Cladding

There are several stages that we need to go through once we’ve identified that a building needs to be investigated.

The cladding remediation process: a guide for customers

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There are several stages that we need to go through once we’ve identified that a building needs to be investigated.

Depending on the height of a building, at the same time as going through the process we explain here, we will, wherever possible, apply for funding. There are two main government funds:

Although every building is different, we still need to go through the same steps.

Our 10 step process

1. Building is assessed by an independent fire engineer

  • We appoint independent fire engineers to carry out all assessments.
  • The type of assessment is known as a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW).
  • If the engineer needs more detail about the make-up of an external wall as part of the FRAEW, an intrusive survey may be needed. This involves ‘opening up’ sections of the wall to see how it’s constructed.

2. Fire engineer issues a report with the results of their assessment

  • If they’re satisfied that no safety repairs are needed, they’ll issue an EWS1 form, which lenders will accept from leaseholders looking to sell, remortgage or buy more shares in their home.
  • If the fire engineer advises that remedial work is needed, they will confirm whether any interim measures are needed, such as a change of evacuation strategy, or a waking watch.
  • We write to residents to let them know the results of the fire engineer’s investigation.

3. Determine scope of work

  • The remedial work that the fire engineer has recommended is developed into a scope of work, which is based on those recommendations.

4. Complete design and programme of work

  • We work closely with a range of specialist contractors, including architects, fire engineers, structural engineers and building control consultants, alongside our internal experts, to develop a programme of work that, once completed, will ensure the building is compliant with all relevant fire safety regulations.

5. Appoint contractor

  • If the original developer has agreed to deliver the work, we will have worked closely with them through the various stages set out above. It can, however, sometimes take many months to come to an agreement on the programme of work and who’s liable for costs. We know that this can be a particularly frustrating time for residents, and we make every effort we can to move the process on as quickly as we can.
  • If the original contractor doesn’t accept liability, or if they’re no longer in business, we need to appoint another contractor. To do this we need to go through a defined procurement process. At this stage we enter into what’s called a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA). This covers the range of further services that the contractor will provide, such as design or technical advice, buildability and detailed costs.

6. Apply for approval

  • If it’s a high-rise building (seven storeys or 18 metres plus), the plans need to be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for approval. Once submitted, the BSR should make their decision within 12 weeks. However, it is currently taking the BSR on average up to 10 months to complete this process.
  • If the building is not high-rise, the plans need to be submitted for approval from the local authority Building Control.

7. Preparation before work starts on-site

  • Condition surveys: Carrying out visual surveys before work starts is standard practice as it enables us to monitor whether any damage is caused whilst the work is being carried out.
  • Setting up site compound: This is where the developer or contractor has their site office, welfare facilities and storage space for materials and equipment.

8. Work is delivered

  • The developer or contractor starts on-site, delivering the agreed programme of work that’s needed to remediate the block.
  • We write to residents regularly (at least on a quarterly basis) keeping you updated on progress for the duration of the project.
  • The developers and contractors we work with appoint a Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to provide updates and manage queries about day-to-day on-site work.

9. Work is complete

  • The developer or contractor demobilises the site. This includes taking down any scaffolding, dismantling their site compound, removing any welfare facilities and storage areas.

10. On completion, EWS1 is issued

  • We write to let all residents know that the remedial work has been completed.
  • EWS1 forms may be needed by leaseholders who are looking to sell, remortgage or buy more shares in their home.
  • We include the EWS1 form in our sale/remortgage pack. Copies can also be requested by emailing [email protected].