Overview
Resiform houses are a rare form of system-built housing developed during the mid-1960s as part of the UK’s post-war drive for rapid residential construction. Only a very limited number are known to have been built, making surviving examples uncommon within the wider non-traditional housing stock.
Resiform houses were manufactured in 1965 by William Old Ltd and designed by Richardson, Son & Knowles in conjunction with Field and Shaw. Fewer than ten units are believed to have been constructed.
Typical characteristics & construction
Resiform houses are generally two-storey semi-detached or terraced properties. Roofs are commonly medium-pitched gables covered with interlocking concrete tiles, although flat roof variants with bituminous felt coverings are also encountered.
External walls are formed using storey-height glass fibre reinforced resin panels backed with perforated asbestos cement sheets. Cavities are insulated with glass fibre quilt, with internal finishes formed in plasterboard. A flat canopy over the front entrance is a typical architectural feature.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Reinforced concrete raft foundation | Settlement, cracking, general stability |
| Frame | PSA corner and intermediate stanchions with perimeter beams | Corrosion, movement, structural integrity |
| External walls | GRP panels with asbestos cement backing and insulation | Panel condition, moisture ingress, asbestos risk |
| Floors | Concrete ground floor, chipboard on timber joists above | Dampness, deflection, deterioration |
| Roof | Timber joists with felt or concrete tile covering | Leaks, covering wear, insulation condition |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The principal concerns relate to the long-term performance of the wall panels and the presence of asbestos cement backing sheets. Any disturbance of these materials during repair or alteration presents a clear health risk.
Dampness, insulation deficiencies, and deterioration of structural stanchions are common inspection priorities, particularly where routine maintenance has been limited.
Is this house right for you?
Purchasers should be comfortable with non-traditional construction and the additional responsibilities associated with asbestos-containing materials and system-built structural components.
- Commission a full building survey
- Review any previous asbestos reports
- Budget for ongoing inspection and maintenance
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage acceptance can vary due to the limited number of Resiform houses and their unusual construction. Clear professional reporting and evidence of responsible maintenance are often 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 Resiform house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible damage to resin wall panels and associated finishes
- 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 asbestos cement backing sheets
- Assess hidden structural components behind wall linings
- Determine the full extent of internal panel or frame 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 Resiform 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.