Guide · FRAEW timescales
How long does a FRAEW take? Typical timescales.
How long a FRAEW to PAS 9980:2026 usually takes from instruction to report, what slows it down, and how to keep it on programme.
In short: our FRAEWs typically take around four weeks from instruction to issued report: an inspection within about two weeks of instruction, and the report about two weeks after that. Large or complex buildings, poor records and access constraints can extend this, and urgent programmes can be faster.
A typical timeline
- Enquiry and fee. We typically respond within one working day and confirm a written scope and fee.
- Desktop review. We review the drawings, fire strategy, fire risk assessment and any previous reports, and plan the inspection and any openings.
- Site inspection. Typically within about two weeks of instruction. Where openings are needed, our in-house contracting team carries them out during the same visit.
- Appraisal and report. Typically issued about two weeks after the inspection, after review.
- EWS1 and next steps. An EWS1 form where needed, and support with funding or remediation.
What affects the timescale
- Size and complexity: the height of the building, the number of blocks and elevations, and the number of wall types.
- Days on site: how much inspection and opening-up the building needs.
- Access: the type of powered access needed, and any permits or space required to set it up.
- Records: good drawings and specifications reduce the need for opening-up.
- Residents: arranging access to flats and balconies.
- Weather: external inspections and openings need suitable conditions.
How in-house contracting saves time
Many FRAEWs are delayed while a separate contractor is found and scheduled to provide access and open up the walls. Our own contracting team does this, so the inspection and the openings happen in the same visit and you have one point of contact.
When it is urgent
Where a sale, a funding deadline or a board decision depends on it, we can often compress the programme. At One Crown Place we delivered a peer-reviewed FRAEW and an EWS1 A1 for a 100 m+ tower in five working days.
Portfolios
For a portfolio, we agree a phased programme with the highest-priority buildings first, so results start arriving early rather than all at the end. We have the capacity to undertake portfolios of 50+ properties. See portfolio FRAEW programmes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a FRAEW be done in a week?
Sometimes. It depends on the building, the evidence and access. At One Crown Place we delivered a peer-reviewed FRAEW and EWS1 A1 for a 100 m+ tower in five working days.
How long does the opening-up take?
It depends on the size of the building and the number of wall types. At One Vesta Street, a 169-flat building, opening-up took two days; at The Quarter in Chester, a three-day survey covered seven connected blocks.
How quickly will you respond to an enquiry?
We typically respond within one working day.
Related reading
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McKay Turner Consulting are Homes England approved Cladding Safety Scheme assessors, carrying out PAS 9980 FRAEWs and EWS1 assessments across the UK.