How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost and Do You Get a Certificate?

Emergency Fire Extinguisher Safety Check

May 15, 2026

By David Lloyd Riley

Navigating fire safety regulations can feel complex for many business owners and landlords undertaking commercial fit-outs and refurbishments. Understanding the financial investment and legal documentation required is essential for planning any interior project.

Many property managers ask us, "how much does a fire risk assessment cost?" and whether they will receive a formal certificate. In this guide, we provide a detailed look at expected costs, legal obligations, how to get a fire risk assessment certificate and how to keep your commercial property compliant.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a detailed review of a building to identify how a fire could start, how it might spread, and who could be affected. It sets out the steps needed to reduce risk and support safe evacuation.

The assessment provides a clear picture of how the premises would respond in an emergency. It focuses on both prevention and protection, helping those responsible understand what changes may be needed to meet legal duties.

A typical fire risk assessment includes:

Identifying fire hazards: sources of ignition such as faulty electrics, heating equipment or cooking appliances, along with combustible materials like paper, stock, furnishings and waste.
Assessing how fire could spread: reviewing layout, fire doors, compartmentation and ventilation systems that may allow smoke and flames to travel.
Considering people at risk: employees, visitors and anyone who may need assistance during an evacuation, including those with mobility or health considerations.
Reviewing escape routes: checking that exits are accessible, clearly marked and suitable for the number of occupants.
Evaluating fire detection and warning systems: ensuring alarms, detectors and emergency lighting are appropriate and maintained.
Checking fire safety equipment: confirming the presence and condition of extinguishers, sprinklers, and signage.
Assessing procedures and training: reviewing evacuation plans, fire drills and staff awareness.

The outcome is a written record of findings and recommended actions. This allows risks to be addressed in a practical and proportionate way, supporting compliance with fire safety regulations.

How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost?

The cost of a fire risk assessment in the UK typically ranges from £150 to £2,000, depending on the size, complexity and level of detail required.

Typical pricing varies by property type:

Small premises (e.g. shops or offices): £150 - £750.
Medium-sized buildings: £450 - £900.
Large or complex sites (e.g. hotels, care homes): £900 - £2,000+.

Several factors influence the final cost:

Building size and layout: larger or multi-storey properties take longer to assess.
Complexity: sites with higher risk or specialist use require more detailed evaluation.
Occupants: buildings with vulnerable people, such as care homes or hospitals, require more in-depth planning.
Location: prices in London and the South East can be 15–25% higher.
Travel: rural locations may incur additional mileage charges.

Costs increase where assessments require more time, detailed reporting or specialist considerations. For a more accurate figure based on your premises, it is advisable to speak to Contact One for a tailored quote.

The Importance of Getting Fire Risk Assessments Right

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for non-domestic properties in the UK under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This applies to buildings such as offices, bars and restaurants, schools, and care settings.

Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to £5,000 or imprisonment. Current regulations also require all non-domestic properties to hold a written fire risk assessment.

Do You Get a Fire Safety Certificate with and Assessment?

A common misconception is that the fire brigade issues a fire safety certificate. This is no longer the case. Compliance is demonstrated through the fire risk assessment report produced after inspection.

The Written Report

A fire risk assessment results in a detailed written report outlining:

Identified risks and hazards.
Recommended actions to improve safety.
Existing control measures and their effectiveness.

This document acts as your legal record and should be kept up to date for inspections and insurance purposes.

The Importance of Professional Assessors

The assessment should be carried out by a competent professional with up-to-date knowledge of fire safety regulations. Lower-cost assessments can lead to incomplete reports, increasing the risk of non-compliance and further costs. A qualified assessor provides a thorough evaluation and clear, reliable recommendations.

THE FIRE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

A fire risk assessment involves the following process:

Identifying potential fire hazards: the inspection examines how a fire could start by identifying ignition sources, fuel and oxygen. It also reviews escape routes and checks fire safety systems such as alarms, sprinklers and extinguishers.
Recognising people at risk: this includes employees, visitors and anyone who may need additional support during an evacuation, such as those with limited mobility or health conditions.
Evaluating and reducing risks: once hazards are identified, the level of risk is assessed and control measures are recommended. These may include:
Installing fire doors: to contain fire and slow its spread.
Improving escape routes: keeping exits clear, well-marked and easy to access.
Upgrading fire protection systems: such as alarms, detection systems and suppression equipment.
Recording findings: all identified risks, existing measures and recommended actions are documented in a written report. This provides a clear record for compliance and future reference.
Reviewing the assessment regularly: the assessment should be updated to reflect any changes to the building, its use or occupancy, as well as to maintain compliance over time.

Given the level of detail involved, a fire risk assessment should be carried out by a competent specialist with up-to-date knowledge of fire safety regulations. Working with an experienced provider such as Contact One supports a thorough, compliant assessment aligned with your premises.

For further information or to request a consultation, get in touch with Contact One today by calling 0161 839 9220 or submitting an online contact form

HOW CONTACT ONE CAN SUPPORT YOUR FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

A professional fire risk assessment supports both occupant safety and legal obligations, while helping to identify practical improvements across your building.

Contact One works closely with clients to assess fire risks alongside commercial refurbishment and fit-out projects. By addressing fire safety early in the process, required upgrades can be incorporated into the design, reducing disruption, avoiding costly rework and supporting a more efficient project delivery.

Contact One supports a wide range of environments, including commercial buildings, multi-site operations and complex residential settings.

For further information or to request a consultation, get in touch with Contact One by calling 0161 839 9220 or filling out our online contact form.

We Can Help With

Clear, practical guidance: advice based on current fire safety legislation and industry standards.
Integrated fire safety planning: aligning fire risk assessment outcomes with refurbishment and interior design plans.
Efficient implementation: incorporating compliant solutions during fit-out to minimise delays and additional costs.
End-to-end support: from initial assessment through to completed works and final compliance checks.