Smoke and CO Detector Inspection Pricing

The process begins with a smoke detector inspection which can take around 15 minutes to complete and include an evaluation of the existing detectors for the location, the age of the system, and how they’re powered (whether its battery or hard-wired).

We start off with a basic charge of $100 plus expenses*. The basic charge covers single-family home and rental properties (single unit) up to 3,500 sq ft. In the case of multi-family units or larger homes, additional fees may apply.

FYI Requests must be made a minimum of 30 days prior to closing date or there is no guarantee that the work will be done and the certificate obtained prior to closing. (Late requests require a $50 rush fee. Requests made within 14 days of closing require a $125 rush fee.)

*Expenses Cover items such as the cost for smoke detectors, a 26F certificate from your town, and delivery of the certification to your real estate agent or directly to you, the homeowner. Please note that any home built prior to 1975 most likely has battery-powered units. Subsequently, after 1975 the standard changed to hardwired detectors and were installed in the proper locations for the age of the home. An average home from the eighties with hard-wired smoke detectors, one on each floor including a town inspection could run around $250 in expenses. This is simply an example. Certificates vary from town-to-town in Massachusetts. Not only the cost of the certificate but also the regulations can also vary from town-to-town. This is why it’s especially important for you to hire an inspector familiar with these regulations to avoid making a costly mistake if the fire department has to come and re-inspect.

Smoke detectors range in price from $25 to $75 for a quality detector that will meet code.

Carbon monoxide detectors can range from $20-$40. Deciding which detectors you need depends on what type of system your house is currently using and the specific fire protection code that covers your residence. Some units can have combo smoke and CO detection units. If so, state regulations require that the detector use a voice to alert and tell the occupant what type of alarm is going off.

In some cases, a property may require some modifications that can only be performed by a licensed electrician.  In a case like this, we may recommend to our clients to use their own electrician.