EWS1 vs FRAEW

In short: A FRAEW (Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls) is a life-safety assessment of a building's external wall system. An EWS1 is a form used by mortgage lenders and valuers. They serve different purposes, and one does not replace the other.

FRAEW (PAS 9980)

A FRAEW is carried out to the PAS 9980 methodology - a risk-based, life-safety appraisal of the external wall construction, including cladding and attachments. It assesses the actual fire risk arising from the external walls and informs whether any remediation is needed. It supports legal fire-safety compliance and feeds the building's fire risk assessment.

EWS1

An EWS1 is an industry form created by RICS with UK Finance and the Building Societies Association. It is a lender and valuation tool used to confirm the external wall fire-safety position for mortgage and valuation decisions. It is not a government requirement, not a life-safety certificate, and not a substitute for a fire risk assessment. An EWS1 typically applies to the whole building and is valid for five years.

How they relate

The two are connected but distinct. A robust, PAS 9980-aligned FRAEW usually provides the evidence base that supports an EWS1 where a lender requests one - reducing duplicated, intrusive surveys. RICS anticipates that, over time, the need for EWS1 forms will fall away as legislation increasingly requires external walls to be assessed within fire risk assessments.

Where CTS fits

CTS does not carry out EWS1 or FRAEW assessments itself - these are produced by accredited specialists. What CTS does is review the outputs, coordinate the right assessor for your building, and fold the findings into your golden thread and remediation strategy so nothing falls through the gaps.

General information, not legal advice. Reviewed by the CTS building safety team.