This step-by-step form takes just a few minutes. We’ll ask for your building’s key details and any existing reports or drawings. The more information you provide, the faster our accredited specialists can give you an accurate, fixed-scope quote.
All Single Building Assessments are delivered by fully accredited fire safety and building specialists, including Chartered Fire Engineers (IFE, CEng, RICS) and qualified façade and fire risk professionals.
Every assessment follows the latest Scottish Government SBA guidelines and is underpinned by PAS 79-2 fire risk assessment methodology and PAS 9980:2020-aligned external wall guidance.
All professionals are fully vetted for qualifications, professional body membership, and insurance, with proven experience delivering compliant Single Building Assessments and reporting.
You receive a full due diligence pack with every quote, allowing full verification of credentials, scope, methodology, and compliance standards.
Receive multiple fixed-scope SBA quotes with clear inclusions covering fire risk assessments (PAS 79-2 methodology), FRAEW / PAS 9980:2020-aligned assessment methodology, external wall investigations, intrusive opening-up works, equipment hire, resident access arrangements, and coordination with fire engineers and specialist assessment teams.
All assessments are delivered in line with the latest Scottish Government SBA guidelines and current fire safety legislation.
We gather key information about the property including building height, age, occupancy type, external wall construction, and any previous fire safety documentation.
Our partnered fire engineers review the building information and existing documentation provided to confirm the likely scope of assessment required, including any intrusive investigations, access requirements, or supporting surveys, before issuing competitive quotations tailored to the building and compliance requirements.
Where intrusive investigations are required, our specialist opening-up teams can assist with arranging access equipment, permits, resident coordination, scaffolding, MEWPs, and opening-up works to support the assessment process.
Existing drawings, O&M manuals, fire strategies, EWS1 forms, previous fire risk assessments, and construction records are reviewed.
Specialist surveyors and engineers inspect the building, including external wall systems, cavity barriers, insulation materials, balconies, fire stopping, and common areas. Intrusive opening-up works may be required.
A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) is completed in accordance with PAS 9980 methodology to assess the fire risk associated with the external wall system.
A full review of internal common areas, compartmentation, means of escape, fire doors, alarms, smoke ventilation, and fire strategy arrangements is undertaken
The appointed assessors determine whether the identified risks are tolerable and provide recommendations for mitigation or remediation works where required.
A comprehensive SBA report is produced outlining findings, risks, compliance considerations, and recommended actions.
Where applicable, the completed assessment may support entry onto the Scottish Cladding Assurance Register.
Where remediation works are identified, the appointed fire engineers can provide guidance on recommended next steps, remediation strategies, and further specialist support where required.
Whether you’re a property manager, factor, housing association, building owner, or managing agent, understanding the Single Building Assessment (SBA) process can feel overwhelming. We’ve put together a clear set of FAQs and in-depth SBA guidance to answer the most common questions and explain the process step by step. From understanding what an SBA involves, to who may require one, likely costs, timescales, FRAEW requirements, and intrusive investigations — you’ll find everything you need to make informed compliance decisions with confidence.
What is a Single Building Assessment (SBA)?
A Single Building Assessment is a comprehensive fire safety assessment introduced in Scotland to evaluate the risk to human life associated with external wall systems and internal fire safety arrangements in residential buildings. It combines both an FRAEW and a Fire Risk Assessment into one standardised assessment process.
Which buildings require an SBA?
Generally, buildings in scope are multi-residential properties:
What is the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024?
The Act introduced Scotland’s formal cladding remediation framework and gives Scottish Ministers powers to identify, assess, and remediate unsafe cladding systems in residential buildings.
What is an FRAEW?
FRAEW stands for Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls.
It is a specialist fire risk assessment focused specifically on the external wall system (EWS) of a building, including cladding, insulation, cavity barriers, balconies, and façade construction. FRAEWs in Scotland are undertaken using PAS 9980 methodology.
How does FRAEW fit into the SBA process?
The FRAEW forms one of the two core parts of a Single Building Assessment. The SBA combines:
Together, these assessments determine whether risks to human life are tolerable and whether remediation works are required.
What is the difference between an SBA and an EWS1?
An EWS1 form is primarily a lender-focused document used to support mortgage lending decisions on buildings with external wall systems.
A Single Building Assessment is far more comprehensive and is intended to provide a complete, building-wide fire safety assessment under Scottish legislation. It includes intrusive investigations, risk analysis, FRAEW assessments, internal fire risk assessments, and remediation recommendations.
Does an EWS1 replace an SBA?
No. An EWS1 is not a substitute for a Single Building Assessment. While an EWS1 may form part of the background information reviewed during the process, the SBA provides a much broader and more detailed assessment of fire risk and compliance.
Can a building have an EWS1 but still require an FRAEW or SBA?
Yes. Many buildings may still require a full FRAEW or SBA even where an EWS1 already exists, particularly if previous assessments were limited in scope or further intrusive investigations are required.
What happens if remediation works are required?
The SBA report will identify any remediation or mitigation measures necessary to reduce risk to an acceptable level. This may include:
How long does an SBA take?
Timescales vary depending on the building size, complexity, and whether intrusive investigations are required. Most projects take several weeks from initial instruction through to final reporting.
Is intrusive investigation always required?
Not always, but many buildings require opening-up works to confirm the composition and condition of concealed wall systems, cavity barriers, and fire stopping measures.
Will an SBA affect property sales or mortgage lending?
Potentially. Mortgage lenders may request evidence of fire safety compliance or remediation status. Completing an SBA can provide clarity for owners, lenders, insurers, and residents.
What is PAS 9980?
PAS 9980 is the recognised methodology for undertaking Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEW). It provides a structured, risk-based approach to assessing fire risks associated with external wall systems.
What happens after the SBA is completed?
Once complete, the building may be added to the Scottish Cladding Assurance Register where applicable, and any required remediation strategy can progress through design, procurement, and construction stages
For property managers, building owners, and leaseholders, obtaining a valid EWS1 form is not optional—it’s a critical step in ensuring mortgage approvals, legal compliance, and property value. Compliance Assured streamlines the process by connecting you with accredited, insured fire engineers, managing logistics, and providing transparent quotes so you stay confident and compliant.
We operate across Scotland and the UK, connecting you with fully insured professionals including Chartered Fire Engineers (IFE, CEng, RICS) and qualified fire safety specialists experienced in SBA and FRAEW work.
Quotes include a fully coordinated, end-to-end turnkey approach covering access arrangements, permits, logistics, equipment hire, and intrusive investigations — so you don’t need to project manage it.
We streamline the SBA quotation process, providing clear scopes, verified professionals, and due diligence documentation so you can make informed decisions without delays or uncertainty.
All assessments align with the latest Scottish Government SBA guidance and are underpinned by FRAEW (PAS 9980:2020) methodology and PAS 79-2 fire risk assessment standards.
Receive clear, comparable SBA quotes with full scope breakdowns and due diligence packs, ensuring transparency, compliance, and confidence in every appointment.