Overview
The Hitchins House is a rare post-war system-built property designed to address the acute housing shortage following the Second World War. Manufactured by Hitchins Steel Core Buildings Ltd and designed by A G MacDonald, these houses were constructed in 1946, with only 50 units built.
The construction reflects early experimentation with steel-framed systems combined with precast concrete elements. While historically significant, the form and materials require careful inspection and informed assessment when considering purchase.
Typical characteristics & construction
Hitchins Houses are two-storey semi-detached properties with medium-pitch gable roofs. Roof coverings are profiled asbestos cement sheets, with decorative tile hanging at the gable apex.
External walls are formed from small exposed aggregate precast concrete slabs, with rounded precast concrete corner units and a sloping, projecting band course at first-floor level. Internally, walls incorporate timber framing lined with plywood and woodwool infill.
| Element | Typical construction | Inspection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Substructure | Concrete strip footings with brick under-building and DPC | Settlement, damp-proof course condition, moisture ingress |
| Frame | Tubular steel stanchions with RS flat ties and roof trusses | Corrosion, condition of protective coatings |
| External walls | Exposed aggregate precast concrete slabs with woodwool infill | Cracking, moisture penetration, panel condition |
| Roof | Medium-pitch gable roof with asbestos cement sheets | Asbestos condition, fixings, weathering |
| Floors | Concrete ground floor; timber first floor with T&G boarding | Cracking, deflection, general stability |
Potential hazards & inspection priorities
The most significant hazards relate to asbestos-containing roofing materials and the long-term condition of the steel frame. Disturbance of asbestos cement sheets can present health risks, while deterioration of protective coatings may expose steel elements to corrosion.
Moisture ingress is another priority, particularly where damp-proof courses have failed or where precast concrete panels and joints allow water penetration. Original insulation materials also fall short of modern performance expectations.
Is this house right for you?
Hitchins Houses may be considered by purchasers who understand non-traditional construction and are prepared to assess condition on a case-by-case basis rather than relying on age or appearance alone.
- Commission a detailed building survey
- Review evidence of maintenance to steel components
- Consider asbestos management requirements
Mortgage & resale considerations
Mortgage acceptance for system-built housing varies between lenders and is influenced by construction type, condition, and the clarity of professional reporting. The limited number of Hitchins Houses means lender familiarity may be limited.
Clear survey findings and evidence of maintained structural integrity are commonly influential in lending and resale decisions.
What a survey can — and cannot — tell you
A building survey provides an informed assessment of the visible condition and construction of a Hitchins House. Inspections are non-intrusive and limited to areas that are accessible at the time of inspection.
- Identify visible corrosion to steel stanchions and associated elements
- Assess signs of dampness, moisture ingress, and condensation risk
- Comment on roof coverings, including asbestos cement condition
- Review the condition of accessible floors, walls, and ceilings
- Highlight defects requiring repair, monitoring, or further investigation
However, there are limitations to what a survey can determine without intrusive investigation.
- Confirm the condition of concealed steelwork within wall panels
- Assess hidden structural elements behind linings or finishes
- Determine the full extent of corrosion beneath protective coatings
- Inspect areas that are inaccessible at the time of inspection
Where higher-risk indicators are identified, further specialist or intrusive investigation may be recommended.
