Existing Buildings & Remediation
Existing Building Fire Safety
Our existing building fire safety services support clients in understanding, prioritising and managing risk in existing buildings.
We develop existing building fire strategies where design information is incomplete, where buildings have evolved over time, or where clients need a clearer understanding of how the building should operate from a fire safety perspective.
We undertake fire risk assessments, staged assurance reviews, visual inspections and detailed compartmentation surveys where required. Where shortcomings are identified, we provide practical advice to help clients understand legacy risks, prioritise remedial works and manage interim fire safety measures.
We also produce fire safety management plans to help the Responsible Person or Accountable Person understand, manage and maintain the fire strategy for the building. A clear existing building fire strategy can also support future refurbishment, extension, acquisition or change-of-use decisions.
Existing building fire strategies
Fire risk assessments
Compartmentation surveys
Remediation support
Interim fire safety strategy advice
Fire safety management plans
Building Safety Case Report support
Fire safety advice for refurbishment, extension and change of use
External Wall Fire Safety & Legacy Buildings
OFR helps clients understand and manage fire safety risks associated with external walls.
We undertake Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction assessments in accordance with PAS 9980, providing proportionate advice that reflects the building, the external wall system, the fire strategy and the likely consequences of external fire spread.
Our team has extensive experience in assessing external wall fire safety risks, reviewing available design and construction information, undertaking site inspections and advising on remedial options. Where issues are identified, we help clients understand the nature of the risk, the evidence available and the practical steps that may be needed to manage or reduce risk.
We also support projects during remedial design and construction, including review of proposed details, inspection of works and advice on fire stopping, cavity barriers and façade interfaces. Where OFR has been involved in the design and construction of the external wall, EWS1 services may be provided through our sister company, EWS FR Reviews Limited, where appropriate.
Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction assessments
PAS 9980 assessments
External wall risk reviews
Remedial design support
Review of façade design information and test evidence
Site inspections
Fire stopping and cavity barrier reviews
EWS1 support through EWS FR Reviews Limited, where appropriate
Disputes and Expert Witness
Fire safety issues can become central to disputes involving design intent, regulatory compliance, construction quality, remedial works, professional appointments, and project delay.
OFR provides independent technical advice on fire‑related matters before, during, and after legal proceedings, helping clients, solicitors, counsel, insurers, and project teams to understand complex fire safety issues clearly and objectively.
Our experts offer specialist advisory support by reviewing fire strategies, drawings, specifications, inspection records, test evidence, correspondence, and remedial proposals. Through this detailed technical analysis, we identify key issues and explain their significance in a practical and accessible way. This expert advisory work can assist with early dispute avoidance and supports resolution through adjudication, mediation, arbitration, litigation, or negotiated settlement.
Where disputes cannot be resolved and formal legal proceedings are required, OFR’s experts can act as expert witnesses. In this role, we provide independent, reasoned technical evidence to Courts and Tribunals, fully compliant with the requirements of CPR Part 35 (England and Wales). Our experts understand their duty to the court and deliver clear, impartial opinions on complex fire safety matters.