New Home Sprinkler System Debate
There is a debate raging at the state capital right now. The international building standards organization recently recommend that all new homes built (in the world) should have sprinkler systems installed at time of construction. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is evaluating that requirement for all new homes over the next several months to be included in the state building codes.
Builders, real estate agents, and affordable housing advocates converged on the capital to lobby against the rule changes. They are claiming that it could increase the cost of a new home by as much as $4000 each and that there are already ample laws in effect to save lives in the event of a fire. Minnesota firefighters were also at the capital to voice their side of the story. They believe that requiring sprinklers could save lives.
The House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee approved a bill that would pre-empt any new law. It effectively prevents the state building code or local ordinances from being enacted that would require sprinklers, even though there are no laws requiring them on the books currently. This was a pre-emptive strike to insure that no law was slipped in secretly requiring sprinklers.
In this housing economy, adding $4000 to the price of a new Maple Grove home is just not reasonable. I agree that we should make homes safe, but if the owner feels strongly about sprinklers, it is there choice to pay the money and put them in. No need to mandate it.
I am a licensed Realtor in the State of Minnesota. This website is not a multiple listing service, but each Minnesota & Minneapolis real estate agent is a member of the Regional MLS of MN, inc., a provider of the Minnesota MLS.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment