Fire door inspections in the UK typically cost between £9 and £15 per door, depending on the number of doors, location, and the level of reporting required. For smaller buildings, most inspectors have a minimum call-out charge of around £150.
This guide breaks down the costs, explains what’s included in an inspection, and helps you understand what you should be paying.
Typical Fire Door Inspection Prices
| Number of Doors | Price Per Door | Example Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1–12 doors | £12 per door (min £150) | 10 doors = £150 |
| 13–28 doors | £12 per door | 25 doors = £300 |
| 29–60 doors | £10 per door | 50 doors = £500 |
| 60+ doors | £9 per door | 100 doors = £900 |
These prices are representative of what a qualified, independent inspector typically charges in the South East of England. Prices may vary by region and by inspector.
Our pricing: DE Fire Compliance charges from £9 per door for larger buildings, with a £150 minimum for smaller sites. Use our instant quote calculator to get an estimate in seconds.
What’s Included in a Fire Door Inspection?
A professional fire door inspection to BS 8214:2016 should include:
- Visual and physical inspection of every fire door in scope
- Gap measurement — checking the door-to-frame gaps are within the 3mm tolerance
- Component checks — intumescent strips, cold smoke seals, hinges, self-closing devices, glazing, signage
- Certification check — verifying the door leaf carries valid fire certification labels
- Functional test — confirming the door self-closes fully into the frame from any angle
- Photographic evidence — photos of each door and any defects found
- Written report — a formal report with door-by-door findings, severity ratings, and recommended remedial actions
Be wary of inspectors who offer significantly lower prices — they may be cutting corners on reporting, skipping photographic evidence, or not holding an appropriate qualification.
What Affects the Price?
Number of doors
More doors means a lower per-door rate. Inspectors can work more efficiently on larger sites because travel, setup, and reporting overheads are spread across more doors.
Location
Travel time matters. A site that’s 90 minutes from the inspector’s base will cost more than one that’s 20 minutes away. Some inspectors charge a separate travel fee; others build it into the per-door rate.
Access and complexity
Doors that are difficult to access — behind locked rooms, in occupied flats, or in high-traffic areas — take longer to inspect. Buildings where access is restricted or requires coordination with residents will typically take longer on-site.
Level of reporting
A basic pass/fail report costs less than a detailed report with photographic evidence of every door, remedial scoping, and prioritised action plans. For compliance purposes, you should always get a detailed report — a basic one may not stand up to scrutiny from the fire authority.
Multi-site programmes
If you manage multiple buildings, most inspectors will offer a programme rate that’s lower than individual site bookings. This is common for housing associations, managing agents, and facilities management companies.
Day Rate vs. Per-Door Pricing
Some inspectors quote a day rate instead of per-door pricing. A typical day rate for an FDIS-qualified inspector is £400–£600. On an average day, an inspector can cover 40–60 doors depending on the building layout and access.
Per-door pricing is usually more transparent and easier to budget. You know exactly what you’ll pay before the inspection starts.
What Should You Watch Out For?
- Hidden extras: Some inspectors charge separately for the report, travel, or photographic evidence. Ask what’s included upfront.
- Unqualified inspectors: Anyone can call themselves a fire door inspector. Look for FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) qualification or equivalent — it’s the industry standard.
- Upselling remedial works: Be cautious of inspectors who also sell remedial works. There’s a potential conflict of interest. Independent inspection followed by competitive quotation for remedials is best practice.
- No report: If an inspector doesn’t provide a formal written report, the inspection has limited value. You need documentation for your fire safety records.
How to Budget for Fire Door Inspections
As a rough guide:
- Small building (10–20 doors): Budget £150–£240
- Medium building (30–60 doors): Budget £300–£600
- Large building (100+ doors): Budget £900+
- Housing portfolio (multiple sites): Negotiate a programme rate
Fire door inspections aren’t a one-off cost. Under current legislation, you’ll need regular inspections — typically annually, or quarterly for common area doors in higher-risk buildings. Factor this into your ongoing maintenance budget.
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