Not all fire risk assessments are equal. This guide explains the four types of FRA under PAS 79, when each is needed, and what they cost — helping building owners make informed decisions.. Understanding FRA Types A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all non domestic premises in England and Wales. However, many building owners are confused about the different types available and which they actually need. Type 1 — Non Destructive Common Areas Only The most basic and common form of FRA: Scope : common parts of the building visible during a walk through inspection Does NOT include : individual flats/units, concealed spaces, or destructive opening up Suitable for : simple, well maintained buildings with no known fire safety concerns Limitations : will not identify concealed defects (e.g., missing fire stopping behind walls) Cost : £500 1,500 depending on building size Duration : half day to one day on site Type 2 — Non Destructive Including Flats Scope : common parts AND a sample of individual flats/units Flat sampling : typically 10 25% of units, biased toward high risk locations Suitable for : residential buildings where flat condition is a concern Identifies : flat entrance door deficiencies, internal compartmentation issues, kitchen risks Cost : £1,500 4,000 depending on building size and sample size Duration : 1 3 days on site Access challenge : requires tenant cooperation for flat access Type 3 — Destructive Common Areas Only Scope : common parts with limited destructive inspection of concealed spaces Destructive element : opening up ceiling voids, service risers, wall junctions to check hidden conditions Suitable for : buildings where concealed defects are suspected or post fire investigations Identifies : missing fire stopping in risers, degraded compartmentation, hidden cable routes Cost : £3,000 8,000 depending on extent of opening up Duration : 2 5 days on site Reinstatement : making good of opened up areas after inspection Type 4 — Destructive Including Flats The most comprehensive assessment: Scope : all areas including flats with destructive inspection throughout Suitable for : HRBs under the Building Safety Act, post fire investigations, major refurbishment planning Identifies : every concealed defect, full compartmentation integrity, structural fire resistance condition Cost : £8,000 25,000+ depending on building size Duration : 1 4 weeks on site Disruption : significant — requires planned access to every flat and reinstatement works Choosing the Right Type Building Scenario Recommended Type Simple office, good condition Type 1 Residential block, routine review Type 1 or 2 Post Grenfell cladding building Type 3 or 4 HRB under BSA — safety case Type 4 Pre purchase due diligence Type 2 or 3 Post fire investigation Type 3 or 4 Insurance requirement Type 1 (minimum) Assessor Competence Whoever conducts your FRA must be competent: BAFE SP205 — the industry gold standard registration scheme IFE Register — Institution of Fire Engineers fire risk assessors Professional indemnity — minimum £2M PI insurance Third party certification — UKAS accredited certification body CPD — evidence of ongoing professional development How Often Should You Review? Annually — recommended minimum for all buildings Immediately — after any fire incident, near miss, or significant change On change of use — new occupancy type or increased occupancy After building works — any modification affecting fire safety On enforcement — if fire service issues an enforcement notice Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.