Single Building Assessment Quotes

Single Building Assessments (SBA) Scotland

Protect residents, achieve compliance, and simplify the Single Building Assessment (SBA) process with support from our partnered fire engineers across Scotland.

Our nationwide network of fully insured, accredited fire engineers (IFE, RICS, CEng) delivers regulation-compliant SBA and FRAEW reports in line with PAS 9980:2022 and current fire safety legislation. From competitive quotes and intrusive investigations to permits, access equipment, and final engineer approval — we help remove the delays, confusion, and coordination challenges involved in achieving compliance.

Start Your Single Building Assessment (SBA) Quote Today

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.

Step 1 of 5

Building Details

Building Name/Numbe(Required)

Building Postcode(Required)

Building Height / Number of Floors(Required)

A compliant Single Building Assessment must be undertaken by suitably qualified and competent professionals with the relevant fire safety, façade engineering, and building assessment expertise. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures every assessment aligns with Scottish Government guidance, PAS 9980 methodology, and current fire safety legislation.

Our partnered fire engineers and specialists typically include Chartered Fire Engineers, qualified façade engineers, and fire risk assessors with demonstrable high-rise residential experience.

They are members of recognised professional bodies such as the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and Engineering Council–registered professionals.

All engineers hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance for SBA and FRAEW work and have experience undertaking intrusive façade investigations and developing practical remediation strategies where required

The Single Building Assessment Process

1. Initial Enquiry

We gather key information about the property including building height, age, occupancy type, external wall construction, and any previous fire safety documentation.

2. Competitive Quotes & Scope Confirmation

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.

3. Arrange Access, Permits & Opening-Up Works

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.

4. Desktop Review & Documentation Analysis

Existing drawings, O&M manuals, fire strategies, EWS1 forms, previous fire risk assessments, and construction records are reviewed.

5. Site Inspection & Intrusive Investigations

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.

6. FRAEW Assessment

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.

7. Internal Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)

A full review of internal common areas, compartmentation, means of escape, fire doors, alarms, smoke ventilation, and fire strategy arrangements is undertaken

8. Risk Evaluation & Recommendations

The appointed assessors determine whether the identified risks are tolerable and provide recommendations for mitigation or remediation works where required.

9. SBA Report Completion

A comprehensive SBA report is produced outlining findings, risks, compliance considerations, and recommended actions.

10. Cladding Assurance Register Support

Where applicable, the completed assessment may support entry onto the Scottish Cladding Assurance Register.

11 Remediation & Next Steps

Where remediation works are identified, the appointed fire engineers can provide guidance on recommended next steps, remediation strategies, and further specialist support where required.

START YOUR EWS1 QUOTE

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:

Over 11 metres in height
With external wall cladding systems
Built or significantly refurbished between 1992 and 2022

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:

The FRAEW (external wall fire risk appraisal)
The internal Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)

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

EWS1 GUIDES

May 14, 2026

How FRAEW Fit Into SBA Scotland

May 13, 2026

Complete Guide to Single Building Assessments (SBA) in Scotland

Why Choose Compliance Assured for Your SBA?

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.

Nationwide Network of Accredited Professionals

Access to fully insured fire engineers across the UK, qualified (IFE, RICS, CEng) to handle your EWS1 confidently and compliantly.

End-to-End Support & Coordination

From initial enquiry to final EWS1 form, we manage the full process including scheduling, quotes, access, and documentation.

Fast, Accurate & Hassle-Free

We streamline the entire EWS1 process so you get reliable results without stress. Accredited specialists handle surveys, documentation, and approvals quickly and precisely, while we coordinate access, permits, and scheduling—saving you time and ensuring a smooth, compliant outcome.

Full Compliance with PAS 9980:2022

All assessments adhere strictly to current fire safety methodologies, giving you confidence that your reports meet regulatory and lender expectations.

Transparent, Competitive Quotes

Receive multiple fixed-scope quotes with clear inclusions and due-diligence documentation—so you get the best value and verified expertise.

Tailored for Property Professionals

Built by people who know property management and compliance inside out — we speak your language and get it right.