Proposed Home Sprinkler Systems Mandate

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Created on Tuesday, 02 April 2013 20:40

Written by Michael Howard

NORTHEAST KINGDOM – Sprinkler systems have proven to save lives but what if they were mandatory in every new home in Vermont?

In a study released in January of this year, members from insurance companies, home builders as well as Vermont fire safety officials looked at the possibility of making it mandatory for all new homes built in Vermont, to have a sprinkler system. “It was a legislative study basked on some work in the state house” says Deputy Director of Vermont’s Division of Fire Safety Robert Patterson, “we were asked to take the lead on this.”

The study took a look at the cost of a sprinkler system in a home as well as if fire insurance carriers should be required to cover the costs of installation.

“Its very expensive” says co-owner Brad Libby of a new bed and breakfast called WillowBurke in East Burke, “the system I had installed here costs about $25,000” adding, “it’s not cheap when you’re trying to cut pennies any way you can.”

The Home Builders and Remodeler’s Association of Vermont agrees, in a statement the association says “Home Builders Association of Northern Vermont does support the discussion, consideration and review of whether Vermont as a state should adopt a residential building code for single and double family homes. But we don’t support simply changing the statute to allow the Division of Fire Safety jurisdiction to enforce the IRC through administrative rulemaking. We did recommend looking at forming strategic partnerships and alliances to offer trainings and workshops for contractors and design professionals regarding the installation of sprinkler systems. Our association is a group of builders and suppliers who are trying to keep the cost of housing affordable.”   

According to the study, the price of a unit would be $1.60 to $3.00 a square foot, but Patterson says once the demand for systems goes up, the prices will go down “once there is more demand the prices will come down. The rates here in Vermont are substantially higher then some areas around the country because companies are not prepared to install mass quantities in homes.” 

There is no word on what is next for the study other than members in the state house will look over the report.

More information on sprinkler systems as well as the latest State Fire Marshal’s report can be found here.

   Causes of 2012 structure fires in Vermont. Source: 2012 Fire Marshal's Report.

 Vermont fire deaths in last 5 years. Source: 2012 Fire Marshal's Report.

Vermont fire deaths over 20 years. Source: 2012 Fire Marshal's Report.