Types of property construction
Over the years, homes have been built in many different ways and with many different materials.
Most properties are considered on their individual merits.
Property valuations reflect matters such as construction, present condition and future maintenance needs, potential repairs, saleability and demand.
This section contains a brief description of some of the most common house construction techniques.
Traditional construction
This description mainly applies to properties built of brick or stone. However, it may be taken to include types of construction that don't fall into any of the following categories.
Timber
Timber properties come in many different forms and standards of quality. They may range from lightweight framed and clad structures to more substantial structures including solid timber frames.
Timber and brick
This description applies to the modern form of timber framed and brick clad construction (although other claddings may sometimes be used) which is commonly used by many house builders.
Steel
In steel constructed properties, the components will normally have been given a coating to protect against rust.
However, in older properties, the coating may have been of questionable quality or become worn through age, increasing the risk of deterioration.
In many cases, particularly with a framed construction, important components may be completely hidden from view. If deterioration occurs, this may be concealed by internal or external claddings.
In-situ concrete
Properties of in-situ concrete construction may be built with solid or cavity walls and may or may not contain some steel reinforcement. In general terms, the performance of this type of construction is probably not dissimilar to brick constructions of similar age and quality.
Prefabricated reinforced concrete
Prefabricated (or 'precast') reinforced concrete (PRC) constructions have been used since the 1920s.
The discovery of defects in certain types of PRC construction has resulted in some concern over the structural adequacy and durability of PRC constructions.