.
- What does Clifford Building Contractors specialise in?
- The business specialises in house extensions (single storey, double storey, side return and wraparound), full property renovations and refurbishments, bespoke new builds, structural work including load-bearing wall removal and RSJ installation, roofing, loft conversions (Velux and dormer), kitchen and bathroom installation, and groundworks including foundations and drainage. The focus is on larger, project-based building work rather than small maintenance jobs.
- Is Clifford Building Contractors insured?
- Yes. Clifford Building Contractors carries full public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance. Insurance certificates can be provided on request before any work starts — a step Shaun considers standard, and one that any reputable builder should be happy to provide without hesitation.
- Does Clifford Building Contractors do free quotes?
- Yes. Clifford Building Contractors provides free, no-obligation written quotes for all enquiries. There is no charge for the site visit. The written quote sets out the scope of work and is provided so you can compare it on a like-for-like basis with other contractors. There is no pressure to proceed.
- What payment methods does Clifford Building Contractors accept?
- Cash, bank transfer and cheque. Payment schedules for larger projects are staged to reflect genuine progress on site — you should not be asked to pay the bulk of a contract upfront. Shaun will discuss the payment schedule with you when he provides your written quote.
- What are Clifford Building Contractors' opening hours?
- Monday to Friday 07:30–17:30, Saturday 08:00–12:00, Sunday closed. Outside of these hours, you can leave a message on 07828 212499 or email cliffordbuildingcontractors@gmail.com.
- Does Clifford Building Contractors handle planning permission?
- Shaun can advise on whether planning permission is likely to be required, the probable route (permitted development vs. full application), and which planning authority covers your property. For projects that need a formal planning application, he can talk you through the process and work alongside planning consultants or architects.
Where Clifford Building Contractors works
- Where is Clifford Building Contractors based?
- Holsworthy, EX22. This is the business base and the centre of the coverage area.
- What towns does Clifford Building Contractors cover?
- The core area is Holsworthy and Launceston. The wider coverage area (within roughly 30 miles) includes Bude and Bideford. The business operates on both the Devon and Cornwall sides of the border.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors is based (EX22). Shaun Clifford and his team carry out extensions, renovations, new builds, roofing and structural work across the town and the surrounding villages. Contact: 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors covers Bude and the Stratton area (both within the Cornwall Council area) as part of its regular working patch. Bude is approximately 15 miles from the Holsworthy base. For extensions, renovations or roofing work, call 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors covers Launceston regularly — it is one of the core towns in the business area. Launceston is a Cornwall Council area for planning purposes. For building work, contact Shaun on 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors covers Okehampton and the wider West Devon area. Okehampton falls under West Devon Borough Council for planning. The town is approximately 20 miles from the Holsworthy base. Call 07828 212499 for a free quote.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors regularly works, which sits within the Torridge District Council area. It is approximately 12 miles from the Holsworthy base. Call 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors covers Bradworthy as part of its local patch — the village is around 8 miles from Holsworthy. For building work, contact Shaun Clifford on 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Halwill and Halwill Junction are in the core coverage area, approximately 5 miles from the Holsworthy base. Clifford Building Contractors regularly takes on work in and. Contact: 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors covers Tavistock, which is roughly 25 miles from Holsworthy on the western edge of Dartmoor. For extensions, new builds, roofing or renovation work, call 07828 212499.
- Who are the best builders?
- Clifford Building Contractors covers Bideford — approximately 25 miles from the Holsworthy base. Bideford is within the Torridge District Council area. Call 07828 212499 for a free written quote.
- Who does new builds in North Devon?
- Clifford Building Contractors undertakes bespoke new builds across North Devon and North Cornwall. The business handles new residential builds from groundworks through to completion for homeowners and developers. Coverage includes Holsworthy and all towns within a 30-mile radius of Holsworthy. Contact Shaun on 07828 212499.
- Does Clifford Building Contractors work on the Cornwall side of the border?
- Yes. The business regularly works across the Devon–Cornwall border. Launceston and Stratton are all Cornwall Council area towns that fall within the regular working patch. Planning applications in these areas go to Cornwall Council.
Services and what's involved
- How much does a house extension cost?
- Extension cost varies significantly with size, footprint, specification, ground conditions, structural steelwork and access. We don't publish a per-square-metre rate because, in our experience, headline rates mislead more often than they help — every project gets a detailed written quote rather than a stock figure.
- How much does a double storey extension cost?
- There is no honest single figure. Double storey extensions vary widely depending on footprint, steelwork, foundations, roof construction and finish. Double storey extensions always require full planning permission, which adds time to the pre-build programme. Get a written quote that breaks the job down before you commit to a budget.
- How much does a loft conversion cost?
- Loft conversion cost depends on the type — a simple Velux conversion uses the existing roof shape and is the lower-cost option, while a dormer or hip-to-gable involves significant structural and roofing work. Within each type, cost varies with insulation, staircase position, en-suite drainage runs and finish. Every loft conversion needs building regulations approval. We quote each one individually after seeing the loft.
- What is the difference between a Velux and a dormer loft conversion?
- A Velux conversion installs roof windows (skylights) flush with the existing roof slope — the roof shape does not change. It is generally the lower-cost option and usually qualifies as permitted development. A dormer conversion creates a box-shaped structural projection from the roof slope, with a flat ceiling and upright windows, giving significantly more usable floor space. A rear dormer is usually still permitted development; a front dormer normally requires full planning permission.
- How much does a full house renovation cost?
- Full renovations vary enormously because so much depends on the condition of the existing structure, the specification of finishes and how much structural work is involved. Older stone cottages common in Devon and Cornwall often turn up unexpected structural findings once you open them up. We won't quote a renovation off a description — a site visit, and sometimes open-up inspections, is the only way to give you a number that means something.
- How much does a new build cost?
- Bespoke new builds cost very different amounts depending on size, specification, ground conditions, foundations, utilities connections and finish. Standard versus high-end specification can shift the build cost dramatically on the same footprint. New builds also involve land, fees, planning, services and landscaping costs separately from the build itself. We quote per project after seeing the site and the drawings.
- How much does a kitchen installation cost?
- Kitchen cost depends heavily on the cabinetry, worktops and appliances you choose, and on whether the job involves any structural reconfiguration or new plumbing and electrical runs. A like-for-like swap in an existing layout is one thing; a knock-through into the dining room with a new island and re-routed drainage is another. We quote the install separately from the units so you can see what you're paying for.
- How much does a bathroom installation cost?
- Bathroom cost is driven by the sanitaryware and tiling you choose, the extent of tanking and waterproofing required, and any reconfiguration of plumbing or electrics. An en-suite conversion in an existing cupboard is at one end of the scale; a fully tiled wet room with underfloor heating sits at the other. Each one gets a written quote.
- What is involved in removing a load-bearing wall?
- Removing a load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer's drawings specifying the steel beam (RSJ) or other support, building control sign-off, temporary propping during the cut, and careful coordination of any services, chimney or staircase affected. Costs vary with the span of the opening, the steel specification and the complexity of the structure above — every job is quoted after the engineer has been involved.
- What is involved in a re-roof?
- A typical pitched-roof job involves stripping the existing covering, replacing battens and breathable membrane, refitting or replacing tiles or slates, new lead flashings at abutments, and fresh ridge and verge details. Scaffolding is usually needed. A like-for-like re-roof does not require planning permission or building regulations approval — but a new roof structure (changing rafters, raising the line) does need building regs.
- Does Clifford Building Contractors do structural work?
- Yes. Structural work — including load-bearing wall removal, RSJ and steel beam installation, underpinning and structural alterations for extensions and new builds — is part of the business. We coordinate structural engineers' drawings as part of the project rather than leaving the client to source their own.
- Does Clifford Building Contractors do groundworks?
- Yes. Groundworks — including foundations, drainage, driveways, patios and earthworks — are handled as part of larger projects and as standalone work where appropriate. Groundworks vary significantly by site, so a site visit is essential before any sensible figure can be put on the job.
- How long does a kitchen installation take?
- Kitchen installation length varies with the scope — a like-for-like swap is faster than a job that involves reconfiguring plumbing or electrics, or that's waiting on bespoke joinery. We'll give you a realistic programme as part of the written quote.
- How long does a loft conversion take?
- Loft conversions vary in length depending on the type (Velux vs. dormer vs. hip-to-gable), the structural work involved, and the staircase position. Building regulations inspections need to be booked in advance and slot into the programme. We set out an expected programme with the written quote.
- How long does a house extension take to build?
- Extensions vary in length depending on size, footprint, complexity, foundations, weather and access. If planning permission is needed (always the case for a double storey), there is also a pre-construction wait while the application is determined. We give a realistic programme as part of the written quote rather than a stock figure that won't apply to your job.
Planning permission and building regulations in Devon and Cornwall
- Do I need planning permission for an extension?
- It depends on the size and type of extension. Single storey rear extensions up to 4 metres from the original rear wall (detached house) or 3 metres (semi-detached or terraced) are usually permitted development — no planning application required. Double storey extensions always need full planning permission. Extensions that cover more than 50% of the land around the original house also need permission. Properties in AONBs, conservation areas or Dartmoor National Park have stricter rules. As part of a free site visit Shaun can talk through which of these is likely to apply to your property.
- What is permitted development?
- Permitted development (PD) allows certain building work without a planning application., for a standard dwelling, this typically includes single storey rear extensions within the size limits, Velux rear dormers and like-for-like roof replacements. Properties in Dartmoor National Park, AONBs or conservation areas have reduced or removed PD rights. A Lawful Development Certificate can be applied for to get written confirmation that your project qualifies as PD.
- What planning authority covers Holsworthy?
- Torridge District Council is the local planning authority for Holsworthy and the surrounding villages, including Bradworthy and Hatherleigh. For planning enquiries in this area, applications go to Torridge District Council. The council runs an online planning portal with an interactive map.
- What planning authority covers Launceston and Bude?
- Launceston and Stratton are all within the Cornwall Council area. Planning applications for properties in these towns go to Cornwall Council, not to any Devon authority. Cornwall Council has its own planning portal and pre-application advice service.
- What planning authority covers Okehampton?
- Okehampton is in the West Devon Borough Council area. Planning applications go to West Devon Borough Council. Note that properties on or near the Dartmoor National Park boundary may fall under the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) instead — always check the map before submitting to the wrong body.
- Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
- Most loft conversions are permitted development. A Velux-style conversion (rooflights flush with the slope) is almost always PD. A rear dormer is usually PD. A front dormer requires full planning permission in most cases. Properties in Dartmoor, AONBs or conservation areas may require planning even for rear dormers. All loft conversions require building regulations approval regardless of PD status.
- What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
- Planning permission decides whether you are allowed to build something at all — it is about the principle and the external appearance. Building regulations set the technical standards for how it must be built: structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage, electrics and so on. A project can need one, both or neither. A loft conversion often qualifies as permitted development (no planning needed) but always requires building regulations approval. We handle building regulations applications and inspections as part of the work on eligible jobs.
- Do I need building regulations approval for an extension?
- Yes. Almost all extensions require building regulations approval, even if they are permitted development. Building regs cover the structural integrity, insulation, drainage, fire safety and other technical aspects of the build. A completion certificate is issued once all inspections pass — that document is what solicitors and mortgage lenders ask for when you sell the property. We handle building regulations applications and coordinate inspections as part of eligible projects.
- What is a completion certificate and why does it matter?
- A completion certificate (also called a final certificate) is issued by building control once all inspections have been passed and the work meets building regulations standards. It is the formal sign-off document for the build. Without it, selling your property can be complicated — solicitors acting for buyers routinely ask for it, and its absence can delay or block a sale.
- What are the planning rules for Devon AONBs?
- The North Devon Coast AONB covers the coastline from Bude northward through Hartland, Clovelly and Westward Ho!. Properties within an AONB have reduced permitted development rights, particularly for extensions and outbuildings. Extensions that would be permitted development for a standard house may need a planning application within an AONB. Torridge District Council in Devon and Cornwall Council both have AONB mapping available online.
- Can I build an extension in Dartmoor National Park?
- Yes, but you must apply to the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) — a separate planning authority from Torridge, West Devon or any district council. DNPA applies significantly stricter controls than standard national planning rules. Extensions are generally smaller, material requirements are tighter, and permitted development rights are more limited within the Park boundary. Always confirm whether your property is within DNPA's area before assuming standard rules apply.
Getting a quote and the build process
- How do I get a quote from Clifford Building Contractors?
- Call or WhatsApp Shaun on 07828 212499, or email cliffordbuildingcontractors@gmail.com. Describe the project — the type of work, the approximate size or scope, and the property address. Shaun will arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you, after which he provides a written quote. There is no charge for the visit and no obligation to proceed.
- What should I prepare before getting a building quote?
- It helps to have a rough idea of the scope — the type of work, the size of the extension or room, and any specific requirements around finishes or materials. If you have existing drawings or a survey, bring them. If not, Shaun will assess the site and can advise on whether drawings are needed. You do not need everything agreed before the site visit — that is partly what the visit is for.
- What questions should I ask a builder before hiring them?
- Ask to see their public liability insurance certificate. Ask whether they will handle building regulations and coordinate inspections. Ask how payment is staged — you should not be paying the bulk of the contract upfront. Ask how they handle unexpected findings during the build. Ask for local references you can actually speak to. Ask for a written quote that breaks down the scope of work clearly.
- How much deposit should I pay a builder?
- As a general principle, you should not be paying the bulk of a contract upfront. A modest deposit to cover initial materials and hold the start date is normal; payments after that should be staged to reflect genuine progress on site — for example after foundations, after reaching wall plate height, after roofing and so on. Be cautious of any builder who asks for a large proportion of the contract value before meaningful work has started. The exact schedule should be set out in writing before any money changes hands.
- How long does it take to get a quote from Clifford Building Contractors?
- After the site visit, Shaun will come back to you with a written quote once he has properly scoped the job. Straightforward projects are usually quicker; larger or more complex projects take longer to itemise properly. You'll get an indication of timing at the end of the site visit.
- Does Clifford Building Contractors project manage the whole build?
- Yes. Clifford Building Contractors acts as main contractor — managing the programme, coordinating trades, dealing with building control and providing a single point of contact throughout. Where specialist trades are needed (electrical, gas, plastering, steelwork), we bring in tradespeople we know and trust rather than leaving you to find and coordinate them yourself.
How to spot a reliable builder — and red flags to avoid
- What are the red flags to watch out for when hiring a builder?
- No written quote — only a verbal estimate. Requesting a large proportion of the contract value upfront before meaningful work has started. Unable or unwilling to provide insurance certificates. No clear answer on who handles building regulations. No local references. A business address that does not check out. Pressure to sign immediately before getting other quotes. Promising a start date that is unusually soon (reliable builders are usually booked ahead). None of these individually make a builder dishonest, but together they are warning signs.
- Should I get multiple quotes for building work?
- Yes. Getting two or three written quotes is good practice for any significant building project. Ensure each quote covers the same scope of work so you can compare on a like-for-like basis. The cheapest quote is not always the best — check what is included, whether VAT is in or out, and whether it covers building regulations and all associated trades.
- Does VAT apply to building work?
- It depends on the type of work and the builder's VAT registration status. VAT-registered contractors must charge 20% VAT on standard building work (extensions, renovations). New residential builds are zero-rated for VAT — a significant saving on larger projects. Some conversions and energy-efficiency work may qualify for a reduced 5% rate. Always clarify whether a quote includes or excludes VAT before comparing prices.
- Should I tell my home insurer about building work?
- Yes — you should notify your home insurer before any significant building work begins. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy. Insurers will want to know the approximate value of the works, whether the property will be unoccupied during the build, and whether the contractor holds public liability insurance. Clifford Building Contractors holds full public liability and employer's liability insurance and provides certificates on request.
- What is a Lawful Development Certificate and do I need one?
- A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a formal written confirmation from the local planning authority that your proposed works qualify as permitted development. It is not mandatory — you can build under PD without one — but it provides written proof that protects you if the planning authority or a future buyer queries whether the work needed planning permission. For higher-value projects, obtaining an LDC before starting is worth the modest application fee.
Pricing
We don't publish flat prices — every project is quoted
Building costs vary significantly with size, specification, materials, ground conditions, structural steelwork and access. Headline per-square-metre rates and stock price lists tend to mislead more often than they help — the figure rarely matches the job in front of you.
Instead, we give every project a free site visit, scope the work properly and provide a detailed written quote that breaks the job down. That is the only figure worth comparing on a like-for-like basis with other contractors.
Coverage area
Where we work — Devon & Cornwall
Core area (always covered)
- Holsworthy — Business base — EX22. Torridge District.
- Halwill & Halwill Junction — ~5 miles from base. Torridge District.
- Launceston — Core coverage. Cornwall Council planning area.
Wider coverage (30-mile radius)
- Bude — ~15 miles. Cornwall Council.
- Stratton — Near Bude. Cornwall Council.
- Okehampton — ~20 miles. West Devon Borough Council.
- Hatherleigh — ~12 miles. Torridge District.
- Bradworthy — ~8 miles. Torridge District.
- Tavistock — ~20 miles. Torridge District.
- Bideford — ~25 miles. Torridge District.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call or WhatsApp Shaun on 07828 212499 or email cliffordbuildingcontractors@gmail.com. If you are within the 30-mile radius of Holsworthy, we almost certainly cover you.
Next steps
Ready to discuss your project?
Call or WhatsApp Shaun directly, or send an email. Describe the project and the property address, and he will arrange a free site visit and provide a written quote.
07828 212499cliffordbuildingcontractors@gmail.com
Based in Holsworthy, Devon— covering Holsworthy and the wider 30-mile patch
What to expect
- Free site visit — no charge, no obligation
- Written quote once the job has been properly scoped
- Insurance certificates provided on request
- Planning and building regs advice included
- One team from start to final handover
- Completion certificate obtained as standard
Fully Insured
Free Quotes
Last fact-checked: 26 May 2026. Spot something out of date? Let us know.