A fire door inspector carries out formal inspections of fire door assemblies to check they comply with fire safety legislation, Building Regulations Part B and the relevant British Standards (principally BS 8214 and BS 476 Part 22). Fire door inspections are a legal requirement for responsible persons under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 have significantly strengthened requirements for residential buildings. The main professional bodies for fire door inspection are the FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) and the IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers). FDIS certification is the primary quality indicator for competent fire door inspectors.
What they do
- Inspect fire door leaves, frames, seals, closers and hardware for compliance
- Check gap tolerances around the door leaf (head, sides and bottom)
- Verify that intumescent and smoke seals are correctly fitted and undamaged
- Check that door closers are correctly calibrated and functional
- Verify that door leaves and frames carry the correct certification markings
- Check that hold-open devices are compliant and connected to the fire alarm
- Produce a written inspection report with pass/fail status and remediation recommendations
- Assess fire doors as part of a broader fire risk assessment
- Provide expert evidence on fire door compliance for building owners and insurers
When you need one
A fire door inspector is needed whenever you need formal certification of fire door compliance, or as part of the statutory fire risk assessment process for non-domestic or multi-residential premises.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single-site fire door inspection visit (up to 10 doors) | £200 - £500 |
| Per fire door inspection and report | £20 - £60 per door |
| Large-scale inspection (50+ doors) | £1,500 - £5,000+ |
| Fire door replacement (supply and fit, FD30) | £400 - £1,200 per door |
| Fire door seals and hardware remediation | £80 - £300 per door |
| Written inspection report (all doors on site) | Included or £100 - £300 extra |
Fire door inspection costs depend on the number of doors, site access and report format required. Always ensure the inspector is FDIS certified or holds an equivalent qualification, and that you receive a written report with clear pass/fail status and remediation actions. Inspection and remediation are separate - the inspector typically does not also carry out the repairs.
Qualifications to look for
FDIS certification is the primary quality indicator for competent fire door inspectors in the UK. FDIS inspectors hold the BRE/FDIS Certificate of Competency in Fire Door Inspection and are listed on the FDIS public register. Use the FDIS register to verify an inspector's certification before commissioning any work. Check the register at firedoorinspectionscheme.co.uk.
IFE membership (particularly at Technician or Member grade) is an alternative indicator of professional competence in fire safety, including fire door inspection. IFE members hold qualifications in fire engineering and safety, and Incorporated Engineers and above may have formal fire risk assessment qualifications.
For new fire door installations, ask to see the third-party certification for the door leaf and frame from a UKAS accredited body (such as BRE, Warringtonfire or Exova Warringtonfire). Third-party certified fire doors have been tested as a complete assembly and give the highest assurance that the door will perform as rated when correctly installed.
How to find a reputable fire door inspector
Related Calculators
Extension Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
How often do fire doors need to be inspected?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires responsible persons for non-domestic premises to carry out regular fire door inspections as part of their fire risk assessment obligations. The Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings (purpose-built flats and houses in multiple occupation) to carry out annual inspections of all fire doors in common areas, and quarterly checks of flat entrance fire doors where it is reasonably practicable. The specific frequency should be determined by the fire risk assessment and may be more frequent in high-risk premises.
What makes a compliant fire door?
A compliant fire door is a complete assembly - not just the door leaf. Key components include: a certified fire door leaf of the appropriate FD (fire door) rating (typically FD30 or FD60, meaning 30 or 60 minutes fire resistance); a certified frame, hinges, intumescent seals, smoke seals (where required) and door closer - all tested together as a complete assembly; correct fitting with gaps of no more than 3mm to the head and sides, and no more than 8mm at the bottom; and no unauthorised modifications such as holes, glazing not covered by the door's certification, or non-compliant hardware. The use of non-certified components or incorrect fitting voids the fire door's rating.
Are certified fire doors required in domestic properties?
In new homes and conversions, Building Regulations Part B requires fire doors in specific locations - for example, between an integral garage and the house, between a kitchen and the main escape route, and at the head of stairs in houses of three or more storeys. HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) require fire doors to bedrooms, kitchens and other specified locations under the Housing Act 2004 licensing requirements. In purpose-built flats, flat entrance doors must be fire doors. Detached and semi-detached houses with no integral garage and fewer than three storeys typically do not require fire doors to internal rooms, but any renovation or extension must comply with current Part B requirements.