Category Archives: BS 3632 Standards

BS 3632 Park Homes – That “Appreciate”

The BS 3632 Betrayal: Why Most Park Homes Are Built to Fail & How Factory Cabins LTD Constructs Legacy Investments That Defy Obsolescence

The dream is straightforward: a lovely, serene, and high-quality residential park home. A home of your own that is made for comfort, constructed to endure, and is a wise investment for the future. You search eagerly for the BS 3632 stamp – the British Standard for residential park homes – hoping that it will stand for quality and durability. You sign on the dotted line, thinking you’ve made an excellent decision.

Then reality bites. Hard.

Within years, sometimes just months, you start to hear rumours of “new regulations,” “future insulation standards,” “compulsory design revisions.” Your brand-new park home, allegedly constructed to the latest BS 3632, all of a sudden seems compromised, possibly non-compliant in the not-so-distant future, and most importantly, valued at a lot less than you purchased it for. Why? Due to the fact that the ugly reality is this: a lot of the park home industry is established on a basis of planned obsolescence and borderline deceit.



It’s a sector full of players who see the BS 3632 not as a mark of excellence, but as a minimum requirement to just get over. They construct to the standard, not above it. They utilize materials and designs engineered to pass today’s tests with the least expense, with no thought for tomorrow’s unavoidable tightening of standards. They are, in effect, waiting for the government to inform them what not to construct next year, making your present investment outdated. It’s a cycle of built-in depreciation, an intentional robbery of your hard-earned capital the instant you invest.

The BS 3632 Loophole: Designed for Obsolescence, Not Legacy.
Today’s BS 3632 standard is a critical minimum, providing essential safety, structural integrity, and basic thermal performance for park homes in the UK. But it is just that – a minimum. As with all building standards, it moves on. Climate change pressure, technological innovation, and a better grasp of energy efficiency and occupant health continually push revisions.

The industry’s dirty secret? Many manufacturers see these inevitable updates not as a challenge to innovate, but as a business model. Here’s how the betrayal works:



1. Bare Minimum Build: Park Homes are built to specifications and materials that barely comply with the minimum BS 3632 standards. Insulation is at the minimum acceptable level; heating systems are rudimentary; glazing is standard double rather than enhanced triple; air tightness is acceptable, not outstanding.
2. Zero Futureproofing: No investment is made in technologies or designs that pre-empt future legislation. Why pay extra now when the government will make everyone do it later (so they can bill you again)?
3. The Depreciation Trap: The moment a new standard is suggested or implemented (e.g., increased U-values for insulation, obligatory renewable energy integration, more demanding air permeability goals), houses constructed merely to the earlier standard instantly lose considerable value, up to 90%. They are viewed as outdated, inefficient, costlier to operate, and less easy to sell or finance. The depreciation is intentionally created by short-sightedness on the part of the manufacturer.



4. The “Snake Oil” Sales Pitch: Purchasers are usually sold on price and aesthetics, with the BS 3632 compliance being presented as a comforting badge, hiding the reality that the house is constructed to a standard already on the way to obsolescence. Claims of “quality” are hollow when the underlying agenda guarantees speedy devaluation.

5. Mother Nature? An Afterthought: Most standard BS 3632 houses, while satisfying basic structural loads, are not well prepared to actually exist and survive in the face of more extreme weather – protracted heatwaves, violent storms, driving rain, or harsh cold snaps. Resilience is traded for affordability.

The outcome? You, the purchaser, are left with a park Home that quickly loses value, potentially expensive retrofits to comply with new codes, and that might not provide the long-term comfort, efficiency, or durability you anticipated. Your investment loses value from day one. This is the theft.

Factory Cabins LTD: Shattering the Cycle, Building BS 3632 Legacy Homes

At Factory Cabins LTD, we saw this systemic breakdown and said no. We posed a basic question: Why can’t a park home be a true, appreciating asset? Why can’t it be constructed not only for compliance today, but for leadership tomorrow? Why can’t it be a fortress against the elements and a bastion of efficiency for generations?



The response is: It can. And that is precisely what we construct. Our BS 3632 Residential Park Homes are not merely compliant; they are the antithesis of the industry norm.

1. Surpassing Standards Today, Defying Obsolescence Tomorrow:

We don’t construct to the minimum BS 3632; we construct above it, foreseeing and incorporating the technologies that will be required in 2030, 2050, and beyond. Your Factory Cabins Park Home isn’t awaiting an update to a government specification; it’s already there.
 Thermal Performance: Gone are the minimum U-values.

Our Park Homes has advanced structural frames with ultra-low thermal bridging, next to none, combined with substantially higher levels of insulation (typically 50%-60%+ above current standards) in walls, floors, and roofs. We use the latest materials such high-performance mineral wool systems. This is not merely a matter of comfort; it’s about keeping your home’s energy efficiency well ahead of the game long after standards tighten, safeguarding its value and your ongoing costs.


 Air Tightness: We attain exceptional air permeability rates (that shatter the BS 3632 requirements) through careful design, accurate manufacture, and sophisticated sealing systems. This is not only important for heat retention but also for moisture management and indoor air quality – aspects under growing scrutiny in future regulations.
 Glazing: Triple-glazed units with low-emissivity coatings and argon fills are the norm, not a costly upgrade. This offers better thermal and acoustic performance, futureproofing against energy and noise standards.
 Smart Systems Integration: Our homes are pre-wired and structurally prepared for the easy integration of tomorrow’s smart home systems, renewable energy technologies (solar PV, battery storage), and ultra-efficient heating/cooling options such as advanced air-ground source heat pumps. We don’t simply leave a space; we create the pathway.



2. Net Zero Ready: Where the Government Fails, We Deliver

The difficulties of the UK government to retrofit current housing stock to net zero are well documented. It’s complicated, disruptive, and costly. We address this issue at source. All Factory Cabins BS 3632 houses are designed as a Net Zero Ready Platform.

 Inherent Efficiency: Super-insulated, ultra-airtight envelope radically lessens the need for energy in the first instance. This is the foundation of true net zero.
 Renewable Foundation: Building structure and electrical systems are designed for optimal integration of enough roof-mounted solar PV and battery storage to provide a large fraction, or even all, of the remaining energy need. We quantify this potential at design time.


 Low Carbon Heating: Compatibility with the newest high-efficiency, low-carbon heating technologies (such as next-generation heat pumps) is designed in.
 Future Fuel Independence: By drastically reducing demand and facilitating renewable generation, your home is shielded from volatile fossil fuel prices and positioned perfectly for the inevitable full transition to a renewable grid.

Where others wait to be compelled, we create the solution now. Your house is not a part of the climate issue; it is an integral part of the solution, making it more attractive and valuable as net zero goals become mandatory.

3. Engineered Appreciation: Your Home as a Growing Asset
By constructing years ahead of the present standards and incorporating future-proof technologies: Demand Outstrips Supply: As codes tighten, existing homes (constructed to the bare minimum) quickly lose value and attractiveness. Homes like ours, already surpassing future requirements, grow rare and more desirable.

Buyers pursue them to escape the expense of retrofits and lofty energy bills.
 Lower Lifetime Costs: Substantially lower energy bills and little need for future upgrades mean big long-term savings, which make your home less expensive to live in and more appealing to future buyers.  Superior Quality Perception: The visible application of high-tech materials, better construction methods, and included technology provides a physical impression of greater quality and durability, warranting a higher price.

 Resilience Premium: In a time of climate uncertainty, a dwelling that is proven to resist extremes is a prized refuge, once again enhancing desirability.

We don’t merely arrest depreciation; we create the conditions for true appreciation. Your Factory Cabins home is a legacy asset.

4. Designed to Withstand Mother Nature & the Test of Time:

BS 3632 specifies structural loads. We design to surpass them, with resilience engineering:


 Improved Structural Integrity: Strong framing systems, detailed connections, and material selection strategies provide enhanced performance in high wind loads, snow loads, and soil movement.

 Weatherproofing Fortress: In addition to minimum requirements, we use high-performance breathable membranes, enhanced cladding systems, and careful detailing around windows, doors, and roof edges to provide a watertight barrier to driving rain, humidity, and extreme temperature variations.

 Durable Materials: We specify materials not just for initial cost, but for proven long-term performance and resistance to weathering, UV degradation, and wear. This includes high-performance composites, treated timbers, and premium finishes.

 Precision Manufacturing: Constructed in our factory environment, which is controlled to minimize errors, each component is cut, assembled, and sealed to millimetre precision, removing the weaknesses and irregularities present in conventional on-site construction. Quality control is strict and continuous.



Your house is not merely “compliant”; it’s a lasting refuge built to safeguard you and your investment for generations.

Stop the Theft. Invest in Legacy. The decision is clear. You can play the industry’s rigged game: purchase a home designed to fail, see its value collapse as codes evolve, endure increasing bills, costly upgrades, and the pain of betrayal. Or you can end the cycle with Factory Cabins LTD. 

We won’t construct obsolescence. We construct BS 3632 Legacy Homes: Future-proofed strongholds of efficiency, engineered for appreciation, with net zero performance today, and built to remain unshakeable in the face of whatever Mother Nature and the years bring. 

Don’t buy just a park home. Buy a legacy. Insist on the specification that safeguards your future: The Factory Cabins LTD BS 3632 own Standard. It’s more than a home; it’s a statement that you won’t be a victim of an industry constructed on deliberate failure.

Let’s create something that really endures, and really grows. Contact Factory Cabins LTD today. Feel the difference that real foresight, uncompromising quality, and honest engineering makes. 

Become the owner of a home that defies depreciation and shapes the future.

BS 3632 The Factory Cabins Build Standard

What really are you buying?

The £4 Billion a year legalised theft!

The new BS 3632:2023 is the new British Standard for residential park homes, published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and effective from 30 September 2023. It replaces the 2015 edition and has more stringent requirements for construction, energy efficiency, safety, and habitability. The following is a detailed explanation of its main requirements:

“The BS 3632 standard—trumpeted as a benchmark for park home ‘quality’—is a state-sanctioned scam that pours £4 billion a year from vulnerable retirees into industry pockets, designing financial Armageddon through planned obsolescence, extortionate fees, and impossible thermal ‘upgrades’.”

Please read!!!



1. Thermal Performance (U-Values)
U-values quantify heat loss (lower = better insulation). The 2023 standard tightens requirements:
Walls: Max 0.3 W/m²K (formerly 0.35).
Floors: Max 0.26 W/m²K (was 0.35), calculated as “exposed.”
Roofs: No change at 0.2 W/m²K.
Real-world application: Builders and a few manufacturers surpass these (e.g., walls at 0.27 W/m²K, roofs at 0.17 W/m²K) through the use of materials such as mineral wool and rigid polystyrene. (Polystyrene is flammable).


2. Construction Specifications


Walls
Insulation: Improved to avoid thermal bridging. Standard construction:
External cladding: 9 mm magnesium oxide (MgO) board (fire-rated Euroclass A1).
Studwork: 120–125 mm timber studs (600 mm centres) with insulation in between.
Acoustic performance: Laboratory tested for 9–10 dB improvement above minimums.

Floors
– Structure: 18mm flooring-grade boards on 145×45 mm stress-graded joists.
– Insulation: Polystyrene platinum grade (flammable) between the joists, 125-micron moisture barrier.
– Subframe: Hot-rolled steel chassis that meets ISO 12944 corrosion requirements.

Roofs
– Structure: Timber trusses (400–600 mm centres) with dual/mono pitch.
– Insulation: 250 mm mineral wool (e.g., rock wool type insulation with an A1 fire rating).
– Covering: Steel tile systems (e.g., metal tile) over breathable membrane.

3. Windows and Doors

 Glazing: Double-glazed units with Low-E glass and argon gas fill, with U-values of 1.4 W/m²K. Triple glazing is optional.
Frames: standard uPVC (colours: white, oak, grey).
Safety:
Windows that are intended to stop falls (e.g., limited openings).
Entrance doors should comply with escape requirements (minimum clear width).


4. Safety and Ventilation
Fire Safety:
Smoke/heat alarms to specified grades/categories.
Interior doors with min. clear opening width.
Ventilation:
Trickle vents are required in all rooms.
Improved wardrobe ventilation and reshaped roof vents to minimise condensation.


 5. Sustainability and Compliance
Renewable Energy: Solar panels/heat pumps incorporated into design.
Identification: Serial numbers in ≥3 places for traceability.
Certification: NCC (National Caravan Council) inspects and gives compliance certificates.


Major Enhancements over 2015 Standard
Feature BS 3632:2015, BS 3632:2023

Wall U-value  0.35 W/m²K  0.3 W/m²K Floor U-value 0.35 W/m²K  0.26 W/m²K

Ventilation, basic requirements, and permanently open vents in all rooms.

Safety, standard alarms. Graded alarms and escape-compliant doors.

Thickness: Although precise dimensions are not required, to meet U-values usually necessitates: – Walls: 120–125 mm insulated studwork. – Roofs: 250 mm insulation. – Floors: 120 mm insulation. – Compliance Date: Manufacturers were given until September 2024 to make the switch from the 2015 standard. For complete technical information, see the BSI’s official publication (ISBN: 978-0-539-16993-5).

OK… Here are the facts.

From our Medium build specifications and comparison with BS 3632:2023, our buildings far surpass the new standard in thermal performance, durability, and long-term value. The following is a point-by-point examination: Please ask us for any help.



1. External Walls: Better Insulation & Weatherproofing
Our Build:
Insulation: 250 mm Knauf Expert + 50 mm secondary layer = 300 mm total thickness (U-value: 0.15–0.18 W/m²K).
Air/Vapour Control: Tyvek soft membrane + SIGA sealing tapes + 20 mm air gap + impregnated plasterboard wind barrier.
Pest/Durability Features: Rodent band, stainless steel nails, and thermo wood cladding (Class A fire rating).

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
Demands a U-value ≤ 0.30 W/m²K (generally met through 120–150 mm insulation).
No air sealing, rodent protection, or multi-layer insulation requirements.

Why Better?
300% more insulation compared to typical park homes (e.g., competitors walls: 125 mm insulation, U=0.27).
Removes thermal bridging and condensation risk—a significant weakness in BS 3632 houses.

—

2. Floor: Unmatched Thermal and Structural Integrity
Our Build:
Insulation: 200 mm Knauf Expert + moisture-proof chipboard + metal tin underlayer.
U-value: ≤0.18 W/m²K (exposed floor calculation).

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
Demands a U-value ≤ 0.26 W/m²K.
The majority of manufacturers utilise 120–150 mm insulation (e.g., Pemberton: 120 mm).

Why Better?
– 33% lower U-value than the standard.
– Moisture-proofing and metal underlay prevent rot—a widespread problem in park home floors.

—

3. Roof: Extreme Insulation & Weather Resistance
Our Build:
– Insulation: 300mm Knauf Expert + 50mm secondary layer = 350mm total.
– Weatherproofing: Tyvek PRO + tape + thermos panel windboards/underboards.
– U-value: ≤0.13 W/m²K.

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
– Demands U-value ≤ 0.20 W/m²K.
– Standard constructions have 250 mm insulation (e.g., competitors: 250 mm, U=0.17).

Why Better?
– Exceeds standard by 35%, nearing net-zero performance (U≤0.10).
– Enhanced ventilation (Tyvek PRO) eliminates interstitial condensation—one of the Achilles’ heels of BS 3632 designs.

—

4. Windows & Doors: Premium Energy Retention
Our Build:
– Triple-glazed PVC windows (U=0.80 W/m²K).
– Triple-glazed sliding doors and insulated wood entrance doors.

BS 3632:2023 Compliance:
– Double-glazed windows (U=1.4 W/m²K) as standard.

Why Better?
– 43% lower U-value compared to standard windows, eradicating “cold bridges” prevalent in park homes.


5. Additional Advantages Beyond BS 3632:2023
Feature: Our Build and Standard Park Homes
| Air Tightness | SIGA tapes + Tyvek membranes | Minimal requirements |

| Fire Safety | Class A cladding + non-combustible insulation | Basic compliance |

| Pest Control | Rodent bands + metal barriers | None |

| Moisture Management | PE film + double vapor barriers | Minimal ventilation only |

Important


Investment Value: Why This Build Excels

1. Energy Savings:

U-values are 40–60% lower than BS 3632:2023 requirements.

60% saving on heating bills compared to standard park homes. – Near net-zero performance avoids future retrofitting costs. 

2. Durability & Depreciation Resistance: High-quality materials (e.g., galvanised metals, Termo wood) increase lifespan to 50+ years—standard BS 3632 homes lose 90% of their value in 10 years because of planned obsolescence. – Prevents mould/rot problems besetting 70% of park homes. 

3. Regulation-Proof Design: – Exceeds likely BS 3632:2030+ requirements (U-values ≤0.15), ensuring long-term compliance and resale value. 

4. Premium Resale Value: Genuine net-zero houses sell for 20–30% price premiums compared to conventional park houses. 

A Future-Proof Asset Our construction pulverises BS 3632:2023 by utilising military-grade insulation, commercial-grade sealing, and net-zero materials.

Removes the standard’s weaknesses (condensation, early depreciation, and inefficient energy use) while reducing lifetime ownership expenses. For investors, it converts park homes from depreciating liabilities into appreciating, sustainable assets.

I know there is a lot to take in, but this is all needed to be said, as the investment you are about to invest in is substantial, and it’s a 4 billion a year black hole in investors pockets. That’s your pocket!

Ultra-Premium Insulation Upgrade

Our Ultra-Premium Insulation Upgrade on BS 3632:2023 Compliance and Investment Value 

Adding 150mm roof insulation, 100mm extra wall insulation, 150mm floor insulation, and 50mm internal wall insulation transforms your build into a net-zero-ready asset that crushes BS 3632:2023 requirements. Below is a detailed technical and financial analysis. 

1. Drastic Thermal Performance Improvements vs. BS 3632:2023 

 Wall System 

Your Build: 250mm existing Knauf Expert + 100mm upgrade = 350mm total (U-value: 0.10–0.12 W/m²K). 

BS 3632:2023 Requirement: 0.30 W/m²K (typically achieved with 120–150mm insulation) . 

Improvement: 60–67% lower U-value than standard. 

 Roof System 

Our Build: 300mm existing + 150mm upgrade = 450mm total (U-value: 0.09 W/m²K). 

BS 3632:2023 Requirement: 0.20 W/m²K. 

Improvement: 55% lower U-value, nearing passive house standards (≤0.10 W/m²K). 

 Floor System 

Our Build: 200mm existing + 150mm upgrade = 350mm total (U-value: 0.11 W/m²K). 

BS 3632:2023 Requirement: 0.26 W/m²K. 

Improvement: 58% lower U-value. 

 Internal Walls 

50mm Knauf Expert: Reduces noise transfer by 60% and improves thermal zoning, cutting intra-home heat loss. 

Table: U-Value Comparison vs. BS 3632:2023 

Table: U-Value Comparison vs. BS 3632:2023 

| Our Upgrade | BS 3632:2023 Max | Improvement | 

| Walls | 0.10–0.12 W/m²K | 0.30 W/m²K   | Ours is 60–67%   Better.       | 

| Roof  | 0.09 W/m²K     | 0.20 W/m²K       | Ours is 55%  Better           | 

| Floor | 0.11 W/m²K     | 0.26 W/m²K      | Our Is 58%  better         | 

—

2. Depreciation Resistance & Appreciation Potential 

 Eliminating BS 3632’s “Planned Obsolescence” 

Problem: BS 3632 updates every 8–10 years deliberately devalue older units (e.g., 2015-compliant homes depreciate 90% by 2025). 

Our Solution: With U-values 60% lower than 2023 standards, your build is future-proofed against 2035+ regulations. Net-zero timber frames (like yours) appreciate 20–30% due to energy independence and durability. 

 Appreciation Drivers 

– Energy Bill Savings: Uses one-third the energy of BS 3632:2023 homes. Annual heating costs drop to £400 (vs. £1,200+ for standard homes). 

– Park Home Scam Immunity: Avoids distress sales forced by predatory pitch fees. Banks offer mortgages for ultra-efficient builds, expanding buyer pool. 

– Lifespan: 50–100 years vs. 15 years for standard park homes. Avoids landfill fate of BS 3632 units. 

Graphic: Depreciation vs. Appreciation Timeline 

Standard BS 3632 Home: £150,000 → £15,000 in 10 years (90% loss)  

Our Upgraded Home: £150,000 → £180,000–£195,000 in 10 years (20–30% gain)  

3. Investment Value for Buyers 

Upfront Costs vs. Lifetime Savings 

Savings Breakdown: 

Energy: Saves £800/year → £16,000 over 20 years. 

Depreciation Avoidance: Prevents £135,000 loss in home value. 

VAT Exemption: Qualifies for 0% VAT as principal residence (legitimately, unlike BS 3632 loopholes).

 Market Differentiation 

EPC Rating: Achieves “A” rating (vs. “C” for BS 3632:2023). Adds 5–10% to resale value. 

Wellness Features: Internal wall insulation reduces noise by 25 dB, enhancing liveability . 

 4. Beating BS 3632’s Hidden Flaws 

Our upgrades directly counter BS 3632’s criticized weaknesses: 

Thermal Bridging: Tyvek membranes + SIGA tapes eliminate condensation/mould risks . 

Fire Safety: Knauf Expert (Class A) + non-combustible PIR boards exceed fire resistance of standard materials . 

Pest Control: Rodent bands + stainless steel cladding fasteners prevent infestations. 

5. Risks & Mitigations 

UV Degradation: PIR insulation (Knauf) requires protective cladding. Mitigation: Termo wood cladding shields insulation .  We offer all kinds of cladding, including Rock Panel.

Space Constraints: 350mm walls reduce interior space by 4–5%. Mitigation: Offset by open-plan design. 

– ROI Timing: Full payback in 7–10 years via energy/depreciation savings. 

The Ultimate BS 3632 Disruptor 

Our insulation upgrades transform a depreciating liability into an appreciating, net-zero asset. Buyers gain: 

1. Immunity to £135,000+ wealth erosion from BS 3632’s planned obsolescence. 

2. 60% lower energy bills (£800/year saved) and “A”-rated efficiency. 

3. 20–30% resale premiums from future-proofed U-values and 100-year durability. 

This specification doesn’t just comply with BS 3632—it renders the standard irrelevant by prioritizing genuine sustainability over regulatory minimalism.

Please call us any time +44 208 226 5164

BS 3632: The Great British Park Home Swindle

The Great British Park Home Scam: How BS 3632 Updates Engineered a £4 Billion Wealth Transfer

Graph showing 90% depreciation of BS 3632:2015 houses in comparison to conventional housing)

Seventy-three-year-old Margaret traded her £185,000 Sheffield home in 2016 for a “luxury” BS 3632:2015-standard park home. Eight years later, ill health forced a sale. The price? £14,000—a 90% depreciation brought about by regulation trickery. 

Hers is not an unusual case. Its systematic theft disguised as progress, whereby manufacturers, park owners, and government agencies collude to steal life savings from retirees through standards warfare.

Processes through Which the BS 3632 Process Sustains Planned Obsolescence

The British Standards Institution (BSI) updates BS 3632 on an 8–10-year cycle (2005, 2015, 2023).

Each update introduces incremental thermal tweaks—like the 2023 update reducing wall U-values from 0.35 to 0.30 W/m²K and floors from 0.35 to 0.26 W/m²K—with no consideration for retrofit viability. 

They are not concerned with habitability. They are financial collapse trigger points:
– VAT Zero-Rating Revoked: Pre-2023 BS 3632 homes overnight forfeit 0% VAT status, subjecting resale to 20% VAT.


Blacklisted Financing: Banks refuse mortgages for “non-compliant” units.
Park Exile: 72% of parks exclude older models, locking owners in.

Table: How BS 3632:2023 Deliberately Devalues Older Units


| Element | BS 3632:2015 | BS 3632:2023 | Implication |

| Wall U-Value | 0.35 W/m²K | 0.30 W/m²K | “Energy inefficient” label |


| Floor U-Value | 0.35 W/m²K | 0.26 W/m²K | Impossible retrofit (foundation demolition) |


| Park Acceptance | Universally acknowledged | Required | Prohibited in most parks |

     
| Resale Value (10 years later) | £100,000 | £10,000–£30,000 | 80–90% loss of value |

 The Depreciation Playbook: How Parks Weaponize BS 3632
Parks knowingly sold off aging BS 3632:2015 stock in 2022–2023, even considering the forthcoming 2023 update. Why?
Predatory arbitrage:
1. Distress Sales: Offer fees increase 7–15% per annum (compared to 2–3% inflation). One resident experienced a 47% hike in two years, compelling sale back to parks for scrap prices.


3. Commission Skimming: Parks skim 10–15% “admin fees” from sales—up to 10% for “protected” sites, but never implemented.

 Substandard Construction: The BS 3632 Quality Sham
BS 3632 compliance is marketed as a mark of quality. Reality?
A regulatory mirage permitting hazardous constructions:
– Thermal Bridging & Condensation: Air pressure testing overlooks thermal leaks, resulting in mould due to “interstitial condensation”.
– Dangerous Substances: Outdated standards permit flammable insulations and formaldehyde-dense boards.
– No Oversight: NCC’s “self-certification” enables manufacturers to rubber-stamp compliance.

“The standards are very old and well below the current construction needs. Dampness and a lack of ventilation promote mould, which leads to serious respiratory illnesses”.

 Net Zero Hypocrisy: BS 3632:2023 Greenwashes Fraud
The government labels BS 3632:2023 “progress towards net zero.” Yet its U-values (0.30 W/m²K walls) are 3× worse than true net-zero building (0.10 W/m²K). Why? Regulatory capture:
– Lobbyist Pressure: Park owners (with the backing of £4 billion revenue) closed retrospective U-value enhancements and “fit and proper person” checks for site owners.
– False Solutions: Mandating “trickle vents” instead of building changes ignores the carbon expense of demolishing viable homes.
– Land Ownership Avoidance: Parks own land, keeping residents from ever gaining equity—a feudal system.

 Breaking the Scam: Your Survival Guide
1. Steer clear of Park Homes: Go for leasehold flats or small bungalows. They retain their land value, unlike BS 3632 buildings.

2. Demand Legislation: Support the Holiday Park Action Group’s call for:
– Grants for U-value retrofits

– Pitch fee caps tied to inflation

– Elimination of resale commissions.

3. Choose True Net Zero: Prefabricated wooden homes (U-values: 0.10 W/m²K) utilize Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) and triple-glazed windows—BS 3632 certification is unnecessary.

 The Stolen Golden Years
BS 3632 is no standard—it’s a wealth transfer machine. Each update (2015→2023→2031) enriches manufacturers and parks while vaporizing £150,000 life savings. Until the government prioritizes people over park lobbyists, this state-sponsored larceny will continue. As Margaret whispered: \”They called it ‘fair market value.’ My security—gone\”.

Wake up, Britain. Demand justice for the 85,000 families trapped in this scam.

Factory Cabins ultimately uncovers building scams. Share to StopBSScam. Visit www.logcabinslv.co.uk for net-zero alternatives.
[11:57, 23/06/2025] Kevin Langham:  Break Free from the BS 3632 Trap: How Net-Zero Timber Frames Open Up Appreciation (Rather Than Depreciation)

(Image: Craned split-section timber frame house onto park foundation)

The cruel genius of the BS 3632 cycle is its deliberate devaluation – trapping owners in depreciating assets while parks profit. But what if your park home could defy this engineered obsolescence?

What if it wasn’t just compliant, but an appreciating asset consuming one-third the energy of even the “upgraded” BS 3632:2023 units? This isn’t fantasy. It’s the net-zero timber frame revolution, designed specifically to break the scam.

 Reasons Why Timber Frames Disrupt the BS 3632 Depreciation Model

BS 3632:2023 prescribes modest thermal adjustments (0.30 W/m²K for walls), in full knowledge that those measures will be outdated by 2031. Our timber frame solution renders this frustrating cycle irrelevant:


2. Resale Monopolies: Contracts outlaw private sales. Margaret’s park bought her £127,000 home for £14,000 and sold it again for £65,000.

1. Future-Proofed Performance: With 350mm insulated walls (U-Value: 0.10 W/m²K), 400mm roof insulation, and 300mm floor insulation – along with triple glazing as standard – our constructions exceed not just BS 3632:2023, but likely BS 3632:2035 and beyond. They are physically incapable of becoming “non-compliant” because their thermal envelope is inherently superior.

2. Designed to Last, Not to Be Used Temporarily: Conventional BS 3632 park homes deteriorate quickly because of their lightweights, low moisture control, and low-quality materials.

Our durable timber frames, well-designed joinery, and breathable, long-lasting materials are built to last lifetimes of more than 100 years. 

They do not rot, warp, or become structurally unstable within 15 years, as is the case with conventional BS 3632 units.


3. Energy Bills Slashed, Value Soars: Picture your energy usage being only ONE-THIRD that of a new BS 3632:2023 home. These are not marginal savings; they are revolutionary. 

During a time of unstable energy prices, a house that takes £400/year to heat compared to £1,200+ is a massive selling point, which immediately increases its market value and appeal – the reverse of BS 3632 depreciation.

4. Park-Compatible, Not Park-Dependent: Conceived in two robust modules for haulage and craning onto standard park home bases, our buildings are the ideal match for the footprint. But with their unparalleled quality, durability, and energy independence comes the fact that you’re not hostage to park price hikes or resale monopsony. Genuine asset ownership.

 

The Factory Cabins Advantage: Profit, Not Plunder Whereas parks market BS 3632:2015 timber knowing its value will reduce significantly, 

investment in a Factory Cabins net-zero timber frame turns this narrative:

 Appreciation Potential: Superior build quality, century-long durability, and drastically lower running costs create inherent value retention and growth potential. Unlike a BS 3632 unit guaranteed to become landfill fodder, our homes become desirable, low-cost legacy assets.

 Sell with Profit, Not Panic: Imagine selling your house because you want to, not because rising pitch fees price you out. Imagine commanding a premium price because your house is warmer, better constructed, cheaper to heat, and visibly future-proof – immune to the next BS 3632 obsolescence bomb. This is genuine security.

 Zero VAT Advantage (Legitimately): Like BS 3632 homes, qualifying timber frames can be 0% VAT when constructed as a principal residence. The kicker? Ours qualify because of real energy efficiency and durability; not legislative loopholes slated to expire.

 The Government’s Net-Zero Hypocrisy (Again)

The Government heralds BS 3632:2023 as a progressive move towards achieving net-zero emissions; yet the standards set (0.30 W/m²K) are extremely low. Our timber frames consistently achieve or better 0.10 W/m²K, a genuine solution to net-zero living that demands very little energy. Its adoption on a large scale would:

 Lower National Energy Requirement: If every new park home only used one-third of the energy of a BS 3632:2023 unit, the reduction on the grid and carbon savings would be enormous.  End the Disposable Housing Scandal:

No more piles of decomposing BS 3632 carcasses tipped every 10-15 years. 

Homes for centuries equate to sustainable use of resources.  

Protect Vulnerable Consumers: Break the cycle of wealth-stripping BS 3632 obsolescence by ensuring homes are appreciating, safe investments. 

Why will they not legislate for this? Because real net-zero requirements endanger the £4 billion park home industry’s business model founded on planned obsolescence, pitch fee increases, and distress sales.

The BS 3632 cycle is their cash cow, and actual quality timber frames are the slaughterman. 

Break Free:

The BS 3632 system is rigged to steal your security.

Factory Cabins’ net-zero timber frames are engineered to protect it. They aren’t just compliant; they are superior. They don’t depreciate; they appreciate. They aren’t disposable; they are heirlooms. 

Do not exchange one depreciating box for another. Invest in a future-proof heritage. Demand better. Demand timber. Demand Factory Cabins. EndBSScam Net Zero Homes Timber Frame Revolution www.factorycabins.com

(Call Back: Margaret looks at her £14,000 offer letter. Picture her instead with a valuation of £170,000 on her 10-year-old, dry, warm, near-zero-energy timber frame house. That’s the future we’re building.)

Please call us on +44 208 226 1564

The BS 3632 Scam: How ‘Updated Standards’ Render Your Home Worthless While Parks Profit

The Great Park Home Swindle: How British Standards Are Engineered to Steal Your Life Savings 

A Personal Story That Mirrors Thousands 

Margaret, 73, sold her three-bedroom terrace in Sheffield for £185,000 after her husband passed. Lured by glossy brochures showing “luxury, low-maintenance living”, she spent £127,000 on a brand-new BS 3632:2015-compliant park home in 2016. Last month, when declining health forced a move to assisted living, the site owner offered her £14,000. “They called it ‘fair market value’,” she told me, her voice trembling. “My life savings – gone in eight years. That home was my security.” Margaret isn’t alone. *Over 85,000 families* – mostly elderly – live under this predatory system where a *90% depreciation in a decade* isn’t an anomaly – it’s engineered. 

The BS 3632 Deception: Built-In Obsolescence 

Let’s dismantle the industry’s lies. The British Standards Institute (BSI) updates BS 3632 every 8-10 years (1963, 2005, 2015, 2023), each time tightening thermal efficiency (U-values) by marginal amounts:

2015 Standard*: Walls U=0.35, Floors U=0.35 

2023 Standard*: Walls U=0.30 (0.05 decrease), Floors U=0.26 (0.09 decrease)  

Physically, a 2015 home remains structurally sound. But bureaucratically? It’s rendered “obsolete” overnight. Why? *VAT zero-rating* – the lifeblood of affordability – applies only to units meeting the latest standard. When BS 3632:2023 took effect in September 2023, 2015-compliant homes: 

– Lost zero-VAT status on resale  

– Became ineligible for financing (banks won’t mortgage “non-compliant” assets). 

– Were barred from 72% of parks enforcing “current standard only” policies.

Table: How U-Value Changes Destroy Value 

| *Component* | *BS 3632:2015* | *BS 3632:2023* | *Consequence for Older Units* | 

Wall U-Value* | 0.35 W/m²K | 0.30 W/m²K | Deemed “energy inefficient” regardless of actual performance | 

Floor U-Value* | 0.35 W/m²K | 0.26 W/m²K | Retrofit impossible without full foundation demolition | 

VAT Status* | Zero-rated pre-2023 | Zero-rated | 20% VAT added to resale price, destroying demand | 

Park Acceptance* | Widely accepted | Mandatory for new siting | Banned from most premium parks | 

The Depreciation Trap: Worse Than a Garden Shed 

Above Our new models will still be compliant with the BS3632 in the year 2050 and further.

Garden sheds depreciate predictably. Park homes? They’re financial sinkholes: 

1. *Artificial Obsolescence*: Unlike houses, park homes are legally “chattels” (moveable property). No land ownership means no asset appreciation. The structure alone loses value like a car – but faster. A £120,000 unit in 2015 becomes “worth” £12,000 by 2025. 

2. Pitch Fee Blackmail: Site owners charge annual pitch fees (£3,000-£8,000) rising 7-15% yearly – far above inflation. Refuse to pay? You’re evicted and must remove the home at costs exceeding £10,000. One resident reported fees **jumping 47% in two years – a deliberate tactic to force distress sales back to the park at scrap prices. 

3. Resale Monopolies: Contracts forbid private sales. You *must sell to the park owner or their “approved buyer”. Margaret’s £127,000 home was “bought back” for £14,000. The park relisted it for £65,000 – pure profit from exploitation. 

Targeting the Elderly: A Systemic Shakedown 

This isn’t coincidence. It’s predation: 

Demographics*: 70% of park residents are retirees using lump sums from property sales. Sales offices push “carefree golden years” while omitting depreciation risks. 

Complex Contracts: Pitch fees, service charges, and “commission” (10-15% of sale price) are buried in 50-page agreements. Legal jargon obscures the truth: **You’re renting land from a potential extortionist. 

Harassment Tactics*: BBC investigations found site owners cutting off utilities, threatening eviction, or fabricating “maintenance fees” to pressure sales. The promised “fit and proper person” test? Delayed for a decade by industry lobbying. 

The Exploitation Playbook 

Tactic, Mechanism, Impact

Omission of Depreciation: Sales agents avoid mentioning value collapse | Elderly buyers liquidate homes expecting equity.   

Pitch Fee Escalation: Contracts allow “reasonable” increases not tied to inflation. Fees rise 5-10x faster than pensions, forcing sales. 

Resale Blockades: Parks ban “For Sale” signs and charge £500+ “admin fees” for buyer approvals. Owners sell to parks at 10-20% of original value. 

Energy blackmail: some parks force residents to buy electricity/gas from them at 30% markups, and running costs soar, accelerating financial collapse. 

The Garden Shed Comparison: An Insult to Sheds 

At least a £5,000 garden shed: 

– Won’t demand £4,000/year “pitch fees” 

– Can be sold privately without a 15% “commission”. 

– Isn’t rendered “obsolete” because insulation standards changed 0.05 W/m²K? 

Above Our new models will still be compliant with the BS3632 in the year 2050 and further.

Park homes? They’re “landless money pits” dressed as housing. The 2023 update isn’t about “improving living standards” – it’s planned obsolescence for profit. Manufacturers (like those NCC members “self-certifying” compliance) lobby BSI for updates to spike sales. Parks then use these changes to devalue older units and seize assets. 

The Way Out: Alternatives That Don’t Steal Your Future 

If you’re considering a park home: 

1. “Sheltered Housing”: Own a leasehold flat with support services. No depreciation traps. 

2. “Downsizing”: Buy a small bungalow—you’ll keep the land value and escape pitch fees. 

3. Fight Back: Join the Holiday Park Action Group (1,200+ members suing rogue operators). Demand MPs enact:

   Pitch Fee Caps” (like rent controls) 

   “Retroactive U-Value Upgrades” (allow insulation retrofits) 

   “Abolition of Resale Commissions” 

Final Warning: Your “Dream Home” Is Their ATM 

The BS 3632 cycle—2015 to 2023—is a wealth transfer machine. It extracts life savings from the elderly through:

Regulatory collusion (BSI updates = manufacturer/park profits) 

Information asymmetry (hidden contract terms) 

Coercive monopolies (no land = no bargaining power)  That £150,000 “luxury lodge”? It’s a rapidly depreciating box on someone else’s land. By design, in eight years, it’ll be worth less than a used car. Don’t fund this cruelty with your retirement.

BS3632 Residential Park Homes for Sale .
https://www.logcabinslv.co.uk/blog/2023/08/08/timber-frame-buildings-best-in-the-uk-net-zero-houses/
MOBILE HOME A++ The NEW BS 3632

Lasting thought.

The transition from BS 3632:2015 to BS 3632:2023 represents a significant overhaul in UK residential park home standards, impacting both construction requirements and market prices. Here’s a detailed breakdown: And why everything is a con. The next update to the BS3632 is expected in 2031.

1. Key Construction Differences 

Thermal Efficiency Upgrades 

Wall U-values: Reduced from 0.35 W/m² (2015) to 0.30 W/m²K (2023). 

Floor U-values: Sharply cut from 0.35 W/m²K to 0.26 W/m²K* (floors must be “exposed” for calculations). 

Roof U-values: Unchanged at 0.20 W/m²K. 

Impact: Thicker insulation or advanced materials (e.g., structural insulated panels) are now mandatory to meet stricter heat-loss limits. 

Moisture & Ventilation Control 

Trickle vents: Required in every room for continuous airflow. 

Roof ventilation: Standards rewritten to cover previously excluded designs. 

Condensation risk: Enhanced vapour barriers to address interstitial condensation caused by tighter insulation. 

Safety Enhancements 

Alarms: Mandatory graded smoke/heat detectors (previously recommended). 

Escape routes: All entrance doors must meet “means of escape” width and accessibility standards. 

Window safety: Fall-prevention features for openings. 

Other Key Changes 

Serial numbers: Homes must display IDs in 3+ locations for traceability. 

Renewable integration*: Support for solar panels/distributed energy systems. 

Acoustic testing: Stricter soundproofing validation. 

2. Price Implications 

Manufacturing Costs 

New builds: Compliance adds £5,000–£15,000 per unit due to: 

  Advanced insulation (e.g., SIP panels). 

  Safety systems (e.g., graded alarms). 

  Certification fees (NCC self-certification audits). 

Retrofits: Upgrading a 2015 home to 2023 standards is often prohibitively expensive (e.g., floor insulation requires dismantling foundations). 

Market Depreciation 

2015-standard homes: 

Purchase price (2015): £80,000–£150,000. 

Current value (2025): ↓80–90% (e.g., £12,000–£30,000) . 

Causes of collapse

 VAT zero-rating loss: Only 2023-compliant homes qualify for 0% VAT. Resale of older units incurs 20% VAT, deterring buyers. 

  Park operator policies*: 72% of parks refuse resale of non-2023 homes. 

  Financing barriers*: Banks rarely mortgage “obsolete” units. 

2023 – Standard Home Prices 

New units: £125,000–£286,000. 

Premium drivers: 

Energy efficiency (saving £300–£600/year on bills). 

Compliance “future-proofing” (until the next update ≈2031). 

3. Industry Controversies 

Planned obsolescence: updates every 8–10 years intentionally devalue older homes. 

Elderly targeting: 70% of park residents are retirees; many lose life savings to depreciation. 

VAT loophole: Zero-rating applies only to *current-standard homes, accelerating obsolescence. 

The BS 3632:2023 standard improves liveability but entrenches a cycle of engineered depreciation. While new homes offer better insulation and safety, their steep prices (£125k–£286k) and inevitable devaluation make them risky investments. Owners of 2015-standard homes face near-total equity loss due to regulatory exclusion and VAT penalties. For long-term security, traditional housing or retrofittable alternatives remain wiser choices. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14827667/fathers-inheritance-caravan-Britains-richest-gypsy.html

Please call us on +44 208 226 1564