When you’re planning changes to a building, fire safety might not be the first thing on your mind. Yet the reality is that every alteration to the fabric of a building can have a direct impact on its fire safety strategy.
From new partition walls to layout reconfigurations, even seemingly minor changes can compromise compartmentation, invalidate Fire Emergency Evacuation Plans (FEEPs), and affect the positioning and performance of active systems like fire alarm sensors.
That’s why engaging Commercial Fire Protection (CFP) at the design stage of any project isn’t just smart — it’s essential.
The Cost of Late Fire Safety Intervention
Too often, fire safety is treated as a box to tick at the end of a project. By then, it’s usually too late to avoid costly rework. For example:
- Compartmentation compromised – A new service penetration left unsealed or incorrect door gaps can allow smoke and fire to spread rapidly.
- Sensors incorrectly positioned – New rooms built without redesigning alarm layouts mean sensors may not provide adequate coverage.
- Invalid FEEP – Alterations to corridors, doorways or room usage can make your existing evacuation plan obsolete.
Retrofitting corrections after a project is complete is disruptive, expensive, and avoidable. Early consultancy avoids these pitfalls, ensuring compliance from day one.
Fire Strategy Begins at Design
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires every building to have an up-to-date fire strategy.
That strategy is only valid if it reflects the current layout and use of the premises. Involving fire safety specialists early in the design process ensures that compartmentation, passive protection, and alarm coverage are integrated seamlessly into the build.
This proactive approach saves:
- Time – Projects move faster when fire safety approvals are achieved first time.
- Money – Avoiding redesigns and remedial works reduces overall costs.
- Risk – Compliance is maintained, safeguarding people, property and assets.
Ongoing Support Through Service Agreements
Fire safety doesn’t stop once the project is complete. To keep buildings compliant as they evolve, at CFP we offer tailored Service Agreements that give clients structured and proactive support.
These agreements include routine inspections, timely reminders, and priority call-outs, alongside free consultations when planning future layout changes — ensuring your fire strategy remains valid no matter how your building develops.
With flexible options and discounts for multi-year plans, our Service Agreements provide certainty, cost efficiency, and the reassurance that a team who knows your building is always on hand.
How Commercial Fire Protection Can Help
We act as your Compliance Partner: Safeguarding people, property and assets. With over 40 years of experience, our team provides expert consultancy to ensure fire safety is embedded at the earliest stage of your project.
Our design-stage consultancy includes:
- Fire strategy development tailored to your building and project
- Advice on compartmentation and passive fire protection
- Guidance on active fire systems, including correct alarm sensor placement
- Ensuring FEEPs remain valid as layouts evolve
Build Safer, Smarter, Sooner
If you’re altering your building, fire safety cannot wait until the end.
Getting us involved early will save you time, money and stress, while delivering the peace of mind that comes from knowing your building is safe and compliant.
Talk to the Commercial Fire Protection team today about design-stage consultancy and Service Agreements and let us help you safeguard your next project from the ground up.
