Fire suppression system cost guide

When it comes to owning a property, one of our main priorities is ensuring it meets all the required health and safety standards. Research into fire suppression system costs is on the rise, which is why in this guide we’ll discuss:

• The benefits of a fire suppression system
• Commercial fire sprinkler system costs
• Residential fire sprinkler costs

Although house fires are rare in comparison to other home safety concerns, the UK alone reported 157,156 fire incidents in the year ending December 2019. With tragedies like Grenfell, fire-proofing our commercial or residential properties is something worth investing in.

We spoke to the online estimators at My Build Estimate – a professional estimating company monitored by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – they confirmed all of the prices within this guide.

What is a fire suppression system?

A fire suppression system is a safety feature that ‘seeks to extinguish fires through the application of a substance’. They are engineered to detect fires using heat and smoke sensors. Once activated, they deploy a substance such as foam, mist or water to extinguish the flames.

Benefits of a sprinkler system

Active fire protection

Where fire alarms alert you to a hazard, sprinkler systems take an active role in protecting you from said hazard. They offer more proactive fire protection that doesn’t require manual input.

Prevents fire damage

As the sprinklers are activated as soon as the system detects smoke or fire, damage to your property is kept to a minimum. Evidence shows that properties with fire sprinkler installations reduce damage by up to 90%.

More effective than fire alarms and extinguishers

Fire sprinkler systems are reliable, safe and cost-effective. They require less maintenance than fire alarms and extinguishers, and don’t need to be activated manually to protect your home. They also eradicate the need to call the fire brigade and wait for a fire engine to show up.

Factors affecting the cost of a sprinkler system

The cost of fire sprinkler systems can add up to the same amount it would cost you to have new carpets fitted. However, there are various factors that affect the overall price of installing a sprinkler system. These include:

• The size and design of a building
• The number of sprinklers required
• Any recent refurbishments undertaken
• Whether the property is a new build or not
• Where the mains supply is located
• The property’s location

Properties with insufficient water pressure

The costs in the table above apply if the mains water supply to your property is of sufficient pressure. If the mains pressure is insufficient, the sprinkler system will need to be fed from a stored water supply.

If this is the case, a pump and tank will need adding, increasing system costs by £1,500 – £3,000.

A reputable system fire suppression specialist will be able to tell you if your water pressure requires you to install a pump and tank system.

Automatic fire sprinkler system costs

Commercial fire sprinkler system cost

Commercial fire sprinkler systems are automatic fire protection systems installed within commercial properties. They are based on the British compliance standard: BS EN 12845:2015.

Average cost to install a commercial fire sprinkler system: £34 per m2

Residential fire sprinkler cost

Also known as a domestic fire sprinkler system, residential fire sprinklers are automatic fire protection systems installed with residential properties, such as flats, sheltered housing or care homes.

They are based on the British compliance standard: BS 9251:2014 (for residential sprinklers) and BS 8458:2015 (for residential and domestic mist sprinkler systems).

Average cost to install a domestic fire sprinkler system: £30 per m2

Fire suppression system cost calculator

Choosing to have a fire suppression system installed can be a daunting task. There are various factors and costs to consider, which is why we’ve put together a table within this guide to offer budgeting assistance and help make the process as easy as possible.

Fire suppression system quote

We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from our trusted tradespeople. Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out!

Fire suppression system hourly rates

The cost of installing a fire sprinkler system is typically quoted per job or per square metre. You can expect to pay in the region of £25 to £35 per m² to install a fire suppression system in your home.

Can I install a fire sprinkler system myself?

Due to the regulations and standards required to install a fire sprinkler system in the UK, you cannot fit or install one yourself.

When choosing a contractor, ensure they have a robust quality procedure that meets ISO standard 9001:2000 or equivalent. It is within your rights to ask for proof of certification before you agree to any works being carried out.

Key findings

• The average fire suppression system cost for a 3 bedroom semi-detached house is £3,500.
• The overall cost to install a fire suppression system will depend on whether it’s a commercial or domestic property.
• Fire sprinkler systems need to meet robust British standard installation regulations.
• Any contractor installing your fire suppression system needs to be ISO certified.
• Fire sprinkler systems are more cost-effective and reliable than their manual alternatives.