A new report by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) affiliate Fire Protection Research Foundation shows the average cost of installing residential sprinkler systems is $1.61 per square foot.
According to the Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment, the cost of sprinkler systems to the homebuilders is between $0.38 and $3.66 per sprinklered square foot. The ratio includes all costs to the builder associated with the system, including design, installation and other costs such as permits, additional equipment, increased tap and water meter fees.
“There’s no question that an investment in a residential fire sprinkler system can prove to be a life-saving decision, but when seeking cost information to make that decision, people are often hard pressed to find true costs,” says Kathleen Almand, executive director of the foundation.
NFPA’s vice president of field operations Gary Keith says installation of a home fire sprinkler system is a huge step in the right direction when protecting the community.
“This national cost assessment will help jurisdictions, building professionals, insurance companies, the fire service, and members of the general public interested in making informed decisions about home fire sprinklers,” Keith says.
