Fire door guides

It depends on the building and how the doors are used. In England, regulation 10 requires communal fire doors in residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres to be checked every three months and flat entrance doors annually on a best-endeavours basis. BS 9999 suggests checks at least every six months elsewhere, and more often for busy doors. Your fire risk assessment should set the frequency.

The responsible person can carry out basic visual checks. A competent person should carry out detailed inspections. Certification schemes for individual fire door inspectors exist, such as the Fire Door Inspection Scheme, and you can ask any inspector to show evidence of their training and certification before the visit.

Guide prices start from £195 per visit, with per-door rates of roughly £12 to £35 depending on volume and the level of report. Detailed surveys with costed remedial schedules are typically £35 to £60 per door.

The leaf and frame condition, gaps around and under the door, intumescent strips and smoke seals, hinges, the self-closer, latch and lock, glazing and beads, air transfer grilles, signage, and any evidence of the door's fire rating such as a label or plug.