Compare fire door inspection scope before comparing prices
A basic regulation 10 check, detailed visible condition survey and intrusive investigation are different purchases. Give each provider the same door schedule and scope.
A comparable quote must answer five things
- Is this routine checking or a specialist condition inspection?
- Which doors, leaves and locations are included?
- Is the inspection non-intrusive and what remains unverified?
- What door-level report and defect priorities are delivered?
- What minimum, travel, VAT, repeat access and repair charges apply?
Information to assemble before requesting quotes
Mark unknown items explicitly. Discovery can be priced; hidden assumptions cannot be compared.
- Responsible person and premises use
- Jurisdiction and residential top-storey height where relevant
- Fire risk assessment and specific door actions
- Door identifiers, locations and single/double counts
- Flat entrance access appointments
- Existing specification and installation records
- Visible faults and prior reports
- Desired inspection and reporting dates
Project brief
Business and site: ______________________________________________
Reason for commissioning: first / periodic / new installation / change or event
Equipment and identifiers: ______________________________________
Use, process or operating conditions: ______________________________
Documents available: ___________________________________________
Sites and areas in scope: ________________________________________
Access and shutdown constraints: _________________________________
Target visit and report date: _____________________________________
Required quotation format
- Is this routine checking or a specialist condition inspection?
- Which doors, leaves and locations are included?
- Is the inspection non-intrusive and what remains unverified?
- What door-level report and defect priorities are delivered?
- What minimum, travel, VAT, repeat access and repair charges apply?
Competence and evidence questions
Competence is specific to the equipment, system and judgement being bought. Ask about the proposed person, not only the company.
- Who will inspect these doors?
- What relevant door-type experience and training can be evidenced?
- Can any claimed scheme registration be checked independently?
- How are adequacy questions distinguished from visible condition?
- Can a redacted door-level report be supplied?
- How are urgent defects escalated?
- What current insurance covers the agreed work?
Comparable quote scorecard
| Comparison point | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door schedule and count basis | |||
| Routine or specialist scope | |||
| Non-intrusive limitations | |||
| Access and failed appointment costs | |||
| Named inspector and evidence | |||
| Photographs and door-level findings | |||
| Defect priorities and report date | |||
| Repairs and investigation separate | |||
| Visit minimum, travel and VAT | |||
| Total site cost |
Do not add the scores blindly. Missing competence, equipment scope or statutory reporting can be a stop condition rather than a small disadvantage.
Report acceptance check
- Every included door is identified
- Access exclusions are explicit
- Condition and closing findings are recorded
- Photographs support defects
- Hidden construction is not claimed as verified
- Urgent concerns have been escalated
- Actions have responsible contacts
- Report does not replace the fire risk assessment
Primary basis: Home Office fire door guidance .