Fire Door Quote Comparison Checklist

Why fire door quotes are hard to compare

Fire door quotes often use similar wording while covering very different work.

Two quotes may use similar phrases such as "supply and fit fire door" while including very different scopes. One may include only a door leaf; another may include the frame, seals, closer, hinges, ironmongery, making good, documentation and review of inspection findings.

Some quotes may say "make compliant" without explaining the basis, the products to be used, or what evidence will be relied on.

Buyers need to compare like with like — scope, competence evidence, product evidence, documentation and exclusions — not headline price alone.

Key takeaway: Similar wording does not mean similar scope. Compare what is included, excluded and documented before comparing price.

What a good fire door quote should explain

A clearer quote usually makes scope and evidence easier to compare.

A useful fire door quote should explain enough for you to compare it fairly with other options. Where information is missing, ask for clarification in writing before appointment.

• Door locations
• Number of doors
• Work type (installation, inspection, remediation, replacement or supply only)
• Door type and context
• Required rating if known
• Smoke-control requirement if known
• Whether the frame is included
• Components included (seals, closer, hinges, ironmongery, glazing if relevant)
• Product evidence to be relied on
• Manufacturer instructions to be followed
• Installer or inspector competence for the stated scope
• Documentation to be supplied
• Assumptions about existing doors, frames or site conditions
• Exclusions
• Limitations of the quote, inspection or report
• Variation process if scope changes

Key takeaway: If a quote cannot explain scope, evidence and documentation clearly, treat that as a comparison warning — not a reason to choose on price alone.

Compare scope before price

Price means little without a clear, comparable scope.

Before comparing totals, identify whether each quote includes supply only, installation, inspection, remediation, replacement, making good, access planning, reporting or handover records.

A cheaper quote may exclude frame works, compatible hardware, documentation, return visits, resident liaison or remedial follow-up. Those exclusions can become additional cost or compliance risk later.

Compare whether each quote matches the actual door locations, building context and work programme you need.

Key takeaway: Scope first, price second. A low headline price can cost more if important work or records are excluded.

Compare competence evidence

Use SKEB — Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours — to compare who will do the work and what evidence they supply.

Ask who will actually do the work — the company name on the quote may not be the person on site.

Ask what fire door work they are competent to do for your door type, building type and scope.

Ask what evidence supports that competence: training, qualifications, relevant experience, insurance and how they explain limitations.

Education and training may support Skills and Knowledge evidence, but Experience and Behaviours also matter for fire door appointments.

For structured questions and a printable record, use the Fire Door Competence guide and the Competence Evidence Record.

• [Skills] Who will actually do the work?
• [Skills] What fire door work are they competent to do?
• [Knowledge] What standards, guidance or manufacturer instructions will they follow?
• [Experience] Have they done similar work in similar buildings?
• [Behaviours] Will they explain limitations and exclusions in writing?
• [Behaviours] Will they tell you if something is outside their competence?

Key takeaway: Competence evidence should match the actual task — not just the trade label or a generic certificate.

Compare product and system evidence

Fire door work depends on compatible products, components and evidence — not a door leaf in isolation.

Ask what product evidence, manufacturer instructions or tested/assessed system information the contractor will use for the doors in your building.

Check whether the quote assumes existing frames, hardware or glazing can be reused without evidence.

A certificate or product mark may help demonstrate part of a product case, but it does not by itself prove that the complete installed fire door system will be suitable for your location or compliant in context.

Key takeaway: Compare what product and system evidence each quote relies on — and what happens if evidence is missing.

Compare documentation and handover

Records matter because fire doors are part of the building's fire-safety arrangements.

A useful quote should say what records will be provided after the work or inspection.

This may include photographs, a door schedule, inspection report, completion record, product information, component information, limitations stated in writing and outstanding defects.

If a quote does not mention documentation, ask what you will receive and whether that matches your building's record-keeping needs.

Key takeaway: Compare promised documentation before appointment — not after work is finished.

Compare exclusions and assumptions

Exclusions often decide the real price and the real risk.

Check whether the quote excludes frames, hardware, glazing, making good, access control, decoration, fire stopping, waste removal, out-of-hours working, resident liaison, reports or return visits.

Assumptions about existing doors, frames, site conditions or prior inspections should be stated clearly.

Ask for exclusions and assumptions in writing so you can compare quotes fairly and record what was understood at appointment.

Key takeaway: Hidden exclusions can turn the cheapest quote into the most expensive appointment decision.

Compare quote types

Different fire door quotes need different comparison questions.

Use the checklist below for the type of quote you are comparing. For product evidence scope, see Compare primary test evidence and assessment scope.

Key takeaway: Match your comparison questions to the quote type — installation, inspection and supply-only are not interchangeable.

Red flag quote language

Some phrases suggest a quote may not be comparing fairly or may lack the detail needed for a safety-critical appointment.

These signs do not automatically mean a contractor is unsuitable, but they should prompt further questions, written clarification or another quote option.

Be cautious where language is vague, documentation is dismissed, or the quote avoids explaining scope and evidence.

Key takeaway: Vague quote language is a comparison warning. Ask for scope, evidence and documentation in writing before appointment.

Decision record

After comparing quotes, record why the chosen contractor was appointed.

Record what evidence was relied on — scope, competence answers, product evidence, insurance, exclusions and promised documentation.

Record any concerns, limitations or exclusions that were accepted or rejected.

Keep the comparison with building records, inspection programmes, quotes and handover documents where appropriate.

This does not prove compliance or provide legal protection. It may help show what was compared and considered when the appointment decision was made.

Use the Fire Door Competence Evidence Record if you want a structured printable record for appointment decisions.

Key takeaway: A brief written comparison record may help explain appointment decisions later, but it does not replace competent work or legal duties.