Keeping residents safe
As part of our ongoing programme of building safety inspections, some residential buildings require specialist assessments of their external walls. These assessments help us better understand the materials used on the outside of a building and identify whether any further investigations or improvements may be needed.
We have appointed PRP Architects to carry out these surveys on our behalf.
The need for a FRAEW or EWS1 assessment does not mean that a building is unsafe or that a fire safety issue has been identified. These surveys are carried out as a precautionary measure and help us ensure we have up-to-date information about our buildings.
What is a FRAEW?
A FRAEW is a detailed fire safety assessment of a building's external walls.The assessment looks at features such as:
-
external wall materials
- cladding and insulation
- balconies and attachments to the building
- measures that help prevent the spread of fire within the building structure
The purpose of the assessment is to help us understand any fire safety risks associated with the building's external walls and identify whether any improvements are required.
A FRAEW helps us to:
- better understand the building's construction
- assess any fire safety risks associated with the external walls
- meet our responsibilities as a building owner and landlord
- identify whether any further investigations or improvements are needed
- support the long-term safety and management of the building
What is an EWS1 assessment?
An EWS1 assessment is a separate process used mainly to support property sales, purchases and remortgages.
Mortgage lenders and valuers may request an EWS1 assessment to help them understand whether the external wall system has been reviewed by a suitably qualified professional.
Not all buildings require an EWS1 assessment, and requirements can vary depending on the building and individual lender policies.
What's the difference between a FRAEW and an EWS1?
A FRAEW focuses on understanding and managing fire safety risks associated with a building's external walls.
An EWS1 is primarily used to support property valuations and mortgage lending decisions.
Although the two assessments are related, they serve different purposes and one does not replace the other.
What happens during the surveys?
Most survey work takes place outside the building.
In some cases, surveyors may need access to communal areas, balconies or a small number of homes to confirm construction details. If access to your home is required, you will be contacted in advance to arrange a convenient appointment.
Depending on the building, surveyors may also use scaffolding or specialist access equipment to carry out parts of the assessment safely.
We will do our best to minimise disruption and apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
What happens next?
Once the surveys have been completed, the findings will be reviewed by fire safety specialists.
We will use the results to understand whether any further investigations, recommendations or improvements are required and to ensure we continue to meet our responsibilities for building safety.
Where appropriate, residents and leaseholders will be updated on the outcome of the assessments and any next steps.
What do safety surveys mean for you
Does a FRAEW mean your building is unsafe?
These assessments are part of our wider programme of building safety inspections and do not mean that a specific safety issue has been identified with your building.
Will surveyors need access to your home?
Most surveys can be completed externally. However, access to a small number of homes may occasionally be required to confirm construction details. If access is needed, we will contact you in advance.
Will you need to pay for the survey?
At present, we are arranging and funding these assessments as part of its building safety responsibilities.
How long will the process take?
Timescales vary depending on the size and complexity of the building, and whether any further investigations are required.
Contact us
If you have any questions about these surveys:
- email customerservice@hounslow.gov.uk
- telephone 020 8583 2000
If your query cannot be resolved, you can request that it is referred to the Housing Asset Management Team overseeing the surveys.
