Issue the same brief
Give every assessor the same address, use, size, occupancy, records, reason and deadline.
Assessor comparison guide
Compare fire risk assessors before you appoint
A useful comparison looks beyond the headline price. Compare the named person, building-specific experience, site work, deliverables, limitations and total cost on the same basis.
Comparethe same premises scopeVerifyperson and company evidenceConfirmreport and action planRecordprice, VAT and exclusions
Quick answer
The cheapest quotation may describe less work
Two quotations labelled “fire risk assessment” can include different site-attendance time, areas, document review, report detail, photographs, action planning, quality assurance and follow-up. Price only becomes meaningful once those differences are visible.
The responsible person retains legal duties even when a professional is appointed. A clear selection record helps demonstrate why the assessor and scope were considered suitable for the premises.
Four-step route
From search to suitable appointment
The journey narrows the search but does not replace verification of the named assessor and agreed scope.
Identify the named person
Ask who will attend, produce and sign the report—not only which company is quoting.
Compare evidence and scope
Check relevant experience, credentials, insurance, areas included and expected deliverables.
Resolve differences in writing
Clarify exclusions, VAT, travel, timing, follow-up and remedial reinspection before appointment.
Comparison framework
Six parts of a meaningful quotation
Use these headings to compare quotations line by line.
Named assessor
Identity, role, relevant training, experience, current registration where claimed and who signs the report.
Premises scope
Buildings, floors, common parts, roof, plant, external areas, occupied spaces and any inaccessible or excluded areas.
Site work
Expected attendance, sampling approach, people interviewed, documents reviewed and whether the assessment is non-intrusive.
Deliverables
Written significant findings, risk priorities, action plan, photographs, plans where agreed and delivery format.
Quality and support
Review or validation arrangements, corrections, questions after issue and handling of new evidence.
Complete price
Professional fee, VAT, travel, parking, urgent work, additional buildings, reattendance and remedial verification.
Competence evidence
BAFE SP205 and NFRAR answer different questions
Do not present either as an automatic guarantee that a particular person is suitable for every building.
BAFE SP205
Third-party certification and BAFE registration apply to an organisation’s life-safety fire risk assessment process. Verify the specific SP205 scheme and current status.
NFRAR
The register displays assessed individuals and competency levels. Check the person’s active profile and whether the displayed level fits the assignment.
Relevant experience
Ask for recent experience of buildings with comparable use, occupancy, height, construction, complexity and risk.
Your final check
Confirm the named assessor, contract, insurance, scope and limitations directly, regardless of directory or referral source.
Appointment check
Questions to put to every assessor
Keep the answers with the quotations and appointment record.
Use the full comparison guide- 01Who will inspect the premises and who will sign or validate the report?
- 02What comparable buildings has the named assessor assessed recently?
- 03What site areas and documents are included or excluded?
- 04How long is expected on site and when will the report be delivered?
- 05Will significant findings and a prioritised action plan be recorded?
- 06What professional indemnity and public liability insurance applies?
- 07Does the price include VAT, travel, parking and follow-up questions?
Common questions
Before you continue
General guidance for premises in England, with enquiry support focused on London and Surrey.
How should I compare fire risk assessment quotes?
Give assessors the same brief and compare the named person, premises scope, attendance, documents, report, action plan, limitations, delivery, follow-up, insurance, VAT and other charges.
Is a BAFE SP205 company automatically right for every building?
No. SP205 is valuable organisation-level third-party certification, but the proposed assessor and assignment still need to be suitable for the particular premises and scope.
What does NFRAR show?
NFRAR lists assessed individuals and their displayed competency level. Users should check the active profile and consider whether that level and the individual’s experience fit the building.
Should I choose the cheapest fire risk assessor?
Not without confirming that the quotations describe equivalent work. A low price may reflect a narrower site scope, fewer deliverables, exclusions or limited follow-up.
What should the appointment confirmation include?
It should identify the premises, named provider, agreed scope, exclusions, deliverables, price, VAT, timing, access, documents, limitations and contract terms.
Sources and limitations
Primary guidance used
This page supports initial research and enquiries. It does not appoint, endorse or guarantee an assessor and is not a premises-specific fire risk assessment.
Ready to narrow the search?
Start with the premises—not a generic provider list
Check coverage and an indicative starting cost, then continue to the same short London and Surrey enquiry route.