The cost of a fire risk assessment can vary depending on a number of factors. These factors influence both the time required to carry out the assessment and the complexity of the fire risks involved.
- Number of buildings
- Size of the building or buildings
- Number of occupants
- Vulnerability of occupants
- Number of floors
- Use of the building
- Overall risk profile
- Presence of sleeping occupants
- Type and scope of fire risk assessment required required
Because no two buildings are the same, fire risk assessments are typically priced on a case-by-case basis.
Contents
- 1 Typical Fire Risk Assessment Costs
- 2 Examples of Buildings with A Lower-Cost
- 3 Examples of Buildings With a Mid-Level Cost
- 4 Examples of Buildings With a Higher Cost
- 5 Typical Fire Risk Assessment Cost Comparison
- 6 A Final Word on Cost
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Risk Assessment Costs
- 7.1 How much does a fire risk assessment cost in the UK?
- 7.2 Why do fire risk assessment prices vary so much?
- 7.3 Is the cheapest fire risk assessment always suitable?
- 7.4 What is included in the cost of a fire risk assessment?
- 7.5 Do larger or residential buildings cost more?
- 7.6 Can I get a fixed price for a fire risk assessment?
- 7.7 How often do I need to pay for a fire risk assessment?
Typical Fire Risk Assessment Costs
When requesting quotations, you may see prices ranging from £200 to £900 for smaller or lower-risk premises.
Lower-cost assessments are usually suitable only for simple, low-risk buildings. Larger, higher-risk, or more complex premises will typically cost more due to the time, expertise, and documentation required.
Some individual assessors may offer prices below this range. While cost is an important factor, it is also important to ensure that the assessment is suitable and sufficient, carried out by a competent assessor, and properly documented.
At the other end of the scale, larger organisations may charge higher fees due to overheads or bundled services. A higher price does not always guarantee a better assessment — what matters is the quality, clarity, and relevance of the findings.
If a quote appears unusually low, it is worth considering whether sufficient time and care can realistically be given to the assessment. A poorly completed fire risk assessment may fail to identify key risks, making it difficult to take appropriate action and potentially leaving you exposed to enforcement action.
A fire risk assessment is not just a piece of paperwork — it is a critical safety tool.
Examples of Buildings with A Lower-Cost
These buildings are generally smaller, simpler in layout, and present fewer fire risks. Fire risk assessments for these premises may typically fall in the region of £250–£350, depending on size and use.
Examples of Buildings With a Mid-Level Cost
These premises are typically larger, have more complex layouts, or involve higher occupant numbers and risk profiles.
Examples of Buildings With a Higher Cost
Higher-cost fire risk assessments usually involve larger, more complex, or multi-site buildings, often with vulnerable or sleeping occupants and shared escape routes.
- Blocks of flats
- Council
- General Needs
- Health Care
- HMO
- Hospital
- Housing Association Premises
- Local Authority Buildings
- Sheltered or Supported Housing
- Social Housing
- Multi-site or portfolio assessments
Typical Fire Risk Assessment Cost Comparison
The table below provides indicative cost ranges for common building types. Actual prices will depend on the size, layout, use, and fire risk profile of each premises.
| Building Type | Typical Complexity | Indicative Cost Range | Why Costs Vary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office, shop or café | Low | £250 – £350 | Smaller footprint, fewer occupants, simple escape routes |
| Restaurant, dental practice, beauty salon | Low to medium | £300 – £450 | Cooking risks, higher ignition sources, public access |
| School, factory or industrial unit | Medium | £400 – £650 | Larger buildings, higher occupancy, varied risk areas |
| Hotel or care home | Medium to high | £500 – £750 | Sleeping occupants, vulnerable persons, complex evacuation needs |
| Block of flats or HMO | High | £600 – £900+ | Shared escape routes, common parts, residential fire risk profiles |
| Multi-site or portfolio assessments | High | Varies by scope | Multiple buildings, coordination, reporting and review requirements |
For an accurate quotation, details such as building use, size, number of occupants, and fire risk profile will need to be considered.
A Final Word on Cost
The right fire risk assessment should be proportionate to the risks, clearly written, and practical to implement. Choosing solely on price can be a false economy if key risks are missed or findings are unclear.
A well-carried-out assessment supports compliance, protects people, and provides confidence that fire safety risks are being managed appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Risk Assessment Costs
How much does a fire risk assessment cost in the UK?
Fire risk assessment costs typically range from £200 to £900, depending on the size, complexity, use of the building, and the level of risk involved. Larger or higher-risk premises will usually cost more.
Why do fire risk assessment prices vary so much?
Prices vary because no two buildings are the same. Factors such as building size, number of occupants, layout, use, presence of sleeping occupants, and overall risk profile all affect the time and expertise required to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment.
Is the cheapest fire risk assessment always suitable?
Not necessarily. Very low-cost assessments may not allow sufficient time to properly identify hazards or produce a clear, usable report. An assessment that is not suitable and sufficient may leave risks unaddressed and expose the Responsible Person to enforcement action.
What is included in the cost of a fire risk assessment?
The cost typically includes an on-site inspection, identification of fire hazards and people at risk, evaluation of existing fire safety measures, recording of significant findings, and a written report with recommended actions.
Do larger or residential buildings cost more?
Yes. Buildings such as blocks of flats, HMOs, care homes, hospitals, and multi-site portfolios usually cost more due to their size, complexity, shared escape routes, and the presence of vulnerable or sleeping occupants.
Can I get a fixed price for a fire risk assessment?
In many cases, yes. Most providers will offer a fixed quotation once they understand the size, use, and risk profile of the premises. This helps ensure there are no unexpected costs.
How often do I need to pay for a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary. Costs may arise when a review identifies significant changes, when the building use or layout changes, or when a new assessment is required.
