We had the opportunity to carry out a survey of a BISF (British Iron & Steel Federation) house in east Dorset recently, which made me realise how difficult it is not only to find relevant information on non-traditional methods of construction, particularly steel framed buildings but how difficult it can be to spot them.

The post war era saw many steel and concrete framed system-built houses being built, predominantly in what was then termed “Council Estates” and these included Airey, BISF, Reema, Mowlem and Wimpey - yes, Wimpey and Mowlem both tried and now build timber sheds with brick outer skins and call them houses :) - apologies, but I have a pet-dislike of timber framed buildings!

Many of these system-built houses are still in existence and many have undergone external insulation and finishing (EIFS) where external insulation and a finish (Brick/brick slip or render) is applied, often making the construction of a house difficult to assess.

Fortunately, the house in question had retained its original concrete-panel external cladding and the tell-tale signs of corrosion to the steel frame were evident at the bottom external corners of the structure and internally which could have easily been missed by the untrained eye, which is often the case when purchasers do not engage a building survey.

Our clients were fortunately saved from the expense of refurbishing the structure, so if you are thinking of buying such a property, consider having a survey - it could save you money!