What is non standard construction and how to standardise it

[nickjb]

Just looked at a bungalow which is non standard construction (and cheap because of it, and cash only). Its basically cast concrete panels for walls. No insulation. The rest of the building is pretty standard. Below dpc is brickwork and the the roof is pitched and tiled. What would it take to make it standard? Obviously it needs some insulation adding and the best way I can think of is exterior celotex then a render but while that would make the house 'work' it'll still be a bit non standard. Would and exterior skin of brick/block to make a cavity wall be any better or do the concrete panels need replacing with block standardise it?

 

[John D v2.0]

Well a standard construction is solid or cavity brick or block walls, optionally rendered. So by definition you'd have to prop and rebuild all the walls.
In that case it would be surely cheaper to just demolish and rebuild to your specifications.
To what end do you want to make it standard though, is it structurally sound? Or do you want to do it up and sell on to someone who needs a mortgage?

 

[^woody^]

What would it take to make it standard?

Demolition and rebuilding it of "standard construction".

 

[wessex101]

Is it a Woolaway bungalow? To change from non-traditional to traditional you can prop the roof and demolish all the external walls and rebuild in cavity walls. To be honest most Woolaways get demolished and a new build put on the plot.

 

[nickjb]

I think it is woolaway. Longer term knocking it down is probably the way to go as its a nice plot. I suppose I'm considering shorter term options as it needs insulation so if there was anything I could do at this stage to be heading in the right direction. If it is to be knocked down then I guess a cheap job now makes sense.

 

[tomfe]

Spend the money on heating it and save for the rebuild.
It'll be cheaper to throw on an extra jumper or two than insulate to then rebuild.