Retrofitting & New Builds: What Property Managers Should Know About Fire Safety Projects

Whether you’re managing a brand-new development or updating an existing site, getting fire safety right is non-negotiable.

But with evolving regulations, ageing infrastructure and the complexity of coordinating multiple trades, it’s easy for fire systems to become a sticking point in the build process.

For older buildings in Victoria, fire safety retrofitting is often triggered by insurance requirements, layout changes or compliance issues – and it’s rarely straightforward. Meanwhile, new builds require tight coordination from planning through to post-install servicing.

At Fire & Wire, we simplify the process with fully in-house fire ESM capability across both wet and dry fire protection systems.

That means fewer delays, clearer communication and greater peace of mind for:

• property managers,
• developers and
• procurement teams alike.

So, what does fire safety look like across new builds and retrofits – and what should you expect from your provider?

Let’s break the retrofitting fire safety systems process down.

How fire safety works in a new build

When it comes to new build fire safety, the process starts well before any pipes or panels go in.

Fire engineers map out the fire strategy as part of the overall building design. But turning that plan into a fully compliant, working fire protection system?

That’s where Fire & Wire comes in.

Here’s how the process typically works:

• Fire engineers design the system – outlining where wet and dry systems are needed.
• Fire & Wire installs and integrates both wet and dry systems:
  • Wet systems include sprinklers and hydrants.
  • Dry systems include smoke detectors, fire alarms, evacuation speakers and emergency lighting.
• Testing and commissioning are carried out throughout the installation to ensure everything functions correctly.
• We manage compliance testing during the Defects Liability Period (DLP) – the crucial 12 months post-completion.
• The final system handover includes detailed documentation and testing records for your fire file.

On the flip side, it doesn’t stop at handover. We stay involved to service and maintain your systems long-term, ensuring continued fire safety compliance and reducing surprises during audits.

Retrofitting: why it’s more than just installation

While new builds benefit from the latest technologies and compliance standards, older properties require a more nuanced approach.

In many cases, fire ESM retrofitting becomes necessary due to insurance requirements, tenant changes or the natural ageing of fire systems. The process requires expert knowledge and attention to detail to ensure safety and compliance with current fire standards.

The process of retrofitting includes:

• Compliance audit
  We at Fire & Wire conduct a thorough audit of the building's existing fire systems in Victoria, identifying any gaps or issues that need to be addressed.

• Upgrade plan development
  Using the fire ESM audit results, our team develops a comprehensive upgrade plan tailored to the building's needs, including both wet and dry fire systems to ensure full coverage.

• Incorporating new technology
  New fire safety technologies are integrated into the retrofit, reducing false alarms and enhancing overall protection.

• Balancing old and new
  A key challenge is seamlessly integrating modern solutions while ensuring the older infrastructure can support the new systems, all while meeting the latest fire compliance standards.

• Testing and commissioning
  After installation, rigorous testing and commissioning are carried out to verify system functionality and compliance.

Retrofitting is not about replacing outdated systems; it's about carefully integrating new fire protection technologies while ensuring the building’s legacy infrastructure still works within modern Victorian fire compliance requirements.

At Fire & Wire, we ensure that every Victorian retrofit project delivers enhanced fire safety without compromising the integrity of the building. Our reliable team is ready to assist with every step of the process, making sure your property stays safe, compliant and secure for years to come.

What triggers the need for fire ESM retrofitting?

Several common scenarios can trigger the need for retrofitting fire safety systems in an existing building.

Understanding these triggers can help you identify when it’s time to upgrade your fire systems to ensure compliance and safety.

Here are the common retrofitting fire safety systems triggers you need to know:

• Older fire safety protections may no longer meet current codes, requiring an upgrade to ensure compliance.
  
• If a fire audit fails or insurance demands an upgrade, retrofitting is needed to stay covered and compliant.
  
• Changes in occupancy or building use may require adjustments to fire safety systems to meet new regulations.
  
• Any significant building modifications – whether expansions or refurbishments will often need fire safety retrofitting to ensure safety standards are met.

To completely understand when retrofitting fire safety systems is necessary, let’s look at some common types of buildings that frequently require fire system upgrades:

• Schools
  With student safety as a priority, any structural changes or increased occupancy require fire systems to be fully up to date.

• Healthcare facilities
  Hospitals and clinics often need to update systems as they expand or change their services to protect vulnerable patients and sensitive equipment.

• Office towers
  Office buildings with large tenant changes or expansion plans will need to retrofit fire systems to accommodate larger occupancies or new risks.

Understanding these triggers is crucial for maintaining a safe, compliant building. If any of these apply to your property, it may be time for a retrofit. As your expert fire safety retrofit provider, we can assess your current systems and implement the necessary upgrades to ensure your building stays safe and meets the latest regulations

Why Fire & Wire is different

At Fire & Wire, we bring everything in-house – from wet systems like fire sprinklers and hydrants to dry systems including alarms, smoke detectors and emergency lighting.

This end-to-end capability means you're dealing with one expert team, not a patchwork of subcontractors. That also means one point of contact for the entire project, reducing confusion and keeping communication clear.

Because we manage every stage internally, we’re able to deliver retrofitting fire safety systems projects more seamlessly. Fewer handovers mean fewer delays and fewer errors, resulting in more efficient and reliable outcomes.

We don’t disappear once the job is done – we’re here for maintenance, upgrades and support to keep your systems running smoothly and your building safe well into the future.

Beyond just project delivery, we’re focused on long-term relationships.

Questions to ask before you start a fire system project

Before committing to a fire safety upgrade, it’s worth asking the right questions to ensure you’re getting the best long-term outcome.

Here is a quick checklist of questions to consider:

• Is everything handled in-house? In-house teams reduce delays, miscommunication and costly errors.
• Do they cover both wet and dry systems? Full coverage ensures your system is integrated and compliant.
• Will they support long-term maintenance? Ongoing servicing is essential for safety and compliance.
• Do they understand your building type? Tailored solutions matter – different buildings have different risks.
• Can they advise on compliance and upgrades? A knowledgeable team helps you stay ahead of changing codes.

By getting clear answers up front, you can move forward with confidence – knowing your fire safety is in the right hands.

Contact Fire & Wire for a Fire Safety Audit today.

As a nimble Melbourne ESM provider that combines unmatched in-house expertise, tailored solutions and innovative technology, our passionate team of fire safety experts offers you fire safety compliance, proactive maintenance and peace of mind.

Our experienced team ensures that your properties are safeguarded against fire risks, all while maintaining compliance and protecting your reputation.

If you’re ready for a more personalised, proactive and agile approach to fire safety audits, Fire & Wire is your team.

If you’re ready for a more personalised, proactive and agile approach to fire safety audits, Fire & Wire is your team.

Let’s talk fire safety!

Contact Fire & Wire and discover how we can help you ensure the safety of your properties within the Defect Liability Period and beyond.