PRC Certificates, also known as PRC Repair Certificates or PRC Completion Certificates, are documents issued to confirm that a prefabricated reinforced concrete (PRC) house has undergone an approved repair scheme to address the known issues associated with its construction. These certificates serve as evidence that the house has been repaired to a satisfactory standard, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.
PRC houses were built in the UK primarily during the post-WWII era to address the housing shortage. However, they have been known to suffer from various issues, such as concrete degradation, steel reinforcement corrosion, and poor thermal performance. These issues can affect the structural integrity of the house and make it difficult for homeowners to secure mortgages or insurance.
To address these problems, repair and refurbishment schemes have been developed to restore the structural integrity and improve the energy efficiency of PRC houses. Once the repairs are completed by an approved contractor, a PRC Certificate is issued to confirm that the house meets the required standards.
Having a PRC Certificate can significantly increase the value of a PRC house and make it easier for homeowners to obtain mortgages and insurance. Lenders and insurers typically require these certificates before they will provide financial services for a PRC property, as it ensures that the house has been repaired and is structurally sound.
Nevertheless, even with a certificate, concrete houses are still classified by lenders as using non-standard construction. This means mortgages for PRC concrete houses are harder to find.
