firesprinkler.tv Fire sprinkler

Fire officials are hailing new state standards that require fire sprinklers in new homes, while some builders are criticizing what they call unnecessary costs to companies and consumers.

The California State Building Standards Commission recently unanimously approved building code changes that require fire sprinkler systems in all new one- and two-family homes and townhouses beginning January 2011.

The national average price to install home fire sprinklers is $1.61 per square foot, according to the Fire Protection Research Foundation. That amounts to an additional $3,220 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

Jason Nailon, investigator with the Apple Valley Fire Protection District, called getting automatic fire sprinklers into new residences a