Frequently Asked Questions?

Where do I start?

If your home builder is not familiar with contractors that install residential fire sprinklers, you still have several options.

• Look in your local Yellow Pages under "Sprinklers, Fire."
  
  
• Ask your local or state fire marshal if contractors in your state are required to be licensed. If they are, contact the state licensing board for a current list of licensed contractors.
  
  
• Contact fire sprinkler contractor associations for names of residential  sprinkler contractors in your area.
  
  
• If you have a computer and like to "surf the net," an increasing number  of contractors have Web pages describing their capabilities.
  
  
• Any professional fire sprinkler contractor can install these systems, but  for best results look for a contractor that specializes in residential fire  sprinkler systems or one that has a residential sprinkler installation unit within the company.

What should I do if my home builder or architect has questions or says I don't need fire sprinklers?

• Most fire chiefs around the country will recommend fire sprinklers, as they have witnessed first hand their benefit to life and property safety. Some, but not all architects and builders are educated, at least partially, about residential fire sprinklers. If your builder and architect are not familiar with these systems, have them contact the organizations below for information.
  
  
• And, if your builder or architect tries to discourage you from finding out more about your possibilities, you can obtain information by contacting any of these resources.

How much should I expect to pay for my fire sprinkler system?

• If installed during new home construction, home fire sprinklers cost an average of $1.61 per square foot of sprinklered space, which is about what you'd pay for an upgrade in carpeting. The investment in your family's fire protection may be slightly lower or higher, depending on the location and complexity of the home.

How do I take care of my fire sprinkler system?

• A residential fire sprinkler system is basically maintenance free. The only testing required on a regular basis is opening the drain/test valve to check the alarm operation. The rest of the system is designed to operate properly for 20 years or more without any maintenance.

Some basic precautions to safeguard your fire sprinkler system are:

• Avoid painting or otherwise covering the fire sprinkler devices, as that will affect their sensitivity to heat.
• Do not hang decorations, plants or other objects from the sprinkler or piping.

Will my insurance premiums go up?

• No. Generally insurance rates will go down because fire sprinklers will keep damage low. Shop around; the savings vary by insurance company.