England · South West
Structural repairs in Devon
Structural repairs across Devon: subsidence, cracks, underpinning, wall ties, lintels and claim repairs. Clay shrinkage is less of a concern in Devon, so other causes such as drains, poor footings or older walls are checked first.
- Nation
- England
- Pricing region
- South West
- Towns listed
- 10
- Mining legacy
- Metal mining
What is the ground like in Devon?
Devon's ground is mostly older mudstones, sandstones and granite, so shrinkable-clay subsidence is less widespread than further east. Older solid-walled and cob buildings, steep sites and retaining walls are the more common structural concerns.
Old metal-mine shafts and workings are recorded in places, so mining searches are routine for some properties.
What usually causes cracking in Devon?
In Devon, cracking usually comes back to one of these. We rule each in or out before recommending a repair.
- Loose or saturated ground where water has collected around foundations
- Old metal mine shafts and adits in the uplands
- Weathered lime mortar letting stone walls spread
- Heavy stone chimneys and gables pulling away from the house
- Leaking or broken drains washing fine soil out from under footings
What kind of buildings are common here?
Cob and stone cottages, Victorian terraces in Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, and post-war estates.
Which repairs do we carry out in Devon?
- Structural surveys and crack monitoring
- Roof structure repairs
- Retaining wall repairs
- Wall tie replacement
- Gable end wall repairs
- Bowing wall repairs
- Lintel replacement
- Concrete repairs
- Structural crack repairs
- Chimney stack repairs
- Brick arch repairs
- Subsidence repairs
- Resin injection ground stabilisation
- Crack stitching
- Boundary and garden wall repairs
- Floor joist repairs
- Underpinning
- Bay window subsidence repairs
- Extension pulling away repairs
- Subsidence insurance claim repairs
Guide prices in Devon
A selection of guide prices on South West rates, including VAT. Each repair page has the full table.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Crack stitching: crack stitching with stainless helical bars | £80 – £185 | per metre of crack |
| Underpinning: mass-concrete underpinning | £1,050 – £1,550 | per metre of wall |
| Wall tie replacement: semi-detached house | £2,600 – £5,150 | per house |
| Lintel replacement: standard window or door opening | £770 – £2,600 | per opening |
Towns we cover in Devon
We list 10 towns in Devon, covering 18 postcode districts in the EX, PL and TQ postcode areas. The largest are Plymouth (about 260,000 people), Exeter (about 130,000 people) and Paignton (about 68,000 people). Each town page has local postcodes, nearby places and the repairs we carry out there.
Do repairs in Devon need approval?
In England, building control approves and inspects structural work such as underpinning; small like-for-like repairs usually do not need it. Party wall notices apply where work affects a shared wall.
Questions about structural repairs in Devon
Do you cover the whole of Devon?
Yes. We take enquiries from across Devon, including Plymouth, Exeter, Paignton and Torquay. A free initial assessment from your photos is the first step.
Is Devon affected by subsidence?
Most of Devon is on firmer ground than the clay belts of the south-east. Old metal-mine shafts and workings are recorded in places, so mining searches are routine for some properties. Whether a particular building has moved, and why, needs an investigation on site.
How much do structural repairs cost in Devon?
It depends on the repair. On South West rates, crack stitching from about £80 per metre of crack and mass-concrete underpinning from about £1,050 per metre of wall, including VAT. Your written price follows photos or a survey.
What should I send for a free assessment in Devon?
Photos of each crack inside and out with a coin or tape for scale, a wider shot showing where it is on the building, your postcode in Devon, and when you first noticed it. If an insurer is involved, include the claim reference.