This article discusses NSW fire door compliance second opinion options and whether untagged doors must be replaced after inspection.
Question: We have had a recent fire inspection. Two unit doors were deemed non-compliant with an expensive replacement cost from an inspector. Can we get a second opinion on whether this replacement is necessary or if the doors comply with fire door regulations for NSW?
We have had a recent fire inspection. Two unit doors were deemed non-compliant with an expensive replacement cost.
Checking with the company suggested the doors did not have compliance tags even though they are likely to be the same doors as all other 8 units.
Can we get a second opinion on whether this replacement is necessary or if the doors comply with fire door regulations for NSW? We are trying to avoid a $5000 cost for two doors in the statement process.
Answer: To certify whether a door is compliant, it must have a door tag.
To certify whether a door is compliant, it must have a door tag. Therefore, in order to find a Contractor who will certify the door, you will need to find a contractor who will install a door tag. Is there an option to go back to the original installer to re-certify? If not, it will be extremely difficult to find anyone to legally sign off on the door.
I would recommend two things:
- Organise a second quote to install a fire door. The cost for a new door with hardware and painting should be approximately $1,500 + GST. Seems like the incumbent contractor is charging you a high cost for your two doors.
- I would recommend having the doors that are tagged to be fixed to the door (not glued on). If your door tags are glued on, they will eventually fall and will be lost and you will continually find you need to replace your doors.
This post appears in the March 2021 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Vincent Graham
Project Guides
E: vgraham@projectguides.com.au
P: 0476 233 109
Leave a Reply