Cladding / EWS1 forms: Your questions answered

The questions about cladding (External Wall Systems) and the EWS1 form include:

• What is an External Wall System?
• What is the EWS process/form?
• Does each flat/apartment have to get an individual EWS form for selling, buying or remortgaging?
• How does the EWS form factor into the buying, selling or remortgaging of a flat/apartment?
• If the building owner has not proactively tested the external wall materials, what does the seller need to do?
• Can the buyer or seller initiate the EWS process if the building owner has not?
• If the building owner will not undertake the required assessment, what can the owner/lender/valuer do?
• Who carries out the EWS assessment, what is their expertise and how many experts are there?
• How will the assessment be carried out?
• Why is an EWS assessment required every 5 years?
• What happens if the EWS assessment identifies that remedial works are required?
• Does the EWS assessment cover general fire safety measures?
• Does a nil valuation mean a flat is worthless?