Non-Standard Construction Home Sales

Non-standard construction refers to properties built using methods or materials that are not the typical brick and mortar or timber frameworks commonly found in mainstream construction. This categorisation can affect various aspects of owning such a property, including insurance and financing. Here are some common types of non-standard construction:

Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete (PRC): These homes were primarily built during the post-war era as a quick solution to housing shortages. They often involve concrete panels reinforced with steel.

Timber Frame: While timber is a traditional material, modern timber-framed houses are sometimes considered non-standard due to concerns about durability and fire resistance compared to brick-built homes.

Steel Frame: Similar to timber frames but uses steel in the construction. These are less common and can be expensive to insure due to perceptions about the risk of corrosion.

Straw Bale Construction: This eco-friendly building method uses straw bales as insulation or as the structural component of the walls, covered with plaster.

Cob: An ancient technique that uses a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and earth. Cob homes are uncommon and can be challenging to insure and finance.

Thatched Roof: Properties with thatched roofs are considered non-standard because of the increased fire risk and the specialist maintenance required.

Wattle and Daub: An old method using woven lattice of wooden strips called wattle, which is daubed with a sticky material usually made of some combination of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung, and straw.

System Built: These homes were constructed using specific prefabricated systems, many of which were designated as defective under the Housing Defects Act 1984. Examples include the Wimpey No-Fines and Smith houses.

Wimpey No-Fines: At Home House Buyers we see a large number of sellers come to us looking to sell a Wimpey No-Fines property. We have purchased a large number of these within the UK. Should you be looking to sell a Wimpey No-Fines property, please contact our team on 0800 612 1366. 

Wimpey No-Fines construction is a specific type of non-standard building method developed by George Wimpey & Co., primarily used in the United Kingdom from the 1940s through the 1970s to address post-war housing shortages. The name “No-Fines” refers to the concrete used in the construction, which was made without fine aggregates like sand. This type of concrete mainly consists of coarse aggregates bonded with cement, resulting in a porous structure that provides natural insulation but also has significant implications for durability and maintenance.

These houses are often recognised by their distinctive appearance: uniform grey concrete walls, often with visible aggregate. Wimpey No-Fines houses were constructed as both detached and semi-detached homes, and as low-rise flats. The construction method was relatively economical and quick to deploy, which was critical during the immediate post-war period. However, over time, several issues have become apparent. The porosity of the concrete can lead to thermal inefficiency by modern standards, and there may be problems with dampness and water ingress. Additionally, the structural integrity can be compromised as the reinforcement bars used in some of the buildings are prone to corrosion, exacerbated by the permeable nature of the concrete.

Due to these issues, Wimpey No-Fines properties can be challenging to modify, repair, and insulate. Mortgage lenders and insurers often view them as high-risk, which can affect their marketability and resale value. However, many of these homes have been successfully renovated and continue to be lived in, often requiring specialist knowledge to ensure that the integrity and functionality of the structure are maintained. Find out more about how we can purchase your property.

Cornish: These types of construction are often seen as higher risk by lenders and insurers due to perceived issues with durability, repairability, and resale potential, leading to higher costs or difficulties in obtaining mortgages and insurance. The term “Cornish” in the context of non-standard construction usually refers to a specific type of prefabricated housing, known as Cornish Unit houses. These were developed in the United Kingdom after World War II as part of the efforts to quickly replace bombed-out housing and to accommodate returning soldiers and their families.

Structure: They are typically constructed with precast concrete panels. These panels can be prone to issues like cracking and, in some cases, may contain harmful materials like asbestos.

Design: The design typically includes elements that are not conventional in modern construction, such as steel frames that can be susceptible to rust and other degradation.

Repairs and maintenance can be more challenging and expensive than for standard construction, largely because specialist skills and materials are often required.

Homes like these were identified under the Housing Defects Act 1984 as having inherent defects that might affect their durability and structural integrity. As a result, they can pose challenges for owners seeking mortgages or insurance, due to the increased risk perceived by lenders and insurers.