CSI Division 28 · Specialty Trades
Fire Alarm Estimating
Device count from the code analysis and spacing rules rather than the reflected plan, with programming, acceptance testing and the interfaces to every other system.
- EA
- detectors, pulls, horns, strobes
- LF
- cable and raceway
- LS
- programming, testing, certification
Scope
What we measure.
Measured from
Fire alarm plans, riser diagrams, sequence of operations and the fire alarm specification
- 01Initiating Devices
- 02Notification Appliances
- 03Control Panel & Power
- 04Cable & Raceway
- 05Programming & Test
Where bids go wrong
What other fire alarm estimates miss.
Device count from the code analysis and spacing rules, not from the architectural reflected plan.
Programming, acceptance testing and the authority-having-jurisdiction witness test.
Interfaces to elevators, dampers, door holders and the sprinkler system.
Monitoring, dialler and network connection required before occupancy.
Sample takeoff
How fire alarm line items come back.
Every quantity is traceable to the sheet it came from, in the units the trade buys in.
- Quantities traced to the sheet they came from
- Waste and productivity carried as visible lines
- Formulas intact — edit any rate
| CSI | Line item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 28 31 00 | Initiating devices | 96 EA |
| 28 31 00 | Notification appliances | 74 EA |
| 28 31 11 | Control panel & power | 2 EA |
| 28 05 13 | Cable & raceway | 4,200 LF |
| 28 08 00 | Programming & test | 1 LS |
FAQ
Fire Alarm Estimating, answered.
Talk to an estimator
Not a salesperson. Same-day answers on working days.
+1 518 974 7222[email protected]Do you count devices from the plans?
Yes. Initiating and notification devices are counted by type, with wire measured from the riser and device layout.
Are monitoring and testing included?
Acceptance testing and programming are measured. Ongoing monitoring is listed as an exclusion.
Can you use our cost book and labor rates?
Yes, and we prefer it. Your historical costs reflect your crews and your suppliers better than any published average. Send the template and we work inside it.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is per project and quoted before any work starts — no retainer, no minimum volume and no subscription.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Drawings, specifications and pricing are treated as confidential by default, and we sign your NDA on request before any documents change hands.
Start a quote
Need fire alarm numbers for your next bid?
Pick your project type and send the drawings. We confirm the fee and delivery date within the hour on working days.