HOUSING
BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN MODULAR NEW HOMES
It was great to see so much interest and serious discussion around offsite construction at ecobuild this year, says Graham Sibley, NHBC’s Market Development Manager. Speaking at the opening masterclass, and then meeting manufacturers, architects, local authorities there was plenty of stimulating conversation and a sense of momentum behind offsite housing. checking the connections between modules (and their robustness) and checking the integration with cladding and other finishes – watertightness
1 At NHBC we are seeing increasing interest in the use of offsite components, from lenders and investors to developers, housing associations and Build to Rent operators. What they all have in common is a desire to build confidence in the quality and benefits of new homes using offsite components. It is an established expectation amongst homeowners, landlords, investors and mortgage companies that new homes will last a very long time. Reflecting this expectation, NHBC explicitly requires a life of 60 years for the structure. This means that materials and components need to be selected and assembled carefully so that a 60year lifespan can be achieved in reality, with the construction of the finished home having the durability and resilience to withstand the vagaries of the UK climate. In practice, homes designed for 60 years can be expected to last well beyond that time. The key question we are looking to answer for investors and lenders in particular is whether we can provide insurance on the finished home, rather than simply assurance that the components are robust and 50
2 manufactured to a consistent quality. Investors and lenders want to know that homes they potentially invest in or provide mortgages on will be of sufficient quality, so NHBC is working very closely with offsite component manufacturers, architects, developers and contractors to ensure that homes built using these components are of at least the same finished standard as conventionally built homes. The work NHBC has been undertaking with high profile entrants to the market such as Legal & General and ilke Homes highlights their commitment to delivering homes that meet the reasonable expectations of owners and residents, are mortgagable on normal terms, insurable and durable. Such companies are taking a rigorous approach to developing their products, with the long term durability of the homes at the heart of their thinking, adapting the product before going live with mass production. This demonstrates a real commitment to long term quality. In many respects we are learning together, from the design to final construction of the building identifying potential risks and finding solutions to improve final build quality such as:
WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | MARCH/APRIL 2018
I hear it said that NHBC has been seen as ‘stand-offish’ to new construction methods. In reality we have always taken a view on the potential risks associated with any construction methodology. We take a collaborative approach, reviewing building designs and components from the earliest stages – and certainly before designs are locked down. In so doing, NHBC is able to identify areas of potential risk and collaborate to mitigate that risk. That means reviewing designs before putting out to tender for contracts. There is nothing worse for a developer than having to change specification if risks are identified at a late stage. There is a lot of drive behind offsite construction, with continued Government support and serious new entrants to the arena. A consistent approach to assessing the quality of new homes using offsite components is needed and the working group chaired by Mark Farmer is bringing together terms that meet the expectations of warranty providers, lenders, investors and building insurers. For more information visit: www.nhbc.co.uk
Image: 01-02. NHBC has been working with high profile entrants to the housing market such as ilke Homes. Courtesy ilke Homes