Last updated on March 31st, 2022
Cornish Unit repair cost guide
Cornish Unit houses were originally built as a temporary solution following the Second World War, but many are still around today. Unfortunately, these precast reinforced concrete (PRC) structures are now considered to fall short of modern housing standards.
Without a program of repair work carried out by an approved contractor, you’ll find it difficult to get a mortgage on a Cornish Unit house. In this guide, we’ll look at the average Cornish Unit repair cost, so you can start to make your plans.
A Cornish Unit house is one of several thousand prefabricated houses built in the UK as a cheap housing solution after the Second World War. They were mainly built around Cornwall and Devon, hence their name.
Cornish Unit houses were originally built as a temporary solution, but many are still around today. Unfortunately, these precast reinforced concrete (PRC) structures are now considered to fall short of modern housing standards. This is because of the deterioration of the concrete panels.
Without a program of repair work carried out by an approved contractor, you’ll find it difficult to get a mortgage on a Cornish Unit house.
In this guide, we’ll look at the average Cornish Unit repair cost, so you can start to make your plans.
How much does it cost to repair Cornish Unit houses?
| Cost provided item | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornish Unit repair cost | £35,000 | £45,000 | £40,000 |
| PRC certificate cost | £895 | £3,500 | £2,197.50 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The cost to repair Cornish Unit homes to the required standard depends on what work needs to be carried out.
A typical renovation will involve removing the PRC walls, then rebuilding them in block and brick. Insulation is installed, and new windows and doors fitted where required. All work should be carried out to current building control regulations relating to PRC properties.
The average Cornish Unit house repair cost is generally between £35,000 – £45,000. However, you’ll need to get a quote from an approved PRC repair specialist for an accurate price for your property.
Types of Cornish Unit houses
There are two main kinds of Cornish Unit houses – type 1 and type 2. Both are still around today, and both were classed as defective by the 1985 Housing Act.
Type 1 is a two-storey property with PRC panel walls on the ground floor, and a timber-framed mansard roof surrounding the second storey.
Type 2 Cornish Unit houses tend to be two-storey homes with PRC walls covering both floors.
Which type of Cornish Unit house you have is likely to affect the extent and cost of repair work.
PRC certificate cost for Cornish Unit repair work
Once the repair work on your Cornish Unit home is complete, a PRC Certificate will be issued. This can be used as evidence to a mortgage company that an approved programme of repair works has been carried out, and that your property now meets modern building standards.
A PRC certificate should cost around £895 – £3,500 depending on the contractor.
FAQs
How long does Cornish Unit repair work usually take?
It can vary depending on how much work needs to be carried out, but the average Cornish Unit repair project should take between four to six weeks.
Do I have to move out while repair works are ongoing?
It is possible to live in your home during repair works, but you may not find it very comfortable. Due to the noise and mess of building works, you may want to consider temporarily relocating until the repairs are finished.
Can I get a mortgage on a Cornish Unit house without repair work being carried out?
Not usually, as mortgage companies tend to consider Cornish Unit and other PRC properties to be of non-standard construction. They won’t offer mortgages on these properties until an approved scheme of repair and refurbishment has been completed.
Who can repair a Cornish Unit house?
To ensure you can get a mortgage on your newly repaired Cornish Unit house, take care when choosing a contractor for repair works. Many lenders will only offer mortgages if your property has been repaired through an approved scheme such as the PRC Home Approved Scheme or the Halifax Approved Scheme.
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