Can Prefabricated Houses Be Renovated?
Prefabricated houses can be renovated, but the specific method needs to be determined based on the safety appraisal grade of the house. According to the '15th Five-Year Plan for Urban Renewal' issued by the State Council, more than 500,000 sets (rooms) of non-complete housing such as C- and D-grade dangerous housing and prefabricated panel houses in cities will be renovated, steadily promoting the renovation of prefabricated panel houses and seismic reinforcement of houses in earthquake-prone areas. House safety appraisals divide houses into four grades: A, B, C, and D, with different disposal paths for each grade:
Grade A or B houses: There are no major issues with the main structure, and the most practical solution is the renovation of old residential areas. For example, if the roof leaks, roof repairs can be carried out; if the pipes are aged, they can be replaced; if the fire protection does not meet standards, rectifications can be made; and if conditions permit, elevators can be installed. This renovation method mainly focuses on repairing and upgrading local issues of the house to improve living conditions.
Grade C dilapidated houses: These houses still have room for repair and enter the path of repair and reinforcement. The reinforcement includes strengthening the walls, beams, columns, floor slabs, foundations, and improving seismic capacity. The central budget's investment in the urban renewal special project has clearly supported the renovation projects of dilapidated housing on state-owned land identified as Grade C or D, with a subsidy standard not exceeding 70% of the total approved investment of the project, providing financial support for the renovation of Grade C dilapidated houses.
Grade D dilapidated houses: The load-bearing structure has been severely damaged, and the entire building is in a dangerous state, having the highest priority for direct demolition and reconstruction of the original structure. The building itself can apply for special subsidies for affordable housing projects, while the infrastructure around the building, such as water supply, power supply, gas supply, and roads, will be covered by special funds from the central budget's investment.
In addition, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has set strict restrictions on urban renewal, prohibiting large-scale demolition and reconstruction. In principle, the demolished building area within a district should not exceed 20% of the current total building area, and the demolition-to-construction ratio should be strictly controlled within two times. This regulation aims to avoid excessive renovation causing significant impacts on the urban environment and residents' lives, ensuring that the renovation of prefabricated houses is carried out within a reasonable and orderly framework.
