City of Monmouth

Fire sprinkler systems can be a significant cost in the redevelopment of a property if you are looking at initial install cost only. Plan to spend at least $2.50 per square foot for sprinkler system installation. However, the code gives occupancies some trade-offs when the building is fully sprinklered. For example, the number of exits from a 2nd or 3rd floor may be reduced, fire separation between stories and exit stairwells may be reduced, travel distance to exits may be longer, fire extinguisher requirements may lesson if a fire sprinkler system is in place. Weighing the cost of a sprinkler system is worth exploring. The sprinkler system cost vs. the cost of constructing additional exits; adding a layer or two of drywall to all separation surfaces between vertical and horizontal surfaces; while replacing all openings between spaces with fire rated doors and windows might surprise you. You might also want to consider that a sprinklered building might be easier to sell down the road. A sprinklered building opens the door to many future uses of the building and can make your building more marketable.