This guide explains how long a FRAEW typically takes, what affects duration, and how to plan your appraisal efficiently.<\/p>\n
In most cases, a FRAEW takes between one and four weeks from initial scoping to final report delivery, depending on fa\u00e7ade complexity, access arrangements and whether intrusive investigation is required.<\/p>\n
What Influences FRAEW Duration?<\/h2>\n
The time it takes to complete a FRAEW depends on several key factors:<\/p>\n
1. Building Size and Height<\/h3>\n
Larger buildings take longer to survey. A low-rise building with straightforward fa\u00e7ades can often be inspected more quickly, while high-rise structures with multiple cladding types, balconies, recesses and complex geometry require more inspection points.<\/p>\n
2. Fa\u00e7ade Complexity<\/h3>\n
Buildings with multiple external wall types, mixed materials or unknown construction build-ups require additional investigation time. Fa\u00e7ade complexity affects:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Visual inspection time<\/li>\n
- Requirement for intrusive inspection<\/li>\n
- Evidence collation and technical analysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Quality of Available Information<\/h3>\n
When accurate as-built drawings, specifications, refurbishment records and O&M manuals are available upfront, assessors can reduce inspection time and focus analysis more efficiently. Incomplete or conflicting documentation prolongs the process.<\/p>\n
4. Access Arrangements<\/h3>\n
Easy, safe access for inspection crews speeds up site work. Where access requires special equipment (e.g., cherry pickers, scaffold, rope access) or planning with third parties, this adds time.<\/p>\n
5. Intrusive Investigation<\/h3>\n
If walls cannot be verified visually, an intrusive inspection may be needed. This involves opening up panels, inspecting behind cladding and possibly sampling materials \u2014 all of which extend the timescale.<\/p>\n
6. Reporting Requirements<\/h3>\n
Some clients require high-detail reports with extensive appendices, technical rationales and remedial strategy options. More detailed deliverables take longer to produce than a concise risk summary.<\/p>\n
![\"Modern](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Modern-high-rise-residential-building.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTypical FRAEW Timescales<\/h2>\n
FRAEW duration can be divided into three main phases:<\/p>\n
1. Pre-Inspection Preparation<\/h3>\n
Typical Duration: 1\u20135 days<\/p>\n
This phase includes:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Initial scoping call with the client<\/li>\n
- Review of available documentation<\/li>\n
- Site visit planning and access coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Having up-to-date drawings and fa\u00e7ade information can significantly shorten this phase.<\/p>\n
2. On-Site Inspection<\/h3>\n
Typical Duration: 0.5\u20133 days (per building)<\/p>\n
On-site work generally involves:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Visual inspection of fa\u00e7ades<\/li>\n
- Notes and photographs of wall build-ups<\/li>\n
- Verification of materials where visible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Smaller low-rise buildings with clear fa\u00e7ades often take less than a day. Medium blocks typically take 1\u20132 days. High-rise buildings with multiple elevations and complex features can require 2\u20133 days or more.<\/p>\n
If intrusive inspection is required, add 1\u20133 additional days depending on how many areas need to be opened up and safely inspected.<\/p>\n
3. Reporting<\/h3>\n
Typical Duration: 5\u201315 working days<\/p>\n
This phase includes:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Analysis of inspection findings<\/li>\n
- Collation of evidence<\/li>\n
- Risk evaluation against PAS 9980 criteria<\/a><\/li>\n
- Drafting a proportionate report<\/li>\n
- Internal review and quality assurance<\/li>\n
- Issuing the final report<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Highly complex fa\u00e7ades or reports with detailed recommendations, appendices and illustrations may extend this phase toward the longer end.<\/p>\n
Example Timescale Scenarios<\/h2>\n
![\"Building](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Modern-Building-Facade.jpg\")
<\/p>\n