Fire Alarm Systems & Hotel Capital Planning with Mike Johnson | Jensen Hughes

Fire alarm systems are one of the most critical—and often overlooked—capital investments a hotel owner will make. In this episode of Ted's Hospitality Minute, Ted Kelly sits down with Mike Johnson of Jensen Hughes to discuss how owners, asset managers, engineers, and project teams can better plan for fire alarm system replacements and avoid costly mistakes.

Mike shares practical insights on determining when a system is truly obsolete, evaluating migration versus full replacement options, and incorporating fire alarm upgrades into planned guestroom renovations to minimize disruption and maximize project efficiency.

The conversation also covers ADA considerations, brand compliance, emerging fire and life safety technologies, and the importance of understanding what's included—and excluded—in contractor proposals to avoid unexpected change orders.

• When is a fire alarm system truly obsolete?

• Migration vs. complete system replacement

• Why guestroom renovations are the ideal time to upgrade fire alarm devices

• ADA and life safety considerations

• Brand compliance requirements

• Emerging technologies and industry trends

• Common planning mistakes that increase project costs

• How to reduce risk and avoid costly change orders

Whether you're planning a Property Improvement Plan (PIP), major renovation, or long-term CAPEX strategy, this episode provides valuable guidance to help protect your investment, improve guest safety, and make smarter capital planning decisions.

Guest: Mike Johnson, Jensen Hughes

Host: Ted Kelly, Interserv Hospitality

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Ted's Hospitality Minute on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, and connect with Ted on LinkedIn for more conversations on hotel capital projects, engineering, asset preservation, sustainability, and owner-focused strategies.

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