This article is sponsored by, Ask the Building Experts

Nick Bajzek of  Housing Zone.com:   Sprinkler Systems for your Home

Beginning this week we are happy to include one of the country’s foremost experts on new products for your home.

Each Tuesday,  we will be presenting  a new product or construction details as showcased on Nick’s blog at HousingZone.com.   HousingZone.com is a valuable  source for home building and related industry news.  Nick has the enviable task of reviewing new products from all over the world  and we hope you will  enjoy following Nick and his spin on new products for your home.

Home Sprinkler Systems: In November of 2009, the International Code Council (ICC) endorsed a code change that will require fire sprinkler systems to be installed in all new single family homes beginning January 1, 2011.

As reported by Nick,  Darren Palmieri, national product manager, Residential Fire Protection for Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products, says we’ll see quite a lot of changes in the way we approach new home construction, indicating that homes with sprinklers will the safest possible homes for families.

Cost estimates vary greatly as builders and sprinkler specialist continue to work out construction details and requirements, but early figures indicate costs will range between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot of sprinkled area.  For a typical 2,400 Square Foot home this will add between $3,600 – $9,600.

A potential offset to cost increases might be some reduced development costs as they relate to the need for easy access for fire fighting equipment and spacing of fire hydrants.

Keep an eye out for news on this subject as we will be providing more information as it is received.