EWS1 form

thearchitect

RICS is advising members not to sign ESW1 forms, and instead to refer them to architects.  Architects are refusing on the basis that, unless they were responsible for site inspections during works, the terms are too onerous and referring them back to contractors.  It's all a bit of a mess.

robtam

Thanks - surely others are having this experince too?

GDB2222

Have you tried Googling "EWS1 problems"? 

robtam

Yes I am aware but this is a 90% sold development. Why is there an issue now?

GDB2222

That's a good question, but I don't see how anyone here can answer, without even knowing which development it is. 
One possibility is that the surveyor is being overly picky. The other possibility is that the surveyor has spotted something the others have missed. That's why you really need to know exactly what's being asked for by the surveyor, and why.  I'm not an expert, but I haven't heard of any changes in the standards being applied.

And, the third possibility is that the 90% sold are not sold at all, and they are all waiting to resolve the fire safety issue.


Don't rely on the mortgage guy. He may just want his commission.  You need to insist on seeing all the communications, and you may have to threaten to walk away. Indeed, if there's any unresolved question about the fire safety of the building, you shouldn't just walk but go a lot faster than that. 

annetheman

robtam said:

Hi guys now got this from mortgage advisor 

Nationwide’s valuers have referred the EWS1 form back to *housebuilders*  again for a slight amendment, this only happened this morning.

 

Once we have the amended form we will submit it again and hopefully this time they will come back with a figure.

 

I’m sorry it is delayed further, we will get there. I know it’s something you are keen to get the results of.

 

As soon as we have any further news I will let you know.

Bumping for the exact same issue and hoping you have had an outcome -- any movement regarding updating the EWS1 form?

I wondered if it involves having a RICS surveyor go to the property and re-check the building then sign off the corrected form - and if so, how long does this take?

The development I'm buying in is also not cladded and also about 90% bought up, in fact there's another person who wants my unit just waiting for it to fall through >.>

I am hoping that because the developer has a few developments that are over 6 stories, they will be very familiar with all of this and be able to just correct the form for my development (<6 stories but since Jan now applies to all buildings) quickly

annetheman

thearchitect said:

RICS is advising members not to sign ESW1 forms, and instead to refer them to architects.  Architects are refusing on the basis that, unless they were responsible for site inspections during works, the terms are too onerous and referring them back to contractors.  It's all a bit of a mess.

How is this resolved  usually, I don't know who my broker is supposed to be chasing***

Bless his heart he has just had a baby (well, his wife has), so I don't want to bother him every day and if I can chase, I'm happy to, but I can't get the developer on the phone and if it's the architect accountable for updating the form -- well then we're effed!

*** from RICS:

The EWS form must only be completed by competent chartered professionals with suitable fire expertise. Please note that the valuer does not complete this form or select which option is suitable. The fire expert does this and it is for the fire expert to assess which option is most appropriate.

RICS Members and Firms with suitable fire expertise may be involved in the completion of an EWS Form. RICS Members and Firms doing this must refer to RICS Professional Statement Conflicts of interest,1st edition (March 2017) and RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2017 (and any subsequent versions) PS 2 before accepting a valuation assignment for the same building/client where an EWS form has been completed. RICS Members and Firms are reminded of their professional obligations to act independently and without an adverse conflict of interest.

---

What does MAY mean, who does it for goodness sake *cries*

bucksbloke

Never buy a building with cladding!

GDB2222

annetheman said:

The development I'm buying in is also not cladded and also about 90% bought up, in fact there's another person who wants my unit just waiting for it to fall through >.>

Well, I suppose it's possible that there really is another buyer. On the other hand, it's rather likely that MRDA.  Whichever is true, the other person, whether real or fictitious, is not going to be able to proceed if there's a problem over the cladding.

annetheman

GDB2222 said:

annetheman said:

The development I'm buying in is also not cladded and also about 90% bought up, in fact there's another person who wants my unit just waiting for it to fall through >.>

Well, I suppose it's possible that there really is another buyer. On the other hand, it's rather likely that MRDA.  Whichever is true, the other person, whether real or fictitious, is not going to be able to proceed if there's a problem over the cladding.

Thank you but it’s a brick building. Hence, why am I the first person to be asked for this form by this lender for this building? I guess they’re looking for reasons to not lend or something?!

and you are right, the second person might not be able to proceed if my sale falls through but then again, if they’re with another lender who uses a surveyor who doesn’t want this form, sigh. 

I’m any case the ball is in the seller’s (developer’s) court to get that info now, according to EA. They said it could be weeks!