How Much Should a Fire Risk Assessment Cost in 2026?

One of the most common questions we get asked is simple: “How much should a fire risk assessment actually cost?” Most business owners want something clear, predictable and fair. Nobody likes shopping in the dark, especially when it comes to compliance.

The reality is that costs vary, but they vary for understandable reasons. A small shop and a large multi-floor building are different worlds in terms of time, complexity and what a competent assessor needs to check. The good news is that by understanding the factors that drive the price, you can spot a fair quote quickly and avoid both overpaying and under-buying.

Here’s a straightforward guide to what shapes the cost in 2026, what a reasonable range looks like, and how to make sure you’re paying for quality rather than noise.

The Key Factors That Affect Cost

1. Building Size and Layout

A single-storey unit takes less time than a multi-level building with complicated stairwells, shared spaces or basement areas. More floors = more time = higher cost. Simple as that.

2. Building Use

An office, a restaurant, a warehouse and a residential block all carry different risks. Some require deeper checks, more detail and more documentation.

3. Age and Condition of the Building

Modern, purpose-built properties tend to be straightforward. Older buildings that have been extended, adapted or occupied by multiple tenants usually take longer.

4. Number of Staff and Occupants

The more people, the more the evacuation strategy matters, especially in workplaces with shift patterns, hybrid attendance or public access.

5. Whether It’s a First Assessment or a Renewal

First assessments take longer because everything needs mapping from scratch. Renewals can often be more efficient if little has changed.

So What Should You Expect to Pay in 2026

These ranges apply across most of the UK and reflect typical competent-person pricing.

Small Premises

Shops, small cafés, simple offices
£250 to £450

Medium-Sized Buildings

Larger offices, restaurants, medium warehouses, small residential blocks
£450 to £900

Large or Complex Sites

Large warehouses, multi-storey commercial buildings, complex layouts, listed buildings, multi-tenant sites
£900 to £2,000+
(The top end usually applies to buildings that need significant time on site or more detailed reporting.)

Very Large or Multi-Site Contracts

Bespoke pricing. Often set per building or per day with clear deliverables.

What You Should Get For Your Money

Regardless of size or cost, a proper fire risk assessment in 2026 should include:

  • A full on-site inspection by a competent assessor

  • Clear identification of risks

  • Practical recommendations that match the building

  • A structured, easy to understand written report

  • A prioritised action plan

  • Photos where useful

  • Guidance on what needs fixing now versus later

If any quote leaves you guessing, that’s a red flag.

What You Should Be Wary Of

Very cheap assessments

If the price looks too good, there is almost always a reason. Proper fire risk assessments take time on site and require a competent, qualified assessor. When corners get cut, the consequences can be serious.

A recent case from Hampshire Fire & Rescue shows this clearly. A company and its former director were ordered to pay more than £100,000 after an insufficient fire risk assessment on a block of flats left residents at risk. The assessment was cheap, rushed and missed critical issues. Both the business and the assessor faced heavy penalties as a result.

You can read more about this case here.

Very long or padded reports

Some providers drown clients in paperwork. A good assessment is clear, not bloated.

Unclear follow-up

If there’s no support for questions afterwards, that’s a sign corners may be cut.

Why Pricing Should Be Transparent

A good fire risk assessment is not just a legal tick box. It is a foundation for safety, business continuity and peace of mind. When pricing is transparent, it helps you make better decisions and stops the process feeling like a nuisance. Most businesses want the same thing: someone competent, clear, reliable and fairly priced. That is the standard we work to at Fletcher Risk.

Not sure what your building would cost

If you want a quick, no-pressure idea of what your building might fall under, feel free to get in touch. A short chat is usually enough to give you a realistic figure.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information on typical fire risk assessment costs and is not a substitute for professional advice. Every building is different. If you’re unsure, seek guidance from a competent fire safety professional.

Fletcher Risk Team - 10 December 2025

Tim Fletcher