Overview
The Quikform house, also known as the Bryant Kwikform, Bryant Quikform, or Bryant System A, is a form of post-war system-built housing developed in the UK from 1945 onwards. Manufactured by C Bryant & Son, these properties were designed to address the acute housing shortages that followed the Second World War, prioritising speed of construction and material efficiency.
Quikform houses are predominantly two-storey semi-detached or terraced dwellings constructed using reinforced concrete and clinker blockwork. They are most commonly found in suburban estates developed during the late 1940s and 1950s.
Typical characteristics & construction
Quikform houses are generally two-storey semi-detached or terraced properties. Roofs are usually shallow pitched and hipped, finished with concrete tiles, although some variants were constructed with flat roofs covered in asphalt or bituminous felt.
External walls are fully rendered and formed using layers of concrete and clinker concrete blocks, with an internal cavity and horizontal steel reinforcement provided at key levels. The overall appearance is uniform, reflecting the functional design approach of the post-war period.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete strip footings with concrete slab and damp-proof course | Settlement, cracking, signs of rising damp |
| External walls | Rendered concrete and clinker block cavity construction with steel reinforcement | Cracking, carbonation, corrosion staining, render failure |
| Separating walls | Hollow clinker blocks filled with lightly reinforced concrete | Cracking, movement, soundness |
| Floors | Solid ground floor slab and concrete first floor with downstand beams | Deflection, cracking, dampness |
| Roof | Timber rafters and purlins with concrete tiles or flat concrete slab | Covering condition, leaks, structural adequacy |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The primary concerns with Quikform houses relate to the long-term performance of clinker concrete and embedded steel reinforcement. Carbonation and chloride contamination can reduce concrete alkalinity, increasing the risk of reinforcement corrosion.
Moisture ingress is also a recurring issue, particularly where render has deteriorated or where the original damp-proof course has lost effectiveness. These factors can accelerate structural deterioration if left unmanaged.
Is this house right for you?
Quikform houses can be suitable purchases where their condition is well understood and appropriately maintained.
- Commission a full building survey
- Review evidence of concrete repairs or damp-proofing works
- Accept that original construction may fall short of modern standards
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage acceptance for Quikform houses can vary depending on condition, lender criteria, and the clarity of professional reporting. Demonstrated maintenance and the absence of significant unresolved defects are influential factors.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Quikform house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible cracking to rendered concrete and blockwork
- Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
- 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 concealed reinforcement within concrete walls
- Assess hidden structural elements behind finishes or linings
- Determine the full extent of carbonation or internal concrete deterioration
- 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.
Considering a Quikform house?
A detailed building survey can help clarify construction-specific risks before committing to a purchase.
Get your instant survey quoteDisclaimer: This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is based on industry research, professional knowledge, and experience. It does not relate to any specific property and should not be relied upon when making a purchasing decision. Prospective purchasers should always commission an independent RICS-qualified surveyor to conduct a full inspection and provide a report on the actual condition of any property of interest.