Post-War Council Houses

Post-war council houses, built during the 1940s and 1950s reconstruction period, are numerous throughout Greater Manchester and Cheshire. These properties were built to strict government specifications with an emphasis on functionality and economy. Typical construction features include cavity walls, concrete floors, and simple roof designs. Many were built using non-traditional construction methods including prefabricated systems. Survey considerations include identifying the specific construction type, checking for concrete defects in certain property types, assessing the condition of original services, and understanding any specific maintenance requirements related to the construction method used.

Common Defects

Issue	Defect Cause	Defect Remedy
Carbonation in concrete construction	Chemical process affecting concrete over time Moisture penetration accelerating deterioration Poor quality concrete in some post-war construction	Specialist concrete repairs Protection of steel reinforcement Possible overcladding in severe cases
Asbestos containing materials	Common use of asbestos in 1950s-1980s properties Found in insulation, floor tiles, textured coatings Health risks when materials are damaged or disturbed	Professional assessment of risk Safe removal by licensed contractors Encapsulation where appropriate
Deteriorated flat roof coverings	Age-related deterioration of original materials Poor quality flat roof design Limited lifespan of early felt coverings	Complete replacement with modern materials Consideration of EPDM, GRP or high-performance felt Improved insulation and drainage
Cavity wall insulation problems	Inappropriate installation in unsuitable properties Water penetration causing insulation to become ineffective Thermal bridging issues	Removal of wet or damaged insulation Remediation of cavity Consideration of alternative insulation methods
Old wiring systems	Original wiring systems not meeting modern standards Deterioration of insulation with age Insufficient circuits for modern appliance usage	Complete rewiring to current electrical standards Installation of modern consumer unit with RCDs Proper earthing system

RICS Home Surveys

We provide a range of home surveys for buyers and owners of property across Manchester and Cheshire. Our surveys are compliant with RICS Home Survey Standard, and are undertaken by MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyors.

Home Survey – Level 1

'Condition Survey'

£200 - £400

A cost-effective, entry-level property assessment providing clear condition ratings and identifying serious defects that could affect your purchase decision….

Home Survey – Level 2

'Home Buyers Survey'

£350 - £600

A comprehensive assessment of your potential property’s condition, with detailed insights into defects, repair needs, and maintenance requirements – ideal…