FRA significant findings: five questions before you instruct the work

Start with the actual finding

Read the recommendation alongside the premises description, assessment date and any stated limitations. A short action-table entry can lose important context when copied into an email. Keep the finding number and the exact location together so everyone is discussing the same item. If a priority or deadline is stated, keep that visible.

Ask five focused questions

What problem is being addressed? Which door, room, system or area is affected? What evidence informed the recommendation? What outcome is required? What would demonstrate that the action has been completed properly? These are useful questions for the original assessor and for the person preparing a works quotation. Avoid replacing a missing answer with an assumption.

Make the contractor brief usable

A useful request brings together the finding reference, location, photographs where appropriate and the required outcome. Ask the contractor to identify the proposed work, assumptions, exclusions and completion evidence. Where the underlying condition cannot be established from the report, agree whether a survey or specialist investigation is needed before a firm price can be given.

Record decisions as well as prices

We recommend one action record for each finding: owner, next step, target date, quotation reference and evidence still required. A price alone does not close an action. Record who has reviewed the outcome and whether further clarification is needed. This makes handovers much easier when the managing agent, contractor or property contact changes.

Keep advice proportionate

Government guidance requires responsible people to assess fire risk, keep a written record and review the assessment. Practical clarification should support that process, not replace property-specific assessment. Our £95 Understand Your FRA service can explain an agreed group of findings. Larger reviews and action budgets are separately scoped. Urgent findings should be addressed through the report’s immediate recommendations.

Guidance and further reading

• Official guidance and further reading

Sources checked 12 October 2026. This article offers general information; it does not determine the requirements or certify the condition of a particular property.

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