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I guess I am in trouble. I have built a house for a low income family; it got a bit out of control, and I used the attic space above the second floor for a bedroom and half-bath. It is becoming clear that local codes require a sprinkler system for third-story houses. The house is weathered in. I can’t remove the roof and chop the third story off. I asked the inspector if I could fabricate a sprinkler system myself, and he said “no, it must be a licensed professional.” If I have to spring for a sprinkler system in the third story attic room, my little family won’t be able to afford the house. I would welcome anyone’s best thinking. Thanks in advance.
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Another means of egress wouldn't help or be plausible? Haven't heard of your code variation. Which one are they working out of? Best of luck.
*DanDon't know your location, but first, I'd get them to define the difference between a 2 story with large attic space and a 3 story home. To me, it seems that this is a 2 story home and not a 3 story home. If necessary go to your building department and look at the code yourself. If necessary, petition the board for a variance if necessary.Vince
*Thanks for the suggestions. I will follow up on the very feasible notion of adding a fire-escape, and also calling the question on what actually constitutes a third story. I believe the inspector would entertain such an analysis, since he wasn't happy at all that he had to inform me of the requirement. Dutro-1 suggested a smoke-detection system (rather than just the battery-powered smoke detector), which also might well be within reach. Although the best would, of course, would be not to have been a moron to begin with. I guess I'm getting old. Thanks again.
*Some types of residential fire sprinklers are tied into the regular house water system. Other types are more or less a separate system. I was told that in our area the separate system could be installed by a home owner whereas the "integrated" type had to be done by a professional. If the house is owned by someone who is at all handy, perhaps they could run the system themselves. If you are specing the house, you are probably required to have it done by a professional. However, if the code doesn't specify how much actually has to be done by a licensed professional, perhaps you could get the piping close and have a sympathetic professional do it for just the last few feet for an affordable price. If you have a half bath in the area, it would seem that you already have water pretty close. While black pipe has generally been the standard for fire sprinkler piping, codes in some (many?) areas allow for the use of copper, pex, or other alternative plumbing materials. I haven't kept up with developments in fire sprinklers in recent years, but two sites that might have some useful information are:http://www.nfsa.org/nfsahome.htmlhttp://www.sprinklernet.org/Good luck.
*Thanks, CaseyR. I appreciate the links, and will devour that information. There may still be a way to navigate through the forest that I have created.