The Value of Hiring Qualified Experts for EWS1 Forms and Fire Safety Assessments

The UK's building regulations and general approach to fire safety underwent significant changes in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.  A key development was introducing the External Wall System (EWS1) form in 2019, designed to assess the fire safety of a building's external wall materials, including cladding. This form is essential for property transactions, as lenders often require it to ensure a building's compliance with safety standards.

Unfortunately, it now seems that there have been a large number of EWS1 assessments that have either potentially been fraudulent or have been carried out by assessors lacking the required competence.  This has resulted in major lenders, including Nationwide, NatWest, and HSBC, refusing mortgages on properties that have previously been granted EWS1 forms, and has left homeowners in state of uncertainty.  

Nothing could more clearly highlight the importance of engaging reputable and accredited firms for fire safety assessments, including for EWS1 forms.  Jensen Hughes' extensive experience and commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism make us a trusted choice for fire safety and external wall assessment services in the UK. Using the methodology outlined in PAS 9980, our team of experts conducts thorough assessments of external walls, aiding the building's overall fire risk assessment and enabling the issue of an EWS1 form that can be relied upon.

By choosing Jensen Hughes, stakeholders can have confidence in the validity of their EWS1 forms, facilitating smoother property transactions and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.