Texas Real Estate

Beginning on January 1, 2011, all newly constructed homes will be required to have fire sprinklers. The International Residential Code, which is the minimum standard for building in Texas, has mandated the fire sprinklers as a measure that they believe saves lives. It gives the occupants more time to evacuate the structure and may prevent the room from getting to the point of flashover, a temperature that causes all flammable items to catch on fire.

However, this new change will be costly to install and maintain. The National Fire Protection Association reported average costs of $1.61 per square foot to install. Additionally, some insurance carriers will give discounts on premiums for properties that contain the sprinklers. Of course, it remains to be seen what will happen if the system malfunctions or is accidentally set off. Looks like the fire sprinkler providers will soon have a booming business.

Source: Texas Realtor Magazine, Nov. 2008