Woolaway Construction & Bungalow : Every think you need to know

What is woolaway construction?

Woolaway construction is a construction method used to build homes in the UK. They used prefabricated concrete panels and inserted them into a reinforced frame. They made these concrete panels in the company. Then transfer to the installation location. This method was famous after World War II. Woolaway & Sons Ltd introduced the Woolaway construction method in 1946.

Woolaway bungalow history

Woolaway construction began in the early 1950s by Woolaway & Sons Ltd. It is a Devon-based company. They built thousands of houses and bungalows using this construction method from 1946.

With the Woolaway construction method, the company made two types of homes in the UK. From 1946 to 1956 the company built storey semi-detached or terraced houses in the UK. And, from 1953 onwards, the company built Woolaway bungalows.

The PRC panels made Woolaway bungalows quick to build, since parts were pre-made. They were also extremely sturdy and able to withstand the test of time. Many Woolaway homes still stand today, lasting over 70 years so far.

Though Woolaway bungalows were mass-produced, each one has its own charm and character. Their simplistic boxy shape gives them a retro feeling.

Unique Construction Details of Woolaway Bungalows

The Woolaway bungalow gets its name from its unique construction. If you own one of these bungalows, here are some construction details of Woolaway Bungalows.

1. Foundations: Woolaway bungalows usually had concrete slab foundations or shallow strip foundations.
2. Materials: Woolaway bungalows need a mixture of materials. Such as concrete panels, timber and sometimes brick. They usually made the walls of precast concrete panels.
3. Concrete Panels: Woolaway bungalow’s primary structural element is precast concrete wall panels. These panels were manufactured off-site and transported to the construction location. They were often designed to interlock, making assembly relatively straightforward.
4. Timber Roof: The roof structure of Woolaway bungalows was usually constructed from timber trusses or beams.
5. Windows and Doors: They commonly made Windows and doors of timber frames with single-glazed glass.
6. Single-Story Design: Woolaway bungalows were single-story buildings with a horizontal layout. They often had a rectangular or L-shaped floor plan.

Cost of renovating a woolaway bungalow

Renovating a Woolaway bungalow can be rewarding but also challenging. Because these bungalows were constructed in the mid 20th century. Nowadays, it requires skilled craft workers and specialised tools to renovate the Woolaway bungalow. Also, it depends on the size of the bungalow. However, you can expect £50,000 to £100,000 for the woolaway bungalow renovation.

1. Contractors: Hiring contractors with experience renovating Woolaway bungalows is key. Their expertise will help to renovate the bungalow properly with the historic character. However, their services often come at a premium. You can expect a 10-30% higher fee for a Woolaway renovation versus a standard home.
2. Materials: Woolaway bungalows were built using old-growth timber, lime mortar, and other traditional materials. These materials can increase your renovation budget. Also, replacement materials need to match the existing ones to preserve the home’s historic appearance and structure.
3. Unexpected Issues: Renovating an older home comes with surprises. You may discover structural damage, asbestos, lead paint or other issues. Be prepared for your renovation timeline and budget to change to address unforeseen problems. Build in at least 20% contingency funds.
4. Permits and Approvals: Woolaway bungalows are considered historic properties. That’s why you need approval for renovating a woolaway bungalow. Permit and application fees will cost you around £500 to £5,000.

Grants Available for Woolaway Bungalows

There are several grants available to improvement and upgradation of a Woolaway Bungalows.

1. In Wales, the Welsh Government offers grants to Woolaway bungalow owners. They provide grants of up to £5,000 for the installation of external wall insulation.
2. UK Govt. offers energy efficiency grants. Here, you can get grants for the improvement of energy efficiency. The exact grant amount depends on the type of improvement and the cost of the materials and labour.
3. As a Woolway bungalow owner, you can benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Just you have to install renewable energy heating systems in your bungalow. Here, the exact amount depends on the type of system and the amount of energy it generates.
4. Besides government grants, there are also private grants. However. private grants are typically smaller than government grants. Still, it can help you in the renovation or repairs.

For more Govt. grants, you can talk to your local authority or the relevant government department.

How to insulate a Woolaway bungalow

Insulating a Woolaway bungalow can be cost-effective. It increases energy efficiency and comfort. Here’s a general guide to insulate your Woolaway bungalow.

Assessment

Start by assessing the current state of insulation in your bungalow. Check for gaps, drafts, and areas with little to no insulation.

Wall Insulation

1. External Wall Insulation: You can add insulation boards outside walls for external insulation. After that, you should cover them with a weatherproof finish.
2. Internal Wall Insulation: You can also do internal wall insulation. Here, you can add plasterboard to the interior walls.

Roof Insulation

Add insulation material in the loft space between the ceiling and roof. Ensure it’s thick enough for adequate insulation. Sometimes accessing the loft is challenging. Then, insulate the roof line from the outside.

Floor Insulation

Raise the Floor: You can raise the floor level by adding a layer of insulation and a new subfloor. This method is effective but reduces your ceiling height.

Windows and Doors

Replace old windows and doors with double-glazed ones. It is an energy-efficient alternative to reduce heat loss.

Sealing Gaps and Drafts

Use sealant or caulk to seal any gaps or cracks in the walls, around windows and doors, and along the roofline.

Heating System

For heating, you can consider a modern boiler or heat pump. These are the best energy-efficient heating systems.

Ventilation

Ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent condensation and maintain indoor air quality.

Can I get a mortgage on a woolaway bungalow?

Yes, you can get a mortgage on a Woolaway bungalow. But it can be challenging compared to a conventional home. This is because lenders consider Woolaway bungalows being a non-standard construction. It means that they may not meet the lending criteria of all lenders.

Meeting specific criteria is important to get a mortgage. Otherwise, lenders will not give you money. Therefore, you should repair your Woolaway bungalow before applying for a mortgage.

On a Woolaway bungalow mortgage, you get a higher interest rate compared to a traditional house mortgage. This is because lenders perceive Woolaway bungalows to be riskier investments.

The problem of Owning a Woolaway Bungalow

Owning a historic Woolaway bungalow comes with its fair share of challenges. These houses were innovative for their time, but after 100 years, many are showing their age. Before buying a Woolaway bungalow, be aware of these issues.

1. Renovating and repairing a Woolaway bungalow can be expensive. The timber frame and weatherboard cladding often require repairs or replacement. Also, you need special skills and materials for repairs or replacement. Electrical wiring, plumbing, and insulation frequently need upgrading to modern standards as well.
2. Getting a mortgage on a Woolaway bungalow may be difficult. Banks view them as higher risk due to their age and construction. You face higher interest rates or shorter mortgage terms in Woolaway bungalow. Also, you should inspect the bungalow to uncover any issues. Some lenders may not provide mortgages at all. Save up a sizable down payment and check with lenders familiar with historic homes.
3. Woolaway bungalows can be drafty and expensive to heat. Their timber frame and single-pane windows provide little insulation. You can upgrade to double-glazed windows and weather-stripping doors and windows for lower energy bills.
4. Wood-destroying insects and dry rot are ongoing threats. Have a pest inspection done during the buying process and address any issues found. Then implement a regular maintenance plan to monitor and control pests that can damage the wood frame and cladding.
5. Strict regulations govern changes to historic homes. If you want to make major renovations to a Woolaway bungalow, you’ll need to follow guidelines to maintain its historic character and may need council approval. This can limit certain changes you may want to make.  The ownership of a Woolaway bungalow can be challenging due to the need for diligent care and expensive repairs. While it may take effort, many owners believe preserving a piece of history is rewarding.

Conclusion

And that’s the story of the Woolaway bungalows. A unique piece of British architectural history. These bungalows are becoming rarer these days. However, renovating or maintaining a Woolaway bungalow comes at a high cost. While trends come and go, classics like this are forever.

Disclaimer: All the information provide on this article only for educational purposes. We don’t guarantee every information provide in this article will be right. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before taking any financial decisions.