Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction & Restoration Solutions
Character Builders is a family-run construction company established in 1997, operating on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Led by four brothers with specialized expertise, we focus on period property maintenance, barn conversions, and restoration projects, blending modern and traditional techniques. Our commitment to sustainable materials and contextual design ensures minimal environmental impact while preserving historical integrity.With awards including the Federation of Master Builders 'Builder of the Year' and partnerships with specialist craftsmen, we deliver high-standard craftsmanship across Devon. Our team prioritizes client collaboration, transparency, and community engagement through local sponsorships and eco-friendly initiatives.
Services
Building
Joinery
Decoration
Barn Conversions
Period Property Maintenance
Restoration
Cob Work
Stone Masonry
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run business with 25+ years of experience in traditional and modern construction techniques.
- Our team includes specialists in cob work, stone masonry, and historical building conservation.
- We prioritize sustainable materials and environmentally conscious practices in every project.
- Award-winning expertise recognized by the Federation of Master Builders and Devon Business Awards.
- We maintain strong community ties through local sponsorships and educational demonstrations.
Associations and certifications
- Trading Standards - Buy with Confidence
What people say
Highest standard of workmanship
Professional finished article
Commendable project administration
Creative building solutions
Exceptional attention to detail
Services
Barn Conversions
Specialized conversion of historic barns into modern living or commercial spaces while preserving traditional materials and architectural integrity. Our team combines cob, oak, and lime techniques with contemporary insulation and energy systems. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of rural planning regulations and environmental impact mitigation.
Period Property Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance and repair services for listed buildings and heritage properties. We use traditional lime plastering, stone masonry, and carpentry techniques to maintain structural integrity while incorporating modern durability enhancements. Our approach ensures compliance with conservation area requirements and historical accuracy.
Eco-Friendly Building
Environmentally conscious construction using locally sourced cob, reclaimed timber, and lime mortar. We integrate renewable energy systems like ground source heat pumps and wood chip boilers while maintaining traditional aesthetics. This service helps clients achieve low-carbon footprints without compromising on craftsmanship.
Church Restoration
Specialized restoration of historic churches and religious buildings, including stone carving, stained glass conservation, and timber frame repairs. Our team works closely with ecclesiastical authorities to preserve cultural significance while addressing structural needs. Recent projects include Gidleigh Church's award-winning renovation.
Timber Frame Construction
Traditional oak frame construction and repair using green woodworking techniques. We source local timber and employ hand-cut joinery methods to create durable, aesthetically pleasing structures. This service caters to both new builds and restoration projects requiring authentic period features.
People
Tom Diffey
Managing Director
With 16 years' experience, Tom oversees client liaison and project coordination. He specializes in roofing and carpentry, champions sustainable practices, and ensures every detail meets exacting standards.
Sam Diffey
Project Manager
A skilled stone mason and cob specialist, Sam manages workforce training and site operations. He led the award-winning Gidleigh Church restoration and ensures meticulous attention to internal finishes.
Simeon Diffey
Project Manager
Simeon combines site management with payroll administration. His recent studies in historical building conservation enhance our ability to deliver authentic restoration projects using traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Matt Diffey
Stone Carver
A former apprentice to renowned sculptor Peter Randall-Page, Matt brings sculptural expertise to stone masonry. His experience includes work at the Eden Project and European marble restoration projects.
Questions
What types of projects does Character Builders specialize in?
We specialize in period property maintenance, barn conversions, church restorations, and eco-friendly building projects using traditional materials like cob and lime.
Are you accredited for historical building conservation?
Yes, our team includes specialists with formal training in historical building conservation, including courses at Kingston University's Building Crafts College.
How do you ensure environmental sustainability?
We use sustainable materials, integrate modern energy-efficient systems like heat pumps, and minimize environmental impact through careful project planning.
Have you won any industry awards?
We won the Federation of Master Builders 'Builder of the Year' award in 2011 and 2013, plus the South Devon Business Excellence 'Most Innovative Company' award.
Can you handle both small repairs and large-scale renovations?
Yes, we manage projects ranging from household repairs to complete overhauls of derelict buildings, maintaining the same high standards across all scales.
Reviews (1)
Andy H.
Nov 06, 2019
Report
We first contacted Character Builders in July of 2017 with an outline of our plans to convert a redundant agricultural barn into a three-bedroom, modern, energy-efficient home. We were immediately impressed by the way Tom Diffey and Sam Diffey had clearly prepared for our first meeting because they were able to discuss detailed aspects of the plans and offer their professional advice right from the outset. Their budget indication was detailed, clear and precise and our project was completed on time and to the original budget forecast. Our aim was to be as energy efficiency as possible and we
