How long do BISF houses last?
They are often wrongly referred to as temporary dwellings and incorrectly classified as such due to their visual similarity to the Aluminium B8 and Arcon temporary bungalows which did have an expected lifespan of just 10 years.
Are BISF houses Mortgageable?
Like many other steel frame properties, BISF properties can also be reinforced with brick – this is expensive, but can increase the odds of getting a mortgage on one. As with most things mortgage-related, there are specialist lenders who better understand this market, and may be more willing to lend.
Can you change a non standard construction house?
You can switch the property from non standard construction to standard construction. One option to get around the non standard construction problem is to just replace the non standard part of the home. This is easier for some parts of the house than others.
Is BISF construction bad?
However, the properties were actually constructed with the clear expectation of lasting as long as more conventionally built houses. While other prefab buildings can suffer considerable disrepair within ten years, BISF homes simply won’t. So the negative association is, at least in that respect, misguided.
Can you extend a BISF house?
Many people choose to extend their BISF homes at the rear, with most opting to extend the dining room outward as this is by far the easiest option as it doesn’t require any additional structural support such as RSJ’s to strengthen the frame.
What does nonstandard construction mean?
Non-standard buildings are those that deviate from standard buildings and are made from materials that don’t conform to the standard. Non-standard buildings often use outdated and old-fashioned construction methods and materials.
Do estate agents have to disclose non standard construction?
Do estate agents have to tell you about non standard construction? Nope. Just like they won’t tell you about legal disputes or anything else that may put you off, estate agents will sell you a house on a ‘sold as seen’ basis.
What does BISF construction mean?
BISF stands for British Iron and Steel Federation. The BISF house is a pre-fabricated steel structure originally built with a shallow pitched asbestos roof, panelling to higher level and render to lower level.
What are BISF houses made of?
The BISF houses are indeed steel-framed, and they don’t have a traditional brick or a tile roof, but instead a roof made out of steel. However, the properties were actually constructed with the clear expectation of lasting as long as more conventionally built houses.
Are BISF houses cold?
Although they have lasted longer than expected, these Southend properties are cold and suffer high levels of heat loss, making them expensive to run.
Do you know if your house is BISF?
You may not know your house is BISF, so be aware. BISF houses have proven to be problematic for people who are either selling or buying a home. If they’re part of a chain they can cause people to become reluctant to complete (or to struggle getting a mortgage).
What are the different types of BISF house construction?
BISF House construction types are often referred to as types A, A1,B and type C which can cause confusion among BISF owners and housing market professionals alike. Most BISF houses across the country are variations of the mass-produced Type A1 house, so why do we hear references to other construction types?
Who is the architect of the BISF house?
Architect, Sir Frederick Gibberd and Engineer, Donovan Lee put forward their prototype designs for a British Iron and Steel Federation sponsored House. Thousands of designs were reviewed and rejected but the BISF house and several other concepts impressed the housing review team.
What is a BISF terraced house?
Side exit doors and windows to the properties vary as does the construction design and material type of any associated outbuildings. Perhaps the most surprising production build of the British Iron and Steel Federation was the BISF Terraced house. These houses are far less common than the standard A1 produced house.