In September 2024, a study prepared for the New York State Builders Association examined the effects of requiring fire sprinkler systems in newly constructed homes. As New Yorkers face a mandate that could further inflate home prices, it’s important to understand how this policy might impact you and your family.

Fire Sprinkler Systems May Not Improve Safety

• Fire Sprinklers cannot detect smoke or fire in walls, reduce carbon monoxide gas, or substitute for smoke detectors.
• Studies indicate that hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backups – a much more cost-effective safety option – are 99.6% effective in preventing fire fatalities.

Increased Costs for New Homebuyers

• Installing residential fire sprinkler systems could add $20,000–$30,000 to the cost of a new home.
• This additional expense comes at a time when home affordability is already out of reach for many New Yorkers.
• Maintenance and fees imposed by local municipalities and water providers are not included in the installation costs, further adding to the cost burden.
• Homes constructed that are not connected to a municipal water source would require additional equipment for the sprinkler system to operate properly. This includes but is not limited to a pump to provide the necessary water pressure, additional pipe and a water storage tank, all of which is an additional cost to the homebuyer.

Rising Homeownership Challenges

• Mortgage rates have already risen 200% since 2020, leaving over 75% of New York families unable to afford a new home.
• This mandate could push homeownership even further out of reach, contradicting efforts to make housing more accessible in our state.

The building code developed by New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council will not apply to New York City, which promulgates and enforces its own building code.