Banks had been cautious about lending on prefab homes, fearing they might not last for the period of the mortgage and that parts for repairs would not be easy to obtain across the home's lifespan.
Some lenders and insurers were also concerned about the quality of the systems (HT 17 October 2003, page 15).
The new standard, System Build Standard LPS 1272, was designed by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, construction research body BRE and the Association of British Insurers.
Products will have to meet durability standards and spare parts must be readily available.
The kitemark will not set a minimum lifespan for homes but will assess whether the manufacturer's claims about durability and repairs are correct. It will apply to light steel frame, timber frame, structural insulated panel and precast concrete frame systems.
The kitemark will be awarded by BRE and kitemarked items will be listed in its book of approved construction products.
Paul Sims, associate director of construction certification at BRE, said he hoped the mark would become widely accepted for Building Regulations purposes. He said: "There is no legal requirement to do this. It's for applicants to consider whether it gives them a commercial advantage."
Michael Coogan, director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said: "The type of homes that can be built using modern construction methods are a world away from the old-fashioned prefabs of the past. Yet they are regarded with caution by both developers and lenders because their long-term performance is unknown.
"The new standard should help to ensure that the new generation of prefabs are durable and robust, and can play a long-term role in the UK housing market."
Source
Housing Today
No comments yet