How to Choose the Right FRA Type for Your Building

For property managers, landlords, and building owners, navigating the complexities of fire safety can be daunting. A foundational part of this responsibility is commissioning a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). However, not all FRAs are created equal. Understanding the different Fire Risk Assessment types—from Type 1 to Type 4—is crucial for ensuring your building is not only safe but also fully compliant with UK law.

This guide will provide practical advice on how to choose the right FRA Type 1–4 for your specific building, helping you make an informed decision that saves time, reduces risk, and ensures long-term compliance.

Understanding the Four FRA Types

The four FRA types are a classification system, primarily for residential buildings, that defines the scope of the assessment.

Type 1 FRA (Common Parts – Non-Intrusive): The most common and least disruptive assessment. It is a visual inspection of a building’s communal areas only (e.g., corridors, stairs). It does not involve entering individual flats. This is often the legal minimum requirement.
Type 2 FRA (Common Parts – Intrusive): An intrusive survey of the common parts only. It involves a contractor opening up sections of walls or ceilings to physically check for hidden fire safety defects, such as inadequate firestopping.
Type 3 FRA (Common Parts & Dwellings – Non-Intrusive): A non-intrusive survey that covers the common parts and a representative sample of individual flats. It provides a more comprehensive level of assurance by checking fire doors, smoke alarms, and escape routes within the dwellings.
Type 4 FRA (Common Parts & Dwellings – Intrusive): The most comprehensive and destructive survey. It involves opening up sections in both common areas and a sample of individual flats to physically verify the integrity of the building’s fire safety.

Choosing the Right FRA for Your Building: A Practical Guide

Deciding which FRA type is right for you depends on several key factors. A competent fire risk assessor will guide you, but here are the primary considerations.

Building Type & Occupancy

Standard Residential Blocks: For most standard blocks of flats, a Type 1 FRA is sufficient to meet your legal duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO 2005).

High-Rise or High-Risk Buildings: If your building is high-rise, has a complex layout, or houses vulnerable occupants (e.g., sheltered housing), a Type 3 FRA may be necessary. This goes beyond the legal minimum to provide a higher level of assurance and demonstrates a proactive approach to property manager fire safety compliance.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): An HMO requires an FRA that considers the whole property. A Type 3 FRA is often the most appropriate choice to check fire doors, alarms, and escape routes in each individual room and unit.

Previous Assessments and Suspected Issues

This is a critical trigger for an intrusive assessment.

Initial Findings: If a Type 1 or 3 FRA reveals signs of potential widespread fire safety issues (e.g., poor firestopping, compromised compartmentation), an assessor will likely recommend an intrusive survey to verify the extent of the problem.

Lack of Documentation: For older buildings with incomplete or missing construction records, you may need an intrusive Type 2 or Type 4 FRA to physically confirm that the building’s fire safety features are up to standard.

Post-Cladding Concerns: Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, many buildings now need a more in-depth assessment of their external walls. If you have any concerns about your cladding or external wall systems, a Type 2 or 4 FRA may be necessary to check the integrity of fire barriers and firestopping behind the façade.

Stakeholder Confidence

Sometimes, the choice of FRA type is driven by the needs of stakeholders, such as lenders, insurers, and residents.

Lenders and Insurers: For large or complex buildings, lenders and insurers may require a more comprehensive FRA (e.g., a Type 3 or even a Type 4) before providing a mortgage or insurance.

Resident Peace of Mind: In a post-Grenfell world, residents are more aware of fire safety issues. Commissioning a more comprehensive FRA, and communicating the findings, can provide invaluable reassurance.

The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong FRA

A common mistake is assuming that a simple Type 1 FRA will cover all risks. This can have serious consequences:

Legal Exposure: If a non-intrusive FRA is deemed “not sufficient” for a building with known issues, you could be found liable in the event of a fire.
False Confidence: A non-intrusive FRA may miss a serious, hidden fire safety defect, giving you a false sense of security.
Costly Surprises: Discovering a major fire safety issue during a sale or a refinancing process can lead to significant and unexpected costs and delays.

Choosing the right FRA ensures your ongoing fire safety management is based on accurate, verified information. This not only keeps occupants safe but also protects your assets and reputation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Fire Risk Assessment types for your building is a proactive step that demonstrates your commitment to safety and compliance. It is a decision that should be based on a careful consideration of your building’s type, age, and risk profile. By working with an accredited and experienced fire risk assessor, you can ensure that you choose the right assessment for your needs, providing clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

To ensure your building’s fire safety is accurately assessed, seek expert advice.

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This quick, easy form takes just a few minutes to complete. We’ll ask for your building’s key details along with any existing plans, Fire Risk Assessments (Types 1–4), or other fire-related reports. The more information you provide, the faster our accredited fire engineers can prepare an accurate, fixed-scope Fire Strategy Report quote.

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We only work with competent, insured fire risk assessors accredited under recognised third-party schemes. Every FRA, from Type 1 through to Type 4, is carried out in strict compliance with PAS 79 methodology.

Our assessors hold industry-recognised accreditations such as the IFE Fire Risk Assessors Register, BAFE SP205, and IFSM. Each professional is fully vetted, with memberships, qualifications, and insurance verified. All reports are PAS 79–compliant, clearly risk-rated, and written to meet the requirements of lenders, insurers, and regulators.

Whether you need a straightforward Type 1 common-parts inspection or a comprehensive Type 4 intrusive survey, we provide the right qualified assessor and take care of access, permits, and logistics from start to finish.

How to Choose the Right FRA Type for Your Building

Understanding the Four FRA Types

Choosing the Right FRA for Your Building: A Practical Guide

Building Type & Occupancy

Previous Assessments and Suspected Issues

Stakeholder Confidence

The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong FRA

Conclusion

Start Your FRA Type 1-4 Quote

Accredited Fire Engineers — Nationwide Coverage

Fully Compliant with the Building Safety Act

Trusted by Property Managers Across the UK

Fast Turnaround — No Hidden Costs

Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

Accredited Fire Engineers — Nationwide Coverage

Fully Compliant with the Building Safety Act

Trusted by Property Managers Across the UK

Fast Turnaround — No Hidden Costs

Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

Building Details

Floor Plans, Fire Reports & Other Documents

Only Accredited FRA Experts. No Exceptions.

Compliance Assured

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