How to Tell if a House is Non-Standard Construction?

Introduction

Understanding whether a house is of non-standard construction is crucial for prospective homeowners, investors, and insurance companies. This guide provides detailed insights into identifying non-standard construction homes, the implications of owning such a property, and the key characteristics that set them apart from traditionally built houses.

What is Non-Standard Construction?

Non-standard construction refers to buildings that do not conform to conventional building methods or materials. Typically, standard construction homes use brick or stone for external walls, with a timber frame for the roof. In contrast, non-standard constructions can include a variety of alternative materials and methods.

Common Types of Non-Standard Construction

Concrete Construction

Reinforced Concrete: Used for its strength and durability, often seen in multi-story buildings.

Precast Concrete Panels: Prefabricated sections that are assembled on-site.

Steel Frame Construction

Steel Beams and Columns: Provide strong structural support, common in commercial buildings and modern homes.

Timber Frame Construction

Heavy Timber Frames: Used in historical or rustic-style buildings.

Engineered Timber: Includes modern materials like laminated veneer lumber.

Modular and Prefabricated Construction

Factory-Built Sections: Assembled on-site, offering fast and efficient construction.

Non-Traditional Wall Materials

Cladding: Metal, vinyl, or other materials covering the exterior.

Insulating Concrete Form (ICF): Blocks or panels filled with concrete, offering high insulation.

How to Identify Non-Standard Construction

Visual Inspection

• Exterior Walls: Look for materials like concrete panels, metal cladding, or timber frames instead of traditional brick or stone.
• Roof Structure: Check if the roof uses materials like flat concrete slabs or metal panels, rather than conventional pitched roofs with tiles or slates.
• Windows and Doors: Non-standard construction homes may have atypical window and door frames, such as steel or aluminum, which differ from the standard timber frames.

Construction Documentation

• Building Plans and Permits: Reviewing the original building plans and permits can reveal the type of construction used.
• Surveyor Reports: Professional surveyors can identify non-standard construction methods during property inspections.

Interior Characteristics

• Wall Thickness: Non-standard construction walls may be thinner or thicker than typical brick walls.
• Sound Insulation: Homes with non-standard materials might have different acoustic properties, either better or worse than standard constructions.

Implications of Non-Standard Construction

Insurance Considerations

• Higher Premiums: Insurance companies may charge higher premiums for non-standard construction homes due to perceived risks.
• Limited Coverage: Some insurers may offer limited coverage or refuse to insure certain types of non-standard construction properties.

Financing Challenges

• Mortgage Restrictions: Lenders may be cautious in offering mortgages for non-standard construction homes, requiring larger deposits or higher interest rates.
• Valuation Issues: Non-standard homes might be valued differently, impacting the loan amount you can secure.

Maintenance and Repair

• Specialized Repairs: Non-standard materials and construction methods may require specialized repairs, which can be more costly and difficult to source.
• Longevity and Durability: Some non-standard constructions may not age as well as traditional buildings, potentially leading to more frequent maintenance needs.

Advantages of Non-Standard Construction

Energy Efficiency

• Innovative Materials: Many non-standard construction methods incorporate advanced materials that offer superior insulation and energy efficiency.

Design Flexibility

• Architectural Innovation: Non-standard construction allows for unique architectural designs and innovative structural solutions.

Sustainability

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Using recycled or sustainable materials can reduce the environmental impact of construction.

Conclusion

Identifying a non-standard construction home involves careful inspection and understanding of the building methods and materials used. While these homes offer unique advantages in terms of design flexibility and potential energy efficiency, they also come with challenges such as insurance and financing difficulties. Being well-informed about these factors will help you make a sound decision when considering a non-standard construction property.