Overview of the Homeville Industrialised House

The Homeville Industrialised House, a product of the post-war housing boom, represents a significant chapter in the UK’s architectural history. Manufactured by The Homeville Co. Ltd, these properties were constructed between 1963 and 1970. With a total of 600 units built, these homes were designed to address the urgent need for affordable and quickly constructed housing. The Homeville houses are found in various configurations, including bungalows, two-storey detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses. This article delves into the intricate details of these properties, providing valuable insights for potential buyers and investors.

Historical Context and Manufacturing Details

Period and Location

The Homeville Industrialised Houses were built during a period of rapid urbanisation and housing shortages in the UK. The years 1963 to 1970 saw a surge in the construction of system-built properties, aimed at providing quick and cost-effective housing solutions. These homes are typically found in suburban areas, where large tracts of land were available for development.

Manufacturers and Designers

The Homeville Co. Ltd, a prominent player in the construction industry during the 1960s, was responsible for the production of these houses. The design and construction methods employed were innovative for their time, incorporating prefabricated elements to expedite the building process. The designers focused on creating functional and durable homes that could be assembled quickly on-site.

Identification Characteristics

Architectural Features

Homeville houses are easily identifiable by their distinct architectural features. They come in various forms, including bungalows and two-storey detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses. The shallow pitch gable roof, covered with interlocking concrete tiles, is a common characteristic. The front and rear external walls are typically clad with tile hanging or mathematical tiles, with brick or rendered block piers at the separating walls. The gable walls feature brick return piers at the corners, recessed render to eaves level, and apex of timber shiplap boarding or recessed joint mathematical tiles throughout.

Construction Details

The construction of Homeville houses involves a combination of concrete pads, RSJ stanchions, and timber frames. The substructure consists of concrete pads below the stanchions and a concrete slab thickened around the perimeter. The frame includes RSJ stanchions, perimeter beams, wall panel support beams, floor support beams, and RSA bracings. The external walls are made of brick piers at the separating walls and timber frame infill panels clad with tile hanging, lined with foil-backed plasterboard. The gable walls have brick return piers at the corners, storey-height rendered gas concrete panels, and honeycomb plasterboard linings.

Typical Characteristics and Hazards

Structural Elements

The Homeville houses are built with a robust structural framework, including RSJ stanchions and perimeter beams. The roof is constructed with timber trusses, bituminous felt, and interlocking concrete tiles. The ground floor is made of concrete, while the first floor consists of tongue-and-groove boarding on timber joists. The ceilings are lined with plasterboard.

Common Hazards and Risks

Despite their sturdy construction, Homeville houses are not without their issues. One of the primary concerns is the minor corrosion of RSJ stanchions, particularly at the bases. This can compromise the structural integrity of the property if not addressed promptly. Additionally, damage at the corners and wide joints of the concrete panels in the gable walls is a common issue. The roof space separating wall is often poorly constructed, leading to potential problems with insulation and moisture ingress.

Defective Premises Act and Homeville Houses

Classification Under the Act

The Defective Premises Act 1972 aims to ensure that properties are built to a reasonable standard and are safe for habitation. Homeville houses, while generally well-constructed, may have certain defects that could classify them as defective under this Act. The minor corrosion of RSJ stanchions and poorly constructed roof space separating walls are examples of issues that could potentially render these properties defective.

Legal Implications

If a Homeville house is deemed defective under the Defective Premises Act, the owner may have legal recourse to seek remediation from the builder or developer. It is crucial for potential buyers and investors to be aware of these potential issues and to conduct thorough inspections before purchasing a Homeville property.

Inspection Guide for Homeville Properties

Pre-Inspection Preparation

Before conducting an inspection of a Homeville house, it is essential to gather all relevant information about the property. This includes historical data, previous inspection reports, and any known issues. Having a checklist of common defects and areas to inspect can also be beneficial.

Key Areas to Inspect

Structural Integrity

Inspect the RSJ stanchions for any signs of corrosion, particularly at the bases. Check the perimeter beams and wall panel support beams for any damage or wear. Examine the concrete panels in the gable walls for any cracks or damage at the corners and wide joints.

Roof and Ceiling

Inspect the roof for any signs of damage or wear, including the interlocking concrete tiles and bituminous felt. Check the timber trusses for any signs of rot or damage. Examine the roof space separating wall for any construction issues or insulation problems.

External and Internal Walls

Inspect the external walls for any damage to the tile hanging or mathematical tiles. Check the brick or rendered block piers at the separating walls for any signs of wear or damage. Examine the internal walls, particularly the honeycomb plasterboard partitions, for any signs of damage or wear.

Floors and Ceilings

Inspect the ground floor concrete slab for any cracks or damage. Check the first floor tongue-and-groove boarding and timber joists for any signs of wear or damage. Examine the plasterboard ceilings for any cracks or damage.

Common Defects and Remediation

Corrosion of RSJ Stanchions

Minor corrosion of RSJ stanchions is a common issue in Homeville houses. This can be addressed by cleaning the affected areas and applying a protective coating to prevent further corrosion. In severe cases, the stanchions may need to be replaced.

Damage to Concrete Panels

Damage to the concrete panels in the gable walls can be repaired by filling the cracks and applying a protective coating. In cases of severe damage, the panels may need to be replaced.

Poorly Constructed Roof Space Separating Wall

The poorly constructed roof space separating wall can be addressed by reinforcing the wall and improving the insulation. This may involve adding additional layers of plasterboard and insulation material.

Construction Details

Substructure

The substructure of Homeville houses consists of concrete pads below the stanchions and a concrete slab thickened around the perimeter. A damp-proof course (DPC) is installed to prevent moisture ingress.

Frame

The frame of Homeville houses includes RSJ stanchions, perimeter beams, wall panel support beams, floor support beams, and RSA bracings. The stanchions and beams are coated with red oxide paint for protection.

External Walls

The external walls are made of brick piers at the separating walls and timber frame infill panels clad with tile hanging. The walls are lined with foil-backed plasterboard for insulation. The gable walls have brick return piers at the corners, storey-height rendered gas concrete panels, and honeycomb plasterboard linings.

Roof

The roof is constructed with timber trusses, bituminous felt, and interlocking concrete tiles. The apex is clad with timber shiplap boarding, and the roof space is lined with plasterboard.

Floors and Ceilings

The ground floor is made of concrete, while the first floor consists of tongue-and-groove boarding on timber joists. The ceilings are lined with plasterboard.

Variants and Modifications

RSA Braces

Some Homeville houses feature RSA braces within the separating walls for added structural support. These braces can help improve the stability of the property and reduce the risk of structural issues.

Rendered Block Piers

In some variants, the separating walls and gable return corners are constructed with rendered block piers. This modification can enhance the durability and stability of the property.

Mathematical Tiles

Certain Homeville houses have mathematical tiles on the gable walls up to the roofline. These tiles provide an additional layer of protection and insulation for the property.

Asbestos Cement Sheet Linings

Some Homeville houses feature asbestos cement sheet linings in the roof space of the gable apex and separating walls. While asbestos was commonly used in construction during the 1960s, it is now known to pose health risks. It is essential to have any asbestos-containing materials inspected and, if necessary, removed by a qualified professional.

Laminated Plasterboard

In some variants, the gable and separating walls are lined with three layers of laminated plasterboard. This modification can improve the insulation and soundproofing of the property.

Conclusion

The Homeville Industrialised House represents a significant chapter in the UK’s post-war housing history. These properties, manufactured by The Homeville Co. Ltd between 1963 and 1970, were designed to provide affordable and quickly constructed housing solutions. While generally well-constructed, Homeville houses are not without their issues. Potential buyers and investors should be aware of common defects, such as minor corrosion of RSJ stanchions and poorly constructed roof space separating walls. Conducting a thorough inspection and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and safety of these properties.

At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.

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