Install packages FAQ
Is the package price a fixed quote or a guide estimate?
Package prices are researched guide estimates based on a typical bill of materials and UK labour for the stated building type. They are not a fixed works price. A site survey confirms device counts, cable routes, access, grade or category, and any existing equipment — after which we issue a firm quotation.
What does the site survey include?
We review layout, escape routes, room schedule, existing detection, power and containment, ceiling heights and access, and the fire risk assessment or licence conditions. For HMOs we confirm Grade D versus Grade A. For commercial premises we align BS 5839-1 category with the fire strategy. The survey underpins the final install quote.
Are prices shown including or excluding VAT?
All install package and service contract prices on the shop are exclusive of VAT. VAT is added at the prevailing UK rate on the invoice where applicable. Trade account and private landlord invoices are handled under the same pricing basis — always check the order summary for the VAT line.
Which BS 5839 grade do I need for an HMO?
Most 2-storey shared houses suit BS 5839-6 LD2 Grade D (mains interlinked alarms with battery backup) where the fire risk assessment and local licence allow it. Higher-risk, multi-storey or many licensed HMOs require Grade A with control and indicating equipment — conventional for mid-size houses, addressable for larger multi-storey stock. Section 257 converted blocks often need common-parts BS 5839-1 coverage coordinated with dwelling alarms. Always follow your FRA and licensing authority.
What is the difference between Grade D and Grade A for HMOs?
Grade D uses mains-powered, interlinked smoke and heat alarms without a fire alarm panel. Grade A is a full system with control and indicating equipment, detectors, manual call points and sounders — conventional or addressable — designed and commissioned to the relevant BS 5839 series. Councils and FRAs often step up to Grade A for larger or higher-risk HMOs.
What do quarterly fire alarm contracts include?
Quarterly maintenance contracts provide four planned engineer visits per year for inspection, functional testing and reporting in line with BS 5839 maintenance guidance (and BS 5266 where emergency lighting is included). Packages are sized for small, medium and large systems. Combined fire and emergency lighting contracts cover both disciplines on a quarterly schedule. Spares and remedial works are quoted separately unless agreed in writing.
Should I book a one-off service visit or a quarterly contract?
A one-off visit suits a single inspection, certificate catch-up or pre-licence check. A quarterly contract is better for ongoing compliance, predictable costs and preferential call-out terms. Landlords with multiple HMOs often use the landlord annual pack for routine checks and move occupied portfolios onto quarterly cover where systems are larger.
What is included in an install package estimate?
Each install package lists the catalogue model families and quantities used for the estimate, plus labour for survey, installation and commissioning. Fixings, testing and certification are included as described on the product page. Builders’ work, major containment upgrades, third-party interfaces and items outside the stated BOM are excluded unless added after survey.
