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Non-traditional Building Methods in Canterbury
Unusual shapes define non-standard buildings, as do unusual materials. Anything that diverges from the ordinary ways of building and standard materials may render a property as non-standard build.
In the 1950s and 1960s, many local authorities across Europe built non-standard, even unsafe, properties. Concrete frames, steel frames, and precast concrete panels were used when making these structures, which posed risks.
Some designs of non-standard properties fall under the housing defects legislation and are classified as “designated defective”.
If your property is of non-standard construction, that may affect the cost and ease of obtaining a mortgage and maintaining the building, the availability of insurance, and the price and ease of selling, should you choose to do so.
What makes Non-Standard Construction an Issue?
Finding out if your property falls under non-standard building helps you manage potential problems with mortgage, home maintenance, insurance and selling the property.
Building Survey of an Unusual Structure in Canterbury
Non-standard construction chartered surveyors on our panel conduct an examination of the framework to determine the kind of build, the soundness of the load-bearing parts, and the likely lifespan of the structure. They may comment on how easy or hard it might be to get a mortgage or sell the property.
Get in Touch with Canterbury Surveyors for a Building Survey on Non-Standard Property
If you are unsure whether your home is non-standard, it is best to consult a chartered surveyor. They will determine if your building is standard or non-standard, and this is a very important determination to make before purchasing a property.
The surveyor will make a meticulous inspection of the building focusing on the construction materials, structural aspects, and other important features that have a great bearing on the soundness and lifespan of the building. After making this inspection, the surveyor will produce a report that will inform you and help you make a decision on whether to proceed with the purchase.
Expert Witness Islington
We offer the services of a panel of seasoned surveyors experienced in disputes. Your expert witness surveyor will prepare a Part 35 compliant report in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).
Schedule of Condition
A schedule of condition reviews the condition of the property at the date a tenant moves in or before any construction takes place. For both landlord and tenant benefit, the Schedule of Condition protects against any dispute that might arise over the condition of a property. It provides a baseline to prove whether damage has occurred as a result of tenancy or nearby works (e.g. party wall).
Conditions that Necessitate a Roof Survey
A roof survey may be necessary if your property exhibits any of the following conditions:
Inside
- Streaks in wood: these suggest that mould is growing in the rafters because moisture is leaking through the roof.
- Sagging: if the roof is starting to bend, you may have serious structural support issues that will ordinarily require a new roof.
- Leaking water: this may be due to broken tiles or open joints in the lead flashing.
- Leaking light: If there is visible light entering the roof space, you may have a few holes or cracks in the roofing.
Outside
The following issues may necessitate roof repair or replacement:
- Damaged tiles: these may be cracked, slipped, or missing, and, if so, they will need to be fixed or replaced.
- Age: a roof more than 20 years old generally needs to be replaced.
- Moss and mould: these typically indicate moisture damage, which may compromise the roof.
- Gutters full of debris: if your gutters have pieces of roof tile or shingle in them these need clearing out.
- Ponding: if water on the roof isn’t draining away, there’s a good chance the roof isn’t functioning properly.
- Guttering coming loose: this can be a function of bad design or installation and may be affecting the ability of the roof to do its job.
- Loose flashing: this will need to be fixed if the roof is going to have any chance of remaining watertight.
Seeing undulations: if you see dips or bulges in the roof, or if you see your eaves sagging, you have a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
