Non standard construction

gigi7

Hi

Can someone explain what effect non standard construction has when you buy a house? Not in terms of mortgage or insurance but just on a general basis.

I can't seem to find much besides insurance could be higher or mortgage can be difficult, but no reasons WHY. (Apart from possible concrete cancer)

In particular, I'm asking in terms of concrete and steel. Is it something that would affect putting in a conservatory or front porch? Can it be rendered? Or what about internal works, new bathroom/kitchen. I read somewhere it could mean repairs could cost more, but again no reason why or detail of what repairs in particular.

Also, on some threads, it is mentioned to consider the cost of rebuilding it, but unsure why it is recommended unless the house is not structurally sound and likely to collapse.

davidmcn

Your answers really depend on which type of construction you're talking about ("non-standard" covers quite a lot) - is it a particular sort you're interested in?

gigi7

davidmcn wrote: »

Your answers really depend on which type of construction you're talking about ("non-standard" covers quite a lot) - is it a particular sort you're interested in?

I just know it's steel and concrete at the moment, not sure what type. I just need to know generally how much it can affect everyday life

Cakeguts

I seem to remember that with the concrete and steel ones there could be a problem with corrosion of the steel making the structure unsound.

konark

Pre-fabs were concrete and steel , many of them lasted well, but if it were me I'd run a mile from that form of construction. It;s very difficult to repair.

BayTrees

Hi. I have lived in a 1920s built concrete house since 2000. Only selling because we need more space. I had no issues at all when buying, but I think lenders have become fussier. The house can get cold as it is harder to insulate but I am quite stingy with heating so that's mostly down to me. I can't use standard picture hooks, you need to buy the ones designed for harder walls if you want to hang anything. My original hammer drill couldn't get through the walls but my husbands new one is fine. It's worth warning anyone doing work as it may affect the equipment they need. Otherwise it has not been an issue. The house has been here nearly a century and is still standing which has to be a good sign!

PasturesNew

Some are fine for changing.

Some are built so that the inner/load-bearing/strong metal sections are rusting inside the concrete.

Some are built as a "complete unit" with next door, so stuff they do, or stuff you do, might bring the whole lot down if you get it wrong.

You need to really find the specific build name/type.

"Non standard construction" is the overall term and it's a bit like asking "Do cars break down?"

davidmcn

As for "why mortgage can be difficult", to a large extent it's a chicken and egg thing - buyers worry about them, lenders worry about them, therefore your lender will be worried that they'd have trouble selling because they'll have trouble finding a buyer who isn't put off and can get a mortgage.

stator

Because in many cases the steel has rusted and may in the future fail. Banks don't want to lend on a house that might fall down and leave them with nothing to repossess.
Some steel framed houses and PRC houses are on the defective housing list, so you won't ever get a mortgage. Some aren't on the list and you will be able to get a mortgage from some lenders.
However these types of property will need much more maintenance and regular inspection. You can't leave steel to rust away so you have to make sure you can see all of the frame.
With PRC block houses the steel is inside blocks of concrete. If the wrong additives were used in the concrete you could find the steel inside is rusted and will start to crack the blocks.
If you want to buy a house like this you need to pay for an expert inspection. The type where he drills holes in the walls and pokes a camera inside to take a look properly.
If you can avoid steel framed or PRC houses I would, but if it's all you can afford then it's worth considering.

MortgageMamma

You should be able to find the name of the construction type from the estate agent or maybe off the sellers mortgage documents, or if you can google and find the original advert for the property that could help. If you can't find via this method the only option is to ask some of the neighbours that live on the street or if they are ex-council contact the council and see what they say.

It will be more difficult to mortgage, I did a couple of these in the village up the road from me back in 2007 and there were only 6-7 lenders willing to look at it, there may be even less now since we don't have as many lenders to work with since the banking crisis.

You will need a broker to look at it for you if you go ahead with the purchase, as I doubt many of the high street lenders would consider it. Its also worth bearing in mind that the buildings insurance will most likely cost a bit more because of the construction, and the rebuild value within that insurance could be higher. Perhaps it would be wise to get a couple of building insurance quotations prior to making an offer, particularly if you are on a tight budget.

MM