What Is Precast Reinforced Concrete
(PRC)
No doubt you have heard lots about the problems associated with PRC
houses. These properties were built in the 1940’s and 50’s
to cope with the increased demand for housing. They were built using
Precast Reinforced Concrete at a time when traditional building materials
and craftsmen were in short supply.
The Precast Reinforced Concrete panels were strengthened with steel
rods and factory produced. The panels were then delivered to site
and assembled in kit form. However many of the panels and columns
used now conceal potential structural problems. Other building constructions
included using larger structural panels which have their own individual
problems. PRC properties are classed as non-standard construction
by most mortgage lenders and they are not acceptable as suitable
security for a mortgage.
These properties offered the Local Authorities a chance to provide
social housing very quickly at a time when there was great demand.
However the problems today faced are not just limited to the concrete.
Because of the materials used in the construction process the properties
can be damp and very energy inefficient. Poor ventilation is a major
problem that causes dampness. If the inner steels rods become damp
they can rust. As the rusting steel expands the concrete can crack
and the whole structure becomes weakened. Most PRC properties are
poorly insulated and therefore energy costs are high. Many properties
still have the original steel casement windows.
Typically these houses have generous accommodation and large gardens.
This makes them very popular with tenants and highly desirable.
Why Would You Buy and Repair
Since the Right To Buy scheme has been in existence many tenants
have purchased their properties. If they bought their homes before
1984 they have been able to get them repaired with funds from a
Government grant. Unfortunately that grant is no longer available
and many Local Councils do not have funding available for the repair
of PRC homes. Unrepaired homes are considered defective and as such
banks and building society’s are not willing to provide mortgages
unless the property is repaired to specific standards.
The repair process is dependent on the design of each type of property.
Typically the process involves removing the defective concrete and
rebuilding the structure with traditional block work and brick.
All work is carried out to the specifications and designs of leading
structural engineers. We employ the services of specialist Engineers
to inspect your property before, during and after the repair process.
This will ensure that the work is done to the highest standard and
that the scheme is the most appropriate for your property. Once
the works are complete the engineers will issue a certificate confirming
that the property has been repaired. This will make the property
acceptable to most banks and building society's, something that
can significantly increase the value of your home.
You Can Buy Your Own Home
If you have been a tenant for more than two
years you are able to exercise your Right to Buy. The council will
offer you a generous discount if you are able to purchase your home.
As PRC properties do not carry the same values as traditionally
built homes the purchase price is likely to be very attractive.
Once your home is repaired it will carry a similar value as a traditionally
built home.
What Happens Next
If you want to proceed the next thing you
should do is simply call KFS Mortgages.
KFS Mortgages have extensive knowledge of
the Right to Buy process and the problems associated with concrete
properties. We realise that owning your home is the biggest investment
you are likely to make and we make sure that the process is fully
explained, understandable, and acceptable to you. We will introduce
you to accredited and reputable repair specialists who have valuable
experience in this specialist field. They will advise you of the
cost of repair, the materials to be used, and work with you to transform
your home.
Once you are satisfied with the costing and
the processes KFS Mortgages will help arrange your mortgage needs.
We offer advice on the most suitable mortgage schemes from a specialist
panel – even if you have had credit problems in the past.
We will not use any form of expensive bridging finance or take any
amount of money upfront from you. We will also introduce you to
our solicitors who will make the legal process of owning your own
home easy and understandable.
KFS Mortgages will ensure that the whole
process is managed efficiently and that you are involved each step
of the way.
It is important for us to stress that at
KFS Mortgages we have an in-depth customer care policy that works.
This means you can be sure that you are always updated and at the
very centre of the whole process. With KFS Mortgages you make the
decisions – it’s your home. You decide the when the
work is done, you can even choose what type of bricks are to be
used
The Repairs
The builders on our panel are monitored strictly
and you can be sure that standards of workmanship are always maintained.
All works are overseen by independent structural engineers. The
structural engineers will only issue the completion certificate
when the works have been carried out to their satisfaction and standards.
The builder will not be paid for his work without the issue of this
certificate.
It isn't’t normally necessary for you to move out of your
property whilst the repairs are being done. The builders will work
around you and your family and are always respectful that they are
working in your home
Our builders offer a fixed price quotation
which means that is the price you will pay. There are no hidden
extras to pay for and the price given will include the replacement
of existing windows and doors. Should you require extra work to
be done this can easily be arranged. Many of our customers have
added a porch or a conservatory at the same time.
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