Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 12/5/2006

Question
My partner and I are looking ot buy a property in England. The property was built in circa 1955 and was constructed in Laing easi-form concrete. After speaking to various people, they have said it best not to purchase a concrete house but nobody can give us a sufficient reason why we shouldn't. Is there any evidence to support or disclaim this theory about concrete housing.

Answer
Concrete construction has some pros and cons.  Please do
not buy this property without getting a Professional inspection done first.

Here are few things to watch out for (there may be more, but
I cannot know without seeing the house):

1- Movement cracks that allow entry for pest and moisture.
2- Moisture barriers that no longer works properly and
  allows penetration (this can cause problems with
  mold, wood decay (if moisture touches the wood), and
  conditions conducive to wood destroying insects and
  pest).
3- Concrete does not have good insulation value and this
  can cause discomfort and even condensation
  problems (sweating).
4- Expensive to repair (not like patching wood).  It
  takes more skill to repair concrete.
5- Foundation movement and wall cracks can devalue
  the house (this can cause re-sale value to bite you).
7- Dirt against walls of concrete can cover moisture
  penetration points you cannot see. Concrete is not
  water proof without extra sealing.  This has a
  limited life span and more water proofing has to
  be done later sometimes (if you can reach the location
  that needs it - like under the ground - yikes!).
8- High humidity in old houses can cause mold to grow
  in the pores of the concrete.
9- Are the walls concrete or block?  Blocks filled
  with concrete? Hollow blocks?  Blocks have a limited
  life span sometimes (mixed poorly when made).
10-Expensive problems can be covered and not discovered
  until after you buy the problem. (No steel in some
  areas of the concrete - wow!)
11-Plumbing and Electrical repairs are more expensive,
  because they have to work around the concrete instead
  of a wood frame.  Many repairs that a home owner
  could normally do, cannot be done with a concrete house.

I am not trying to cause undo panic, but you are in a
real need for a Professional Inspection for this property,
considering its age and construction.

Good luck and I hope this helps you,

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
http://texas-inspection.com