FRC provides a range of survey types to suit clients’ needs. We have developed individual services tailored to different building requirements, such as height and materials, to ensure our clients can easily navigate compliance within their buildings.
We partner with some of the best names in the built environment and adjacent sectors, including The Property Institute, AXA, Nationwide, The Bletchley Group , Intelliclad and Blake Morgan.
Abbreviated site inspections
We will undertake a visual inspection to identify the materials of the external wall to advise if a full FRAEW, as specified by PAS9980:2022 is required. We may undertake a simple drill test to identify and confirm masonry and insulation, where possible. A summary of the findings will be provided to determine if a FRAEW is required, including photographic evidence of the found assumed materials.
Fire risk assessments
Through our alliance with Cardinus, we offer all types of fire risk assessments (1–4), as well as any necessary follow-up assessments. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement. If you are responsible for a building or premises that is not a single private dwelling (a private home), you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a fire risk assessment.
EWS1 form
Once a full FRAEW has been completed for your building, we can issue an EWS1 form. We are suitably qualified and insured to complete all sections of the EWS1 form.
Peer review
Our in-house experts can carry out a peer review of relevant reports, EWS1 forms and more, providing increased clarity, assurance or recommendations when discrepancies or differences of opinion are discovered.
Legal notice review
Our team is suitably qualified to review and thoroughly examine any enforcement and prohibition notices related to fire and building safety. We will carefully analyse each notice’s language, requirements, and implications to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues.
We will present a final report with a detailed breakdown of each item in the notice, including explanations, interpretations, and recommendations where applicable. The report will be structured clearly and concisely, making it easy for clients to understand and act accordingly.
Height verification report
A height verification report is now required as part of application to the Cladding Safety Scheme and for the Developer Pledge. Our height verification reports can be obtained even on the most complex of elevations.
Compartmentation surveys
If you are responsible for a building in which compartmentation may exist, a compartmentation survey report will describe what needs to be checked to ensure your building is safe. It also includes measures to rectify any defects. We can provide these surveys for only the communal areas or also include the individual dwellings.
Fire door survey
An assessment of fire doors within a building, which checks compliance and suitability of specification, condition and fire rating.
Fire strategy report
A fire strategy report describes the fire safety issues of a building and how they are addressed. It acts as a guide for a design team and occupiers, by identifying standards and setting performance criteria.
Fire statement
This service satisfies the new planning requirement (Gateway One) for planning applications of relevant buildings, to demonstrate fire safety considerations in their design.
In-build and new-build surveys, including internal compartmentation
These surveys are designed to ensure the work that is undertaken follows the approved design and specification. The reports are to clarify compliance with DLUHC guidance, while also satisfying lender requirements and building regulations. We will make regular visits to the site to gather the evidence required first-hand and to liaise directly with contractors on-site. We will document all work throughout the construction phase with detailed written and photographic reports, including recommendations made and evidence of their fulfilment.
Building condition survey
This survey is designed to be undertaken on a building in operational use to identify instances of the building’s dilapidation and defects that are requiring remedial attention. The brief includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a visual survey of the property in operational use and the identification of any building defects, dilapidations or areas requiring redecoration following PAS 8673:2022. Our report will cover additional factors such as detailing areas of security concern and likely locations for crime or anti-social behaviour for management by the client with the local authorities. This report will cover the external condition of the building only and no internal areas will be surveyed or commented on.
Structural building condition survey
This survey is designed to be undertaken on a building in operational use to identify the condition of the building’s primary structural elements to meet the requirements of the building’s safety case under the Building Safety Act 2022 for buildings above 18 m in height. The brief includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a visual survey of the property’s primary structure in its current state along with the identification of any structural defects, degradation or dilapidation of steel framing, following PAS 8673:2022, that should be further investigated as part of a specialised structural engineer’s report.
Building Regulation Compliance
A crucial element of any recourse claim, our expert team can conclude on the compliance of the external wall systems and attachments in relation to fire safety aspects of mandatory sections of the Building Regulations under the 1984 Building Act, within Approved Document B edition and volume from the building regulations at the time of construction.
Single sample testing
This survey includes a site visit to obtain a single sample of material. Once obtained, the sample will be sent to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to produce a report on the combustibility of the material, which can be used for building records or for insurance purposes.
Desktop report
We can undertake an operations and maintenance (O&M) manual and Google Earth review and enter a risk matrix to determine construction materials and potential risk on elements including calculated height and presence of any cladding.
“We’ve been working with FRC for over 4 years now and honestly not sure where we’d be without their support and knowledge. Their team of qualified professionals are always on hand and happy to provide advice to ensure our residents are safe and our clients comply with the ever-changing world of façade safety. Would highly recommend.”
Send us an initial enquiry with a brief summary of your requirements and one of our team will be in touch within 48 hours.
The RSK group is a leading integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business offering bespoke end-to-end solutions to a variety of sectors. Headquartered in the UK but with an established presence throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, RSK helps organisations around the world achieve their business aspirations in a sustainable and efficient manner.
