Overview
The Howard Type B house is a form of post-war non-traditional housing developed in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. Manufactured by John Howard & Co. Ltd and designed by Phillip Powell and Eric Chick, these properties were constructed between 1945 and 1950 as part of a rapid housing programme responding to widespread wartime destruction.
Approximately 1,500 Howard Type B houses were built across the UK, most commonly in areas where large-scale reconstruction was required.
Howard Type B houses are typically two-storey semi-detached or terraced properties, identifiable by shallow pitched gable roofs, steel window frames, and extensive use of asbestos cement cladding.
Typical characteristics & construction
Howard Type B houses are two-storey dwellings constructed using a steel frame system with a combination of precast concrete panels, timber framing, and asbestos cement cladding. A distinctive recess at the separating wall on both front and rear elevations is infilled with a projecting single-storey storage structure.
External wall construction varies by level, with precast concrete panels used up to ground floor window sill height and asbestos cement sheet cladding above. Timber cover strips are used at corners and junctions. Steel-framed windows are a common identifying feature.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete pads, PC block underbuilding, oversite concrete with DPC | Settlement, moisture control, DPC continuity |
| Frame | Steel frame of RSA, RSC and RSJ members | Corrosion, particularly at stanchion bases |
| External walls | PC panels below, asbestos cement sheets above timber framing | Panel joints, rain penetration, asbestos condition |
| Floors | T&G boarding on timber joists | Deflection, moisture-related decay |
| Roof | RSA trusses with asbestos cement sheeting | Sheet condition, fixings, water ingress |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The most significant hazards associated with Howard Type B houses relate to asbestos-containing materials and the long-term performance of the steel frame. Asbestos cement is present in roof coverings, external cladding, internal wall linings, and fire stops.
Superficial corrosion to steel stanchions, cladding rails, spandrel beams, and roof trusses is common, particularly at ground level where moisture exposure is greatest. Rain penetration at wall panel joints can contribute to internal dampness and accelerate deterioration.
Is this house right for you?
Purchasers considering a Howard Type B house should be comfortable with non-traditional construction and the presence of asbestos-containing materials.
- Commission a full building survey
- Understand asbestos management responsibilities
- Review evidence of corrosion protection and maintenance
The individual condition of the property is more significant than age alone.
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage acceptance for Howard Type B houses depends on construction type, condition, and the quality of professional reporting. Lender criteria can vary, and clarity on asbestos condition and steel frame performance is often influential.
Clear survey findings and evidence of ongoing maintenance are commonly important considerations.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Howard Type B house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible corrosion to steel stanchions and framing
- Assess the condition of asbestos cement cladding and roof sheets
- Review signs of rain penetration, dampness, and condensation risk
- Comment on accessible floors, walls, ceilings, and roof structure
- Highlight defects requiring repair, monitoring, or further investigation
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- Confirm the condition of concealed steelwork behind linings
- Assess hidden fixings or corrosion within enclosed members
- Determine the full condition of asbestos materials not visible
- 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 Howard Type B 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.
