An EWS or external wall survey or external wall fire review is an assessment of your property’s external walls in terms of their fire safety. It looks at the materials used and ensures the standards set out legally are upheld and if they are not, where the issues are and what needs to happen. An assessor or inspector will issue a report for the property owner and other interested parties. They fill out the EWS1 form for the owner who can provide that for sellers, residents, lenders, valuers, buyers and so on. There are a set of details they look for so that there is an established standard for fire safety across the industry. Only one is required per building and it is valid for 5 years when done. When lenders are determining fire safety standards of a building this is the form they look for.
A quick look at the external wall fire review process
During the external cladding fire review process there are exact details an assessor goes checks through to carry out their industry-established inspection. This way whatever professional you choose and wherever you are in the country the assessment is to the same standards. The details are essential to work out whether the property is safe, and if there are unsafe materials, what action if any is needed. They might look at the design of external wall systems in particular looking at balconies as these are an additional risk as they help to spread the fire. Before the form is authorised saying that the site passes inspection the surveyor needs to perform a site inspection, check for issues of combustibility, and complete the survey. It will also include a look at if any materials are a fire risk and testing if required.
Look for professional qualified EWS1 Surveyors
It is essential when having an external wall survey that you choose professional surveyors so that everyone involved is happy with the assessment, from the lenders, buyers, sellers to the government agencies involved. The best assessors have not just the training and license they also have experience with all kinds of properties, new and older, in various sizes. Make sure if you have questions they are happy to answer them and you understand what they have to say. The idea is that a client should fully comprehend the process as well as the results. As well they should also have an idea of how to meet the expected standards if they do not already.
Summary
Accurately assessing a property’s fireproofing, external cladding and safety features as well as build quality is something that only professionals should handle. Keeping the people living in the building safely, giving them a chance to get out of the building if there is a fire, and protecting the property itself are vital responsibilities that all property owners should accept. Look for comprehensive reviews and surveys and make sure your properties meet the standards expected.
