Passed in October 2006 all new homes in Frederick County Maryland are required to have a sprinkler system installed. I agree that residential properties such townhouses and condos should have them because you never know about your irresponsible neighbor that may be carelessly smoking or rewired his home on his own.
What about single family homes where no other homes are nearby and on well water. This is just another large cost that is making homes less affordable for everyone in the area. The builders will just tack that on top of all their other costs. Frederick County Impact /permit fees alone are about $15K.
I am currently building my new home (a log home in fact) and my wife and I initially started the process of plans prior to October 2006. I heard nothing of this proposal until right before the county commissioner passed it. Well there went my budget up about another $10K. I have received 3 estimates at $8500, $10000, and $12000. My home will be about 3200 sq. ft including the basement.
With my home being on a well an not pumping 25 gallons per minute (appears that this will increase to over 30 soon if it hasn't already) I also need to put a 300 gallon tank (compare that to about a 50 gal. hot water heater) with a pump in my basement. Great there went some of my basement space and a huge monstrosity to look at. Oh, I hope you aren't going to have a single level home without a basement and no garage. Maybe that would look nice next to the refrigerator.
Also since I have a log home many spaces may be exposed. I just love to look at pipes running along the ceiling and sprinkler heads sticking out of walls. It kind of makes it a warehouse type of environment, just what I had pictured for my dream home. I also need to find some type of sprinkler heads that don't seem to stick out too much. The standard white just won't look right in an all wood home.
I am sure some people think it's a good idea. Of course it can save lives and property. Although if these things go off they probably cause more damage from the water. I also hope the fire doesn't start in the basement. Since the 300 gallon tank is plastic...well that will be melted pretty quick. I believe there is always a certain amount risk with everything. That's how is will always be. More people die in car accidents everyday far more than home fires. Does that mean I should stop driving. Next maybe we will be required to build our entire home out of concrete with fire proof furniture. I don't even think the victims from the California wildfires want to rebuild like that.
This is from the National Fire Sprinkler Association "At least four times each year, a full sprinkler system inspection should be performed by a knowledgeable professional. Some states and cities require more frequent inspections." That may just put me in the poor house. Well actually since homes prices will go up about $10K, now that will cover my inspections since my commission will go up. Wait...less people will be buying especially in our area since it will be even less competitively priced as surrounding areas. So much for that!
What do you all think?
I'm sure this is coming to other areas around the nation. Watch out!
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I was actually unaware of the sprinkler system law in single family homes!! Thanks for the Blog