The cost of fire alarm inspection and testing greatly varies. The low end of the price spectrum gives you anywhere from $2 – $3 per square foot to $200 a year. At the high end of the spectrum, the cost can go as high as $500 to $1,000 or even up to $8,000.
Think it was expensive?
Well, don’t let the fire alarm inspection cost dissuade you from having one. It is a necessary expense based on Federal and State fire safety regulations. Plus, you are investing in the safety of people, properties, homes, and businesses, so it’s something you shouldn’t scrimp on.
And when considering the cost of fire alarm systems inspection and testing, it’s not just regarding money. Think of cost in terms of lives saved, which is definitely priceless. Ensuring your property and lives are secured means saving thousands of dollars in potential damages!
But with that cost, you do have a point in wondering where your money goes in terms of fire alarm inspection and testing. Well, wonder no more – this article is for you! Let’s take a closer look at the details of inspection and testing in the Bay Area.
So… where DOES your investment go in terms of fire alarm inspection and testing?
Here are the factors that can affect the cost.
What kind of fire alarm safety system do you have?
First things first. The cost of fire alarm inspection and testing can vary a great deal based on your fire safety system’s size, complexity, and intricacy.
It would be helpful if you are already familiar with your facility’s devices and their intricacies. If not yet, it is wise that you undertake a review of the information available about your devices and the system as a whole. This helps you determine whether your fire alarm inspection and testing are basic or complicated.
As a guiding principle, when a facility only requires an inspection and testing of its basic devices, the service cost is relatively inexpensive. If your facility’s fire alarm safety system has around 50 or more devices which include smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, heat detectors, and duct detectors, inspection and testing can cost up to $1,000.
Be prepared to shell out $8,000 if your facility has around 500 of the said devices or has a more complex fire alarm safety system. If it’s the latter, it can include inspection of fire alarm initiating devices, fire notification devices, fire alarm control panels, and primary and backup power supply.
What type of facility do you have?
The type of facility also factors into the cost of fire alarm testing, specifically regarding scheduling. For example, private homes can schedule fire alarm inspections and testing during weekdays when most people in the house are either at work or school. Offices can undertake fire alarm inspection and testing during weekends operations are closed.
There are types of facilities however that have a more stringent limit on when inspection and testing can be done. These include government facilities, manufacturing plants, and healthcare establishments. Access by inspection and testing teams can only be done during certain window periods which results in a slowdown in service time.
That means that these service requests during off-peak hours will add to the cost.
How accessible are your devices?
The design of your facility and where the devices are located is also a factor in determining the cost of fire alarm inspection and safety. Devices that are easy to reach will not add to inspection and testing costs. However, devices that are located in hard-to-reach areas may entail additional costs.
An example of this is if your facility has a high atrium, your fire alarm system devices such as smoke or heat detectors can be located high up. That means that the usual ladders won’t do, and special types of equipment such as a scissor lift may be needed. The added cost can be anywhere from $100 to $600 per day.
How many devices do you have in your fire alarm safety system?
Some fire alarm inspection and testing companies will count the number of devices in your system that needs to be inspected and tested and include them in their quote to you. Why? Well, a licensed technician dispatched by the company will take at least five minutes to inspect and test each device.
And as we all know, the more time involved in doing something, the more money it costs.
And remember, a more complex fire alarm system has more devices than a basic system. If you have a complex system, that just means more time for inspecting your devices will be needed.
What kinds of devices are in your fire alarm safety system?
When we think of fire alarm systems, what usually come to mind are smoke detectors and fire alarms. These are the devices most often used in houses for fire protection and the ones we are most familiar with.
A more complex fire alarm system may be needed in offices, business establishments, and other facilities. This would mean their fire alarm system would have fire alarm initiating and notification devices. There could be fire alarm control panels and primary and backup power supply.
And let’s not forget the sprinkler system, too!
With such a complex system, you can bet there would be more devices that need to be inspected and tested. Aside from the time needed as mentioned above, the fire inspection company would need experts who know how to inspect each device. The cost for that expertise is necessary, but not cheap.
How do you keep the cost of fire alarm inspection and testing reasonable?
As mentioned, fire alarm inspection and testing is a necessary investment. While you do not want to scrimp on your safety and protection, there are ways that you can do to keep the cost reasonable.
For example, you can always do proper maintenance of your devices. A trained in-house facilities officer can undertake regular inspections to make sure that devices are in good working condition.
Another way to maximize your investment in your annual fire alarm inspection cost expense is by securing the services of a company that provides a package of required services. Companies understand that while you put a premium on safety and protection, you are also after value for your money. Many businesses out there offer a package of quality and up-to-standard fire alarm inspection & maintenance services that will fit your budget.
Looking for a California fire inspection company?
If you are on the hunt for an inspection company, specifically Bay Area fire inspection experts, you’re in luck. Fire Alarm Testing Inc. has been hard at work to ensure that Bay Area residents are safe. The services offered by Fire Alarm Testing Inc. align with your need for safety and protection.
So if you are looking for quality service and expert care in fire inspection in the Bay Area, contact us or send us a message. Let’s work together to keep fire out of our homes and businesses – all at very reasonable prices, we promise.
We look forward to hearing from you!
