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PurposeTo summarise research undertaken by the BRE into the identification and condition assessment, of non‐traditional housing. During the 1980s, defects were discovered in the design and construction of a number of house types designed and built before 1960 and these were subsequently designated as inherently defective under the Housing Defects legislation.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved several years of investigation during which many different types of pre‐cast concrete, in situ‐concrete, steel‐ and timber‐framed housing systems were investigated. This research has culminated in the publication of a major new book and CDROM.FindingsOverall the majority of non‐traditional dwellings have provided levels of performance not very different from many traditionally built dwellings of the same age. However, there are inherent defects with several systems. Some dwellings may be beyond economic repair.Practical implicationsThe surveyor needs to be aware of the system of non‐traditional dwelling under inspection and to understand the likely defects and necessary remedial work.Originality/valueThis research will inform surveyors and home inspectors of the identification of non‐traditional dwellings, modes of failure of various systems, whether economic repair is possible and what remedial action should be proposed.