What questions should you ask when comparing fire sprinkler / watermist suppression quotes?
When it comes to active fire suppression, the cheapest isn't typically the best. Contractors are known for quoting a low initial price and adding further fees once you have committed to the job. Ensure that your quote covers all the costs required to complete your installation. Often, providing an adequate water main is your responsibility. If your home can not provide the flow required to run your system, you may need to upgrade your water supply or install a priority valve, tank, and pump. There can also be expensive additional costs when installing ceiling-mounted systems, such as bringing down ceilings, pulling up floorboards or 'making good'. Ask the following questions:
Pre-installation
- Do you offer a free site visit before the installation?
- Do you have any independent reviews of your installation service?
- How do I verify my water supply is sufficient for my fire sprinkler or watermist suppression system?
- Do I need to notify the water authority before my watermist fire sprinkler installation?
- How do I verify there is no asbestos in the ceiling?
- How do I ensure concrete, floors, ceilings, or walls will not affect the cost or look of your installation?
- How do I verify Building Control will accept my proposal before I commit?
- Will I need to buy any other additional fire safety measures to meet regulations?
- Fire doors? Escape Window? LD1 alarm?
- Will I need any other contractors' support to complete the job?
- What prerequisites must be in place before work starts?
- What 'making 'good' will be required post-installation?
Installation
- What elements of the installation are included in the quote? And which parts are not?
- How much is the water supply cost (if required)?
- How much is bringing down ceilings (if required)?
- How much is pulling up the floor (if required)?
- How much is fire stopping (if required)?
- How much is core drilling (if required)?
- How much is making good (if required)?
- How much is removing asbestos (if required)?
- How much will all the additional products required to meet regulations cost (if required)?
- Fire doors? Escape Window? LD1 alarm?
- How much will 'making 'good' cost after the installation?
- How much does it cost to align the sprinkler nozzles with light fittings?
- Under what circumstances do you charge abortive fees?
Post-installation
- Do you accept any liability for false fire sprinkler activations?
- Who fits the bill if there is a false activation? What's the likely damage?
- What is the cost of ongoing maintenance?
- What is the automatic water fire suppression system's product warranty?
Read next - how does Automist compare to other active fire suppression systems?