Residential Fire Sprinklers in New Construction Homes
July 28th, 2009
I just read an interesting article about the trend of installing fire sprinkler systems in residential homes. A study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which reveals that mandatory fire sprinkler installation in new homes does not negatively affect the number of homes being built.
Throughout the country residential builders nationwide have argued that the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), which requires new homes to be equipped with fire sprinklers beginning in 2011, would negatively affect the housing market because of the cost increase to home buyers.
However, statistics show that nationally, residential fire sprinklers will only cost approximately $1.61 per square foot, or 1% of the value of the home to install. This cost adds approximately $3,500-$5,000 to the price of the home. Over the life of a typical 30-year mortgage, that’s less than a few dollars per week and certainly not a hefty price in the event of a fire
The study findings believe that the inclusion of residential fire sprinklers for one- and-two-family dwellings could prevent serious fire-related injuries. About 85 percent of all fires occur in the home, fueled by new lightweight construction and more flammable home contents. In fact, the new sprinkler regulations are being endorsed by fire service professionals across the country, such as the U.S. Fire Administration, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Groups such as these agree smoke detectors are no longer enough in residential fire protection, as lightweight construction has become more prevalent, house contents are more flammable than ever, and the time to escape a house fire has been reduced from 17 minutes 20 years ago to 3 minutes today, according to a cost-benefit analysis by FEMA.
The NFPA study clearly demonstrates that home fire sprinkler requirements do not impede housing development starts,” says Jim Shannon, NFPA president. “This report is another point to make the case for enacting life-saving sprinkler requirements in local communities.”
While I realize that residential home buyers do not want items added to the cost of a new construction, home sprinklers provide value and safety, and they are definitely becoming a necessary part of the cost of home buying. Please reach out to me with any questions and to have me give your deal a legal inspection.
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2 Responses to “Residential Fire Sprinklers in New Construction Homes”
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Howard, I guess what is your take on this? Are you stating that the builder who may have publicly testified against sprinklers because the homes they build are safe, or builds a home with out residential sprinklers can be liable for damages or injury if a fire occurs?
Mike, I would not go so far as to say a builder would be liable for damages for building without sprinklers, especially if a current code doesnt specifically call for it. This is in an issue that one day will likely be tested in the courts ( it could be litigated now though I have not seen it) much like any safety related upgrade offered to the public.
My comments were more about stating that while the installation of residential sprinklers may seem like an expensive upgrade for home buyers, over the life of ownership the added cost can be minimal and the benefits in terms of safety and limiting loss if a fire should occur are very tangible and home buyers of new construction should encourage their installation.