What are Feakes and Richardson houses?
Feakes & Richardson houses form a substantial part of the inter-war suburban housing stock across South East London and Kent, including Bexleyheath, Erith, Northumberland Heath and the Bostall Park Estate. They were built predominantly between the late 1920s and late 1930s and are often encountered during pre-purchase surveys.
Although frequently grouped together, the developments used several standardised house designs, commonly referred to as Type J, Type K and Type C. These variations have a direct bearing on wall construction, defect risk and inspection priorities.
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How are Feakes and Richardson houses built?
They are generally two-storey semi-detached or terraced houses built in traditional loadbearing masonry, meaning the walls carry the weight of the floors and roof.
- Foundations: shallow strip foundations, consistent with inter-war practice, commonly bearing onto London Clay.
- Roofs: pitched timber structures with cut rafters and purlins, usually covered in clay tiles.
- Floors: commonly suspended timber at ground level, with timber first floors and occasional later concrete floors to kitchens or extensions.
What is the difference between Type J, Type K and Type C?
The main difference is wall construction: Type K has solid brick walls, while Type J and Type C may have cavity walls.
- Type K: solid brick external walls, typically around 9 inches thick, with no cavity. This was the construction identified at an inspected property.
- Type J: often similar in external appearance, but may incorporate early cavity wall construction, usually with a narrow cavity and unprotected mild steel wall ties (the metal ties that link the two leaves of a cavity wall).
- Type C: variants frequently associated with later phases of development, where cavity wall construction is more commonly encountered.
| House type | Wall construction | Primary inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Type K | Solid brick masonry | Thermal performance, damp bridging, historic settlement cracking |
| Type J | Early cavity wall | Wall tie corrosion, bowing, stepped cracking |
| Type C | Cavity wall (later inter-war) | Movement at openings, cavity condition, alterations |
What problems affect Feakes and Richardson houses?
Foundation movement related to London Clay is a recurring consideration across all house types.
- Settlement and movement: historic settlement cracking is common and often stabilised, but later extensions or changes in drainage can alter movement patterns.
- Moisture and condensation in solid-wall Type K houses: moisture management and internal condensation risk are key, particularly where insulation upgrades and replacement windows have altered ventilation.
- Wall tie corrosion in cavity walls: where cavities are present, as in some Type J and Type C houses, corrosion of the unprotected mild steel ties becomes a material inspection issue.
Is a Feakes and Richardson house right for you?
These houses can perform reliably, but buyers should understand the implications of the specific house type and its construction before committing.
- Confirm whether the walls are solid or cavity-built.
- Allow for ongoing maintenance of traditional materials.
- Review the quality and impact of later alterations, such as extensions, drainage changes, insulation upgrades and replacement windows.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition of a property. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
For a Feakes & Richardson house, a survey assesses the visible condition and construction, helping to clarify the risks specific to the house type before committing to a purchase.
- Visible cracking and movement patterns.
- Signs of dampness, moisture ingress and condensation risk.
- Roof coverings, chimneys and rainwater goods.
- The general condition of accessible structural elements.
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- The condition of concealed wall ties where cavities exist.
- Hidden structural elements behind finishes.
- Areas that are inaccessible at the time of inspection.
Where higher-risk indicators are identified, further specialist or intrusive investigation may be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
When were Feakes and Richardson houses built?
Predominantly between the late 1920s and late 1930s.
Where are Feakes and Richardson houses found?
Across South East London and Kent, including Bexleyheath, Erith, Northumberland Heath and the Bostall Park Estate.
Do Feakes and Richardson houses have cavity walls?
It depends on the type. Type K typically has solid brick walls around 9 inches thick with no cavity, Type J may have an early narrow cavity, and cavity walls are more common in Type C.
Why are wall ties a concern in these houses?
Where cavity walls exist, the ties are often unprotected mild steel, so corrosion is a material inspection issue.
Can these houses be mortgaged?
They are generally regarded as mainstream construction, but clarity about wall construction, structural stability and documented maintenance remains important for mortgage lending and resale.
