Fire Door Inspection & Survey Cost

Fire door inspections and fire door surveys are a core part of fire safety compliance in the UK, and one of the most common questions from landlords and managing agents is how much they cost.

In the UK, fire door inspection costs typically range from £15 to £65 per door, depending on the scope and reporting requirements. Smaller blocks or standalone sites are often priced between £300 and £600+ per visit, while detailed fire door surveys with door-by-door reporting usually sit at the higher end of these ranges.

The final cost depends on the number of doors, building type, access arrangements and whether you require a basic compliance inspection or a more detailed fire door survey.

This guide explains typical UK cost ranges, what influences pricing, what should be included in a professional inspection or survey, and how to budget accurately.

Fire Door Inspection vs Fire Door Survey – Is There a Difference?

Some providers use the terms “fire door inspection” and “fire door survey” interchangeably. Others use “survey” to describe a more detailed, door-by-door assessment with structured reporting and remedial recommendations.

In general:

• A basic inspection may involve visual compliance checks.
• A fire door survey typically includes detailed reporting, prioritised defects and sometimes photographic evidence.

Because scope varies, pricing varies too.

For a full explanation of the distinction, see our guide on the difference between a fire door inspection and a fire door survey.

Typical Cost of Fire Door Inspection & Survey in the UK

Most providers price fire door inspections or surveys either:

• Per door, or
• As a site-based survey fee (common for smaller blocks or complex premises).

Typical Per-Door Cost (UK Benchmarks)

As a broad market guide:

• £15–£30 per door – Basic visual inspection (high volume sites)
• £25–£65 per door – Structured professional inspection with reporting
• £50–£100 per door – Small jobs or detailed survey-level reporting

Pricing depends heavily on scope, volume and reporting requirements.

Typical Cost for Small Blocks or Single Sites

For smaller residential blocks or standalone premises, providers may quote:

• £300–£600+ for a survey visit
• Higher fees where access coordination or complex layouts apply

Larger sites are normally priced per door.

What Influences the Cost of Fire Door Inspections?

Front-page UK providers consistently highlight the same cost drivers. In practice, pricing is affected by:

• Number of doors (volume discounts are common)
• Building type and risk profile (care homes, education and higher-risk residential buildings may require greater scrutiny)
• Access arrangements (especially for flat entrance doors)
• Door types (double doors, glazed doors, heavy-duty assemblies)
• Inspection scope (basic compliance check vs detailed survey with photos)
• Reporting format required
• Geographical location and travel

Surveys that include photographic evidence, defect prioritisation and contractor-ready remedial schedules typically cost more than simple visual checks.

What Should Be Included in a Professional Fire Door Inspection or Survey?

When comparing quotes, the scope matters more than the headline price.

A professional inspection or survey should typically include:

• Identification of each door and location
• Verification of fire rating (where traceable)
• Operational checks (self-closing, latching, alignment)
• Condition checks (leaf, frame, glazing, seals)
• Gap checks and hardware assessment
• Certification label verification
• Clear defect reporting with priority levels

If these elements are not included, the inspection may not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate compliance during audit or enforcement review.

For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on what is checked during a fire door inspection.

Regulation 10 and Residential Fire Door Inspection Costs (England)

If you manage a residential building in England over 11 metres in height, Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduces specific inspection duties.

• Quarterly checks of communal fire doors
• Annual checks of flat entrance doors opening onto common parts (on a best endeavours basis)

These requirements sit alongside the ongoing maintenance duty under Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires fire safety measures to be maintained in efficient working order and good repair.

Because Regulation 10 introduces defined inspection frequencies in addition to general maintenance obligations, these checks should be planned and budgeted for as part of annual compliance management.

See our full Regulation 10 fire door guide for detailed obligations.

Fire Door Inspection vs Survey: Why Quotes Differ

If two providers give significantly different prices, the reason is usually scope.

Ask:

• Is it a basic inspection or a full survey?
• Are photos included?
• Are gaps measured and recorded?
• Is certification evidence verified?
• Is a remedial action schedule provided?

Understanding what you are buying avoids under-scoped compliance.

Hidden Cost Triggers (And How to Avoid Them)

Costs can increase where:

• Access to flat entrance doors is not arranged in advance
• No door register or plans are available
• Doors are difficult to locate
• Re-visits are required due to access failure
• Report format is upgraded after the visit

To reduce cost:

• Provide accurate door counts
• Arrange resident access where needed
• Confirm reporting requirements upfront
• Group inspections logically by block or floor

How Much Should You Budget Per Year?

As a practical guide:

• Commercial buildings: Budget for risk-based inspections aligned with usage and wear.
• Residential buildings over 11m (England): Include quarterly communal checks and annual flat entrance checks.
• High-traffic buildings: Expect more defects and remedial follow-up over time.

Also allow for potential remedial works identified during inspections.

What Happens After a Fire Door Inspection?

Following inspection or survey, you should receive a structured report outlining:

• Doors that are compliant
• Doors requiring minor remedial action
• Doors requiring urgent repair or replacement
• Priority grading for defects

Many organisations use inspection reports to obtain contractor quotations for remedial works and to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Quick Cost Summary

(Actual pricing depends on scope and building complexity.)

Conclusion

The cost of fire door inspection or fire door survey in the UK depends on scope, building type, access and reporting requirements.

As a broad benchmark, providers commonly quote between £15–£65+ per door, with small blocks often priced from £300–£600+ per visit depending on complexity.

The key is ensuring that the inspection scope matches your compliance needs under the Fire Safety Order and (where applicable) Regulation 10.

If you would like an accurate quotation tailored to your building and door numbers, contact us today.

Choosing a provider based solely on the lowest price can lead to under-scoped inspections and incomplete reporting. A structured, compliant inspection with clear remedial guidance provides stronger protection in the event of audit, enforcement action or insurance review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fire door inspection cost in the UK?

Fire door inspection costs in the UK typically range from £15 to £65 per door depending on the scope, building type and reporting requirements. Smaller sites may be quoted as a survey fee starting from around £300–£600. Prices vary based on door numbers, access arrangements and inspection depth.

What is the difference between a fire door inspection and a fire door survey?

Some providers use the terms interchangeably. However, a fire door survey often refers to a more detailed, door-by-door assessment that includes structured reporting, defect prioritisation and sometimes photographic evidence. A basic inspection may involve a simpler compliance check without detailed reporting.

How often should fire doors be inspected?

Inspection frequency should be determined by the fire risk assessment. In England, residential buildings over 11 metres must carry out quarterly checks of communal fire doors and annual checks of flat entrance doors under Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

What affects the cost of a fire door survey?

Key factors include the number of doors, building complexity, door types, access arrangements (especially for flat entrance doors), geographic location, and the level of reporting required. Surveys that include detailed reports and remedial schedules typically cost more than basic visual inspections.

Are fire door inspections a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire safety measures must be maintained in efficient working order. Regular inspection of fire doors forms part of demonstrating compliance. In certain residential buildings in England, Regulation 10 introduces specific inspection duties.

Does the cost of inspection include repairs?

No. Inspection fees usually cover assessment and reporting only. Any remedial works identified, such as replacing seals, adjusting closers or replacing damaged doors, are normally quoted separately.