Residential sprinkler systems are now required in new 2-family dwellings, townhomes, and certain single family dwellings (4,500 square feet or greater) permitted on or after January 24, 2015. As a new feature in the local housing market, we know prospective home buyers may have questions regarding sprinkler systems. Here's some additional information that may be helpful to builders, lenders, and Realtors working with new construction clients.
Cost/Benefit Example: A sprinkler system is estimated to cost roughly $2.00/square foot. On an individual twin home unit, that is an estimated cost of $3,000 – 3,500. A Realtor recently pointed out that at a 30-year amortization and a 3.25% mortgage rate, this equates to $15.00 monthly cost. The Insurance Federation of Minnesota conducted a survey of insurance companies that offer discounts for sprinkler protected units of 4 – 13%. With a homeowner’s insurance policy on a twin home estimated at $815/year, the insurance discount would reduce the monthly cost of a sprinkler in a twin home to approximately $6 – 12/month.
Here are a couple of other resources that may help:
- FAQ for real estate professionals to share with their clients.
- Plan review/inspection guide with local and state contacts to assist builders and fire suppression contractors working for residential sprinkler installation.
Need more information? Contact our Building Codes office at 218.299.5424 or buildingcodes@cityofmoorhead.com.
