The Dagenham Special House

The Dagenham Special house emerged in the 1920s during the post-World War I housing boom. Built primarily in Dagenham, East London, these properties formed part of the rapid suburban expansion intended to address acute housing shortages and provide durable, affordable homes for working-class families.

They were manufactured by local builders under the direction of municipal authorities. Although the individual manufacturers are no longer clearly recorded, the design was developed collaboratively by local government architects and engineers to deliver a robust and cost-effective solution capable of rapid construction.

A Dagenham Special house illustrating rendered concrete external walls and medium-pitch hipped roof construction.

Dagenham Special houses are typically two-storey terraced properties arranged in short rows. Roofs are medium-pitch and hipped in form, covered with concrete tiles or slates. External walls are rendered throughout, giving a consistent external appearance.

End-of-terrace houses feature a porch to the flank wall entrance. Concrete window frames are a distinctive identifying feature of the type.

The substructure comprises concrete strip footings with a brick stretcher course, incorporating concrete bands, a concrete slab and damp-proof course. External walls are formed in dense aggregate and clinker aggregate concrete of varying thicknesses between ground and upper levels. A vertical lapped bitumen sheet damp-proof membrane is secured using mild steel clips and 1.5-inch mild steel tubes at 6-foot centres within the clinker concrete skin. Timber wall plates are provided at first floor and eaves level.

Separating walls between terraces are constructed in clinker aggregate concrete with brick chimney breasts and stacks. Internal partitions are also formed in clinker aggregate concrete. Ground floors are concrete, while first floors consist of timber boarding laid on timber joists supported by timber wall plates. Roof structures are formed in timber rafters and covered with concrete tiles or, in some cases, slates.

Vertical cracking of dense aggregate concrete external walls is a recognised issue. Cracking can arise from settlement, thermal movement or structural stress and requires careful assessment to determine significance.

Horizontal cracking, particularly above the top corners of window openings, is also reported in this construction type and warrants close inspection due to its potential structural implications.

The vertical mild steel tubes embedded within the wall construction are susceptible to corrosion over time. Loss of section to these components can affect structural performance and should be considered where cracking or moisture ingress is evident.

A Dagenham Special house will appeal to purchasers seeking a rare 1920s municipal construction type and who are prepared to assess concrete construction carefully. Limited numbers mean examples are uncommon.

• Commission a detailed building survey
• Review any history of cracking repairs or structural works
• Assess ongoing maintenance of render and roof coverings

Understanding the specific construction system is central to making an informed decision.

The Dagenham Special house is not classed as defective under the Defective Premises Act. However, as a non-standard concrete construction type built in limited numbers, lending decisions may depend on condition, evidence of structural stability, and clarity of survey reporting.

Documented repairs, monitoring of cracking and confirmation of structural adequacy are likely to be relevant considerations.

A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Dagenham Special house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.

• Identify visible vertical and horizontal cracking to concrete external walls
• Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and render failure
• Comment on roof coverings, drainage details, and external envelope condition
• Review the general condition of accessible floors, ceilings, and structural elements
• Highlight defects that may require repair, monitoring, or further investigation

However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.

• Confirm the condition of embedded mild steel tubes within concrete walls
• Assess concealed structural elements behind finishes
• Determine the internal condition of dense or clinker aggregate concrete
• Inspect areas that are inaccessible or covered at the time of inspection

Where higher-risk indicators are identified, further specialist or intrusive investigation may be recommended.

For a thorough building survey in Greater London, an instant quotation can be obtained through the online survey calculator.