Overview
The Cornes house is a form of non-traditional, steel-framed housing developed in the mid-1960s. These properties were designed as part of a wider post-war drive for rapid housing delivery and are most commonly found as two-storey semi-detached or terraced houses.
Cornes houses, also known as Cornes Cussins or Cussins Cornes houses, were manufactured in 1964 by C Cornes & Son Ltd and Cussins Ltd as system-built dwellings.
Typical characteristics & construction
Cornes houses are generally two-storey semi-detached or terraced properties. Roofs are shallow pitched gables covered with bituminous felt or, in some variants, interlocking concrete tiles.
Front and rear elevations are commonly clad with horizontal timber boarding, flat asbestos cement sheets, or plastics-coated steel sheets. These materials may be used across the full height or restricted to the first floor, with exposed aggregate precast concrete panels above.
Gable walls are formed using exposed aggregate precast concrete panels, brickwork, or plastics-coated steel sheets, sometimes returning around one corner. Separating walls between dwellings are formed from precast concrete panels or brickwork.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete pads, PRC ground beams, PRC slab plinth with DPC | Settlement, cracking, DPC condition |
| Frame | Steel stanchions, beams, trusses with Kariscol joints | Corrosion, joint condition, moisture exposure |
| External walls | Timber-framed panels with mixed cladding and PC panels | Panel condition, fixings, weather resistance |
| Floors | Chipboard on timber joists | Deflection, moisture damage |
| Roof | Timber purlins and boarding with felt or concrete tiles | Covering wear, leaks, timber decay |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
A primary concern with Cornes houses is the condition of the steel frame. Corrosion can develop where protective coatings have failed, particularly at joints or areas exposed to moisture ingress.
Asbestos cement sheets were commonly used for external cladding. While these materials can remain serviceable if undisturbed, their presence requires careful management and specialist assessment before alteration works.
Insulation materials such as glass fibre or expanded polystyrene fall short of modern standards. Damp-proof course performance and ventilation effectiveness also warrant close attention due to the risk of moisture-related defects.
Is this house right for you?
Cornes houses can be suitable where buyers understand non-traditional construction and are prepared to base decisions on detailed inspection findings rather than age or appearance alone.
- Commission a full building survey
- Confirm the condition of steel framing and cladding
- Budget for ongoing maintenance and upgrades
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage acceptance for Cornes houses depends on construction type, condition, and the quality of professional reporting. Lender criteria can vary and may change over time.
Clear evidence of maintenance, absence of significant corrosion, and well-documented survey findings are influential factors in lending and resale decisions.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Cornes house. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible corrosion to steel frame components
- Assess condition of external cladding and precast panels
- Comment on roof coverings, drainage, and moisture risks
- Review accessible floors, ceilings, and internal finishes
- Highlight defects requiring repair or further investigation
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- Confirm internal condition of concealed steel members
- Assess hidden fixings or joints behind wall linings
- Determine the full extent of corrosion within enclosed areas
- Inspect inaccessible or covered elements
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 Cornes 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.
