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Original poster

Metal framed houses

26 replies

Gizlotsmum · 30/07/2017 15:29

Looking at potentially buying one. Have heard lots of horror stories ( and have a aip on a similar property so ok on that front I think) but are they really that bad? Wouldn't need to sell whilst still had a mortgage so not to bothered about resale issues. More just living in and maintenance ones.

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TattyCat · 30/07/2017 22:00

I woudn't. I can't imagine that they're quiet (contracting, expanding depending on temperature) and I think were used generally for pre-fabs (could be wrong) and I think therefore difficult to mortgage.

TattyCat · 30/07/2017 22:00

wouldn't

hereigoagainhereigogogo · 30/07/2017 22:03

Difficult to mortgage and some are 'designated defective' so completely unmortgageable. Need more info on the specific house type.

hereigoagainhereigogogo · 30/07/2017 22:13

Apologies, I've just had a look at my notes on non traditional construction and it appears that the metal frame houses were not officially designated defective. It's been a few years since I studied and my post baby memory is not what it was! You will still struggle to get a mortgage on it though. I can see if I can find you more info if you can tell me the type of house you are looking at.

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 31/07/2017 07:13

Unfortunately all the EA can tell me is that is is metal framed. The previous one was PRC with a certificate but we got out bid on that one. It's semi detached and has a brick skin if that is any help? I have struggled to find much info on line. We would get a full survey done before proceeding. Do they really contract as mentioned above ( sorry very naive I know)

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Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 31/07/2017 07:13

EA doesn't state cash only. One up the road has just sold but not sure if cash or mortgage

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Tobuyornot99 · 31/07/2017 16:03

If it's a BISF house then Santander lend on them, I just sold one. Lives there for 2 years, never heard a creak! They normally have asbestos so tread with caution if renovating.

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 31/07/2017 16:18

No one seems to know 🙄 Not sure where I can find out either.

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Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 31/07/2017 16:19

No renovation plans ( plus my sister is an asbestos specialist so would get her advice if that changed, and contacts)

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Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 31/07/2017 16:19

Was it hard to keep warm?

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Tobuyornot99 · 31/07/2017 17:07

It was the warmest house I've ever lived in! Gas and electricity combined about £40 per month (having said that we were both out at work all day, but still economical). When the brick fascia was added it became so snug. Usually ex - LA too so bloody huge gardens.

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 31/07/2017 17:09

Exactly why we want it! Huge garden and three decent sized bedrooms...

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BubblesBuddy · 01/08/2017 00:31

Some steel framed houses are perfectly ok and some of them are huge! Many modern mansions are steel framed! It really depends on the house. What is made from asbestos?

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 06:38

It's post war construction so likely to flag up concerns ( hence we will get a full structural survey) I think some of the roof materials can be made from asbestos but is ok as long as it's left in tact.

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BubblesBuddy · 01/08/2017 07:31

I think that's true about the BISF ones. I guess a lot will depend on how it has "matured" over the years. Repairs could be expensive and are apparently difficult with a semi due to the adjoining house.

In principle, there is no reason why steel framed buildings are a problem.

Tobuyornot99 · 01/08/2017 07:37

Mine had assets in the roof, which was treated with a coating meaning it wouldn't be a problem until it needed replacing. And the tube in the chimney stack was asbestos.

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 11:43

Estate agents are being crap about getting us any more information on the structure which is making me nervous

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fluttershyby · 01/08/2017 12:58

Google 'non standard construction houses' go onto images and see if you can find it.
That's how I found out what my house was called as estate agent didn't have a clue.

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 13:18

I have done that and because it has a brick skin I haven't found any. I have found similar but all seem to say metal framed...no manufacturer. Even searched on area and history.

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BubblesBuddy · 01/08/2017 15:17

Some of these houses have a brick skin because it was better for retaining heat. Do the current owners know anything? I assume they had info when they bought it. What about the Local Authority if it was ex local authority? They may have kept records in their architects dept or archived them.

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 15:19

Trying to get the EA to ask the vendors...

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Tobuyornot99 · 01/08/2017 15:57

If you are happly to tell us which town / city you are in then maybe someone will know?

Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 18:05

it's lincolnshire. Actually in Long Sutton

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Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 18:05

Thank you everyone for contributing.

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Original poster
Gizlotsmum · 01/08/2017 19:39

So broker is saying they need more information. Estate agent is saying they have never needed to give more information and our second offer was refused and they won't say what they will accept. I am so tempted to walk away but hubby won't.

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