Fire Alarm Estimating Services
Fire alarm estimating services for contractors and subcontractors bidding fire alarm scope on residential, commercial and industrial projects are the specialty of Forte Estimating. Our estimators bring their experience in the trade and detailed takeoff software to create accurate, bid ready fire alarm estimates with the most up-to-date pricing on materials and labor in support, including fire alarm system estimating and fire alarm takeoff services.
Whether you’re a specialty subcontractor that’s bidding on work directly, or a general contractor that requires a fire alarm estimate as part of a larger bid package, our team provides the level of detail required to ensure work can be bid accurately and to win competitive bids.
We take your plans and specifications, and deliver a full fire detection estimating services package, ready to be passed on to suppliers for material pricing, or as the basis for you to review and make your bid.
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What Is Fire Alarm Estimating?
Fire alarm estimating measures equipment, wiring, and fire alarm panel that are needed to install a building’s fire detection and notification system according to code and design standards.
Our takeoffs include smoke detectors, pull stations, and notification devices by location, number of wires per circuit, and other panel and addressable system components shown on the fire alarm drawings.
These quantities are not just important for the bid; they also have a direct impact on material ordering and scheduling once the project is awarded, and an inaccurate fire alarm take-off can cause issues long after the project is awarded.
Our Fire Alarm Takeoff Process
All fire detection estimating services assignments start with a thorough examination of the drawings and specifications and a detailed quantity takeoff is completed in a logical sequence that is relevant to the most important sections for an accurate price.
When quantities are measured, a second estimator checks the takeoff for accuracy, before pricing is applied, and to help identify scope gaps or measurement errors before they ever make it to your bid.
What's Included in Our Fire Alarm Estimate
Deliverables are a device count by type and location, wiring quantity schedule by circuit, and an equipment list for panels and addressable modules for quotes by the fire alarm contractor.
Files are provided in spreadsheet or PDF format and if your company uses a specific takeoff form or bid format, it can be customized to meet your company’s preferred standards.
Key Considerations for Fire Alarm Estimating
Careful addressing and circuit planning of addressable fire alarm systems is essential, our estimators understand this and follow the system schedule to ensure quantities are correct to the addressing scheme designed. We also determine early in the design whether the system is a conventional system or an addressable system; the equipment and wiring costs are significantly different.
Residential vs. Commercial Fire Alarm Estimating
In multifamily applications, residential fire alarm requirements are limited to basic smoke detection, while commercial fire alarm estimating is a complex addressable system with high quantities of devices and monitoring equipment.
Why Trade Contractors Choose Forte
Fortunately, our estimators know the trade from the field, not just from a drawing set, which is the advantage specialty subcontractors have over us when they’re bidding fire alarm work. The knowledge gained from the trade helps us to see things a generalist estimator wouldn’t, and keeps you safe on your margins before you even hit send.
We also provide flexible pricing options for fire alarm estimating, ranging from a one-time project price to a retainer fee for subcontractors that estimate this type of project on a regular basis, and require a steady, reliable estimating partner.
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Contact us Now
Call us now and upload your construction project plans with all the specific details to explain the scope of work that includes construction drawings, specifications and other specific documentation.
Receive your schedule
Our expert team of BIM Estimators manages to deliver the final draft for review and consult through an email or call to consult and finalize the construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there differences in conventional and addressable fire alarm systems?
Conventional/Addressable systems have very different equipment/ wiring costs, yes, and we will confirm the type of system before quantities are finished.
Are you able to guess fire alarm wiring by circuit type?
Yes, wiring is measured by the type of circuit and number of conductors to enable proper material ordering by the fire alarm contractor.
Do you include monitoring and panel equipment in the estimate?
Yes, the cost of fire alarm control panels, addressable modules and monitoring equipment are part of a complete estimate for a fire alarm system.
Do you have an idea of how many fire alarm system upgrades would be required for an existing building?
Yes, we do estimate new fire alarm installation projects as well as existing building fire alarm installation upgrades and retrofits.
What is the time required to respond to a fire alarm estimate?
For most fire alarm estimates, the estimate is done within 24-48 hours on standard sized projects, and 3-5 business days on larger and/or complex projects.
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