Housing defects
Defects are aspects of a building that are not performing adequately for their intended use.
Defects may occur because of:
- Design deficiencies.
- Product or material deficiencies.
- Poor specification.
- Workmanship deficiencies.
- Maintenance deficiencies.
- Changes of use.
- Environmental influences.
Some defects are apparent (patent defects) and some are hidden (latent defects).
A National New Home Customer Satisfaction Survey undertaken by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the National House Building Council (NHBC) in 2015, found that 93% of buyers reported problems to their builders, and of these, 35% reported 11 or more problems.
Defects in new buildings may be attributable to designers, suppliers or contractors, and may result in a claim. In addition, during the first 12 months or so after completion (depending on the terms of the construction contract), the contractor may be required to remedy defects during a time commonly referred to as the 'defects liability period', and beyond that there may be some form of ongoing warranty.
In addition, irrespective of contractual obligations, the Defective Premises Act 1972 provides that a person taking on work for, or in connection with, the provision of a dwelling owes a duty to the person acquiring the dwelling and subsequent purchasers to see that the work which they take on is done in a workmanlike or professional manner, with proper materials so that it will be fit for habitation when completed.
However, defects in older buildings may not be clearly attributable to a particular party, but may result from a change in circumstances or use, an environmental impact, poor maintenance and so on, or from a combination of factors.
The housing stock in England is relatively old, with approximately 44% built before 1980, and 20% built before 1919. As a result it is prone to poor performance and a number of common defects.
The list below provides links to articles on Designing Buildings Wiki that provide information about common defects in housing:
- Carbon monoxide emissions.
- Cold bridge.
- Contaminated land.
- Cracking and building movement. (see also: Ground heave / Settlement / Subsidence).
- Damp (see also: Penetrating damp / Rising damp)
- Condensation (see also Interstitial condensation)
- Defects in brickwork (see also: Efflorescence / Spalling).
- Defects in dot and dab.
- Defects in stonework.
- Dry rot.
- Flooring defects.
- Hazardous substances (See also: Asbestos).
- Indoor air quality.
- Mould growth.
- Roofing defects (See also: Flat roof defects).
- Sick building syndrome.
- Wall tie failure.
- Wet rot.
- Woodworm.
Other common problems may include:
- Defective chimneys.
- Defective rainwater fittings, plumbing or drainage.
- Defective windows.
- Defective wiring.
- Defective plumbing.
- Draughts.
- Inadequate ventilation of the sub-floor or roof space.
- Excessive energy consumption.
- Poorly installed insulation.
- Poorly installed or absent damp proof course.
- Decayed or damaged windows and doors.
- Sound transmission.
- Encroachment by trees.
- Chimneys that have been blocked up, but not filled.
- Infestations.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building pathology.
- Bungalow.
- Certificate of making good defects.
- Defective Premises - Liability and Measure of Damages.
- Defective Premises Act.
- Defects liability period.
- Defects.
- Dwelling.
- English housing stock age.
- Flat definition.
- Household.
- Housing Defects Act 1984.
- NHBC.
- Remedial work.
- Residential definition.
- Schedule of condition.
- Schedule of defects.
- Scott schedule.
- Types of dwelling.
- Types of household.
- Use class.
- Wellbeing.
[edit] External references
IHBC NewsBlog
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.
Historic England opens nominations for the National Blue Plaque Scheme
The scheme is open to nominations to celebrate people from all walks of life.
Striking photos show nature reclaiming brutalist concrete
‘Brutalist Plants’ explores nature’s links to the architectural style characterised by imposing form and exposed concrete.
Purcell’s guidance on RAAC for Listed Buildings in England & Wales
The guidance specifically focuses on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in listed buildings.
IHBC Membership Journal Context - Latest Issue on 'Hadrian's Wall' Published
The issue includes takes on the wall 'end-to-end' including 'the man who saved it'.
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice.