State Considers Mandatory Sprinklers in All New Homes | News

Minnesota is working toward a mandate for all new homes requiring sprinklers in new home construction. The Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association likes the proposed code change, but the Minnesota Homebuilders Association doesn't.

Fire officials say studies show sprinklers in buildings help save lives, but the Homebuilders Association says smoke detectors already are sufficient.

Fire officials tell 5 EYEWITNESS News the cost for installing a sprinkler system, for the average home, is between $3-4,000. They say it is a relatively small price to pay to help save individuals and firefighters from dangerous home fires. Homebuilders say the cost can be as high as $15,000 per home and could price new home buyers out of the market ...hurting the overall economy.

This public safety debate has been going on for years, and so far the Homebuilders have prevented the code from being enacted.