Viewpoint: EWS1 assessments update and the Building Safety Act

A number of our surveyors are undertaking the RICS External Wall System (EWS) Assessment Training programme which will allow them to carry out the External Wall Survey (EWS1) on multi-occupied residential multi-storey buildings below 18m.

The EWS1 form provides a consistent way of recording that the external wall systems and attachments on a residential building have been assessed for fire safety by a suitably qualified and competent expert, and whether remediation works affecting value are required. Essentially, it’s to assist lenders assess financial value, and not a fire safety certificate.

Guidance updated

Whilst Government has changed the guidance on the requirements for when a EWS1 is needed, an external wall survey will be required on ALL multi-occupied residential buildings under the Building Safety Act when it comes into force, not expected before 2023.

How we can help you

Our participation in the programme ensures that we will have certified surveyors based in all of our offices that can carry out fire safety assessments of external wall systems on residential buildings under 18 meters.

The lack of suitably qualified experts is a real challenge to dealing with the legacy highlighted by Grenfell, and we are pleased to be part of the RICS initiative to upskill to complete these vital assessments.

Matt Beilby, Senior Building Surveyor in our Chester office said:
“After being part of an external building and fire risk survey review team of residential high rise blocks on a country wide portfolio at a previous firm, I’m delighted to be undertaking formal EWS training as assessments will not only be mandatory, but are a critical factor in the overall fire safety of a building — an issue which cannot be overstated.”