Non standard construction

Juniper1001

Good morning, me and my partner are just in the process of starting the conveyancing process after having our offer accepted, I was just wondering if anyone could offer any information on whether or not the house I am in the process of buying is of non standard construction. May be a silly question but a few google searches have come back showing steel frames with similar upvc cladding on the face. Thanks 

tinytiddles

If it was non-standard this should have been noted in the estate agent particulars as it can affect mortgageability of the property. Probably worth giving them a call tomorrow before going any further if you aren’t sure. 

Juniper1001

Thanks I’ll give them a call.

kormacurry

Also, if you can find the EPC certificate for the property, the construction of the building should be mentioned there. Link https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk/find-a-certificate/search-by-postcode?lang=en&property_type=dom

stuart45

Could well be mostly cavity wall construction and solid AAC blockwork behind the panels.

Juniper1001

Would that still be classed as standard construction @stuart45 thanks

princeofpounds

Juniper1001 said:

Would that still be classed as standard construction @stuart45 thanks

Yes it would.

Basically - we have zero idea what construction it is, because you need to see the parts you can't see from the outside.

If one of us knew the locality very well and the typical exterior design of non-standard houses that were built in the area, then you could have a very very good guess. But otherwise we are shooting in the dark.

Do we know if it's single skin brick? Can't tell from here. Do we know if it has a steel or timber frame? Likewise. Is it built from concrete? Very probably not from the look of it, but it could be behind the facade.

Good luck!

Juniper1001

@princeofpounds thanks for taking the time to reply it’s much appreciated, I have asked the estate agent, but failing that would a home buyers report be sufficient? It will be Mortgaged.

user1977

Any clues from previous listings of similar properties nearby? (either because they've highlighted non-standard construction or they've sold for prices which suggest a discount for limited mortgageability?)

I would expect any level of survey to pick up the construction method.

Juniper1001

it’s a little village so not a great deal comes up, UPVC cladding seems fairly common in surrounding areas though, I’m hoping it’s more of a cosmetic thing 

stuart45

Juniper1001 said:

Would that still be classed as standard construction @stuart45 thanks

As princeofpounds said, if it is constructed like that it would be a standard construction. Most of the non standard construction houses built in that period after WW2 were for social housing. Developers know that the buying public like a traditionally built house, and even with the timber frame industry taking a bigger slice of the work in recent years a brick skin still is popular to give the house the bricks and mortar feel.