Fire risk assessment companies
Anyone can call themselves a fire risk assessor. There is no licence to lose, so the burden of checking competence falls on you. These are the questions that actually reveal it.
Six questions worth asking before you commission
We would rather you asked us these than found out later. If a competitor answers them better, use them.
Ask what they are registered with
The recognised routes are third party certification to BAFE SP205 and individual registration on a recognised assessors register. Neither is legally mandatory, which is exactly why it separates firms.
Ask for a redacted sample report
A good report has findings tied to specific locations, each rated with a target date. A weak one has generic recommendations that could apply to any building. You can tell in thirty seconds.
Ask whether they sell remedial work
A firm that assesses and then quotes for the alarms it says you need has an obvious incentive. It is not automatically wrong, but you should know before you commission.
Ask how long they will be on site
A three storey HMO cannot be assessed properly in twenty minutes. If the answer sounds too fast, it is a desktop exercise with a walk round attached.
Ask what happens after
You will have questions when you start working through the actions. Check whether follow-up is included or billed.
Check the price is fixed
A fee quoted from a description of the property should not move on the day. If a firm will not commit to a number before the visit, ask why not.
How we come out on our own test
- Assessors registered on the Fire Risk Assessors Register
- Third party certificated to BAFE SP205
- £10m public liability insurance
- Fixed fees published on the site, quoted before any visit
- We do not sell alarms, doors or extinguishers
- Follow-up questions on your report are included
Questions about choosing an assessor
Do fire risk assessors need to be certified?
There is no statutory licensing requirement. The law requires the assessment to be carried out by a competent person, and competence is judged on training, experience and knowledge. Third party certification such as BAFE SP205 is the most common way firms demonstrate it.
How do I check a company is legitimate?
Verify their certification directly with the scheme rather than taking a logo on a website at face value, confirm they hold professional indemnity as well as public liability insurance, and ask for a sample report.
What should I be paying?
Between roughly £200 and £500 for most small premises. Our fixed fees start at £195. Prices far below that range usually indicate a desktop assessment.
Can my alarm company do the assessment?
Some are competent to do so. Be aware that a firm assessing the building and then selling the equipment it recommends has a conflict of interest, and note it when you weigh up the findings.
Get a fixed price from us
Tell us the property type and roughly how many rooms or how much floor area. You will get a fixed price back the same working day, with no site visit needed to quote.
Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm. Emergency callouts by arrangement.