Residential Fire Sprinkler Installer — Contract (Gaithersburg, MD)

Engagement type: Independent contractor (1099), project-based

Overview

We are hiring a licensed fire sprinkler contractor to design, permit, install, and commission a residential fire sprinkler system in a single-family home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The system must be designed and installed to NFPA 13D and pass Montgomery County inspection. This is a contract engagement, not an employee position — the contractor supplies their own labor, tools, materials, license, and insurance.

Scope of work

Site walk-through, water supply evaluation (static/residual pressure and flow test as required), and confirmation of available supply against demand
Hydraulic calculations and system layout/design stamped or sealed by a qualified individual (NICET II or PE)
Preparation and submission of the sprinkler permit application to Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS), Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance
Furnish all piping, fittings, hangers, sprinkler heads, valves, gauges, backflow prevention, and alarm/flow devices as required
Rough-in of piping and heads, coordinated with framing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing trades
Trim-out: install heads, escutcheons, cover plates, and control valve assembly in specified finish
Hydrostatic testing, flushing, and final acceptance testing
Coordination and attendance at all required county inspections through final approval
Delivery of as-built drawings, hydraulic calculation sheets, material data sheets, and an owner's manual/maintenance instructions at closeout
Walkthrough with the homeowner covering shutoff location, testing, and winterization

Required licenses and certifications

Bidders must hold, and provide documentation of:

Maryland State Fire Marshal fire sprinkler contractor license, Class IIa or Class IId (residential installation to NFPA 13D/13R). Class IId applies where the system uses potable-water multipurpose piping.
Montgomery County DPS sprinkler license (residential). The county requires at least one designated qualified individual at NICET Level II or a Professional Engineer license for a residential license.
Maryland master plumber license if the system is a potable-water multipurpose piping system, as required under COMAR.
General liability insurance — Maryland requires licensed fire sprinkler contractors to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit, including products and completed operations. Certificate of insurance naming the homeowner as additional insured is required before work begins.
Workers' compensation coverage for any employees or helpers brought on site.
Valid Maryland/MHIC registration if the contractor is also performing associated home improvement work.

Experience and skills

Required

Minimum 3 years installing residential fire sprinkler systems to NFPA 13D/13R
Demonstrated experience pulling permits and passing inspection in Montgomery County or an adjacent Maryland jurisdiction
Proficiency with CPVC and/or steel sprinkler piping, including cutting, grooving, threading, and solvent welding
Ability to read and produce shop drawings and hydraulic calculations
Comfortable working in attics, crawlspaces, and confined framing bays; able to lift 50 lbs and work from ladders
Own transportation, hand and power tools, and pipe-working equipment

Preferred

NICET Level III or higher
Prior work on occupied/retrofit homes with attention to minimizing drywall damage and restoring finishes
Familiarity with concealed head and cover-plate options for finished living spaces
References from at least two comparable residential installations in the DMV area

Contract terms

Independent contractor status; contractor is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and any subcontractors
Work must comply with the currently adopted Montgomery County building and fire codes and NFPA 13D
Warranty: minimum 1 year on workmanship, plus manufacturer warranty on materials, passed through to the homeowner
Daily site cleanup and debris removal required
Homeowner reserves the right to verify license status with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Montgomery County DPS prior to award

Compensation

Hourly labor rate: $50–$65 per hour for a licensed contractor's billed rate in the Gaithersburg/Montgomery County market.

Pay: $50.00 - $65.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

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