We are looking into purchasing a prefab concrete and timber frame construction home built in 1967. The home was imported from Sweden. The building is built into the plot of land and the lower floor is essentially underground and acts as part of the retaining wall for the land.

We do like the house, but as it isn't of a construction that we are familiar with, we are concerned about how long it may last, we have been informed that damp proofing materials we use today weren't available in the 1960's.

We would welcome any comments and experiences with this type of building.

In addition, is it structurally possible to extend prefab houses?

Thanks.

You shouldn't have a problem with the structure, but if the dpc is showing the slightest sign of failure I would walk away.

The owner had a general damp proof test from the inside of the house with one of those electric gadget testers - this showed no sign of damp. Would this be enough, or are there other tests recommended that would be quite inadvasive as we are not the owners of the property?

Thanks

you should check you can get a mortgage on a prefab.