“… the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) mandating sprinkler systems in single and multiple residential structures has arrived. Some estimates have a system costing in the neighborhood of $3 per square foot,..others estimate the systems to be between $11,000 and $15,000.”
Happy New Year to all TFU followers! I wish you a happy and healthy 2011 and apparently so does Uncle Sam. For those of you that have not been listening to your local news broadcast lately, the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) mandating sprinkler systems in single and multiple residential structures has arrived. TFU was scrambling last month to help an educated Pennsylvania client get his permit application filed on December 30 to avoid this requirement. Whew, it was a close call but thanks to the cooperation of our client, and lots of hard work, we pulled it off.
Although sprinkler system generally don’t fall under the DIY category, it is certainly important for the DIYer to (a) be aware of the requirement and (b) be ready for the impact that this can have on the overall budget. Some estimates have a system costing in the neighborhood of $3 per square foot, including unfinished basements. I’ve seen others estimate the systems to be between $11,000 and $15,000.
There are many references to the new law that can be found on the internet. As always the best advice we can provide is to consult with your local municipality, code enforcement officer or building inspector. If committed to the DIY aspect of the project, it may still be possible for you to be hands on. Ask your certified installer if it would be possible for you to rough in the system that they designed. Many sprinkler systems are designed with ¾” PVC which is very easy to work with. At $80-$100 per hour, plumbers sure aren’t cheap so this may be one area where a Determined DIYer can save some bucks. Some states including New Jersey have placed a moratorium on the new regulation until 2012. That’s not more time than you need to get your NJ projects in design now.