Fire Alarm Cost
When safety is your top priority, there’s no doubt that your Houston business needs a professionally installed fire alarm system. But it’s not just important for safety – fire alarms are also required by law. Both federal and local building codes require you to comply with fire alarm system regulations. To ensure compliance, you should hire an experienced fire protection company in Houston to design and install your fire alarm. Here’s a breakdown of what the installation and upkeep could cost.
The Equipment
Fire alarms are complex systems that require multiple pieces of equipment to function properly. The typical components of an average fire alarm system include:
- Smoke Detectors
- Pull Stations
- Horn Strobes
- Fire Proof Bells
- Fire Alarm Control Panels
- Annunciator Panels
- Water Flow for Sprinkler Monitoring Packages
- Duct Detectors
- Booster Panels
- Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
When these components can be installed during the construction phase, the cost is typically $1 to $2 per square foot. Existing buildings typically cost more because they involve reworking the existing infrastructure to facilitate the alarm system. Larger buildings and those with more complex installations may cost anywhere from $3 to $6 per square foot.
Monitoring Fees
Having a functioning alarm system is critical to alert anyone in the building to evacuate. But what if the fire starts in the middle of the night when the building is vacant? Or what if during the hectic evacuation, no one remembers to call the fire department?
Fire alarm monitoring eliminates your fear in these situations. When someone activates a pull station or a smoke detector sets off the alarm, the fire department is automatically alerted so emergency personnel can dispatch to the scene immediately. This important fire safety service comes with fees, which can vary depending on the company you use, but is typically a monthly fee.
Additional Costs
On top of equipment and monitoring costs, expect the overall installation to also include additional costs associated with permits, inspections and extended warranties. Your installer may be required to obtain a building permit before the fire alarm installation can begin. Then inspections are required, both immediately after installation to ensure the alarm system is functioning properly and in the years to come as a matter of ongoing maintenance. Also, if you’re interested in extended warranty coverage for your fire alarm equipment, that add-on could incur additional costs as well.
Comparing Fire Alarm System Costs
If you’ve already received several quotes from different fire alarm companies, you’ve probably noticed that estimates vary widely. As you comparison shop, be sure to take into account, not just costs, but also the company’s expertise, years in the business, warranties and customer service. It’s also wise to choose a full-service company that can not only install your fire alarm today, but also provide maintenance, testing, inspections, repairs and replacements in the years to come.
Install a Fire Alarm System Today
At Kauffman Co., we provide a comprehensive estimate process to ensure you end up with the most cost-effective, code-compliant fire alarm possible. First, we research which code requirements apply to your building. Then we assess what wiring you need. We verify material costs, compare the viability of multiple design options and present you with the best plan for your budget. Once we have your approval, we begin the quick, efficient installation process to reduce downtime for your business as much as possible.
Kauffman Co. is proud to be your premier source for fire protection services in the Houston area. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a fire alarm estimate, please contact Kauffman Co. online or call us at (713) 893-1090.
