I’ve been involved in the fire sprinkler industry for over 40 years and COULD be considered an “expert” because of extensive training & certifications.
As for initial cost, in new construction, the typical installation is usually less than $2 per square foot. (Compare that to your carpet @ $18 per yard.)
Before installation, each & every sprinkler head is tested at 300 PSI. Some are at 500 PSI. so the likelihood of a broken sprinkler is usually just a myth.
95% of all residential fires are extinguished by a single sprinkler discharging at less than 20 gallons per minute. Compare that to a fire hose flowing 250 GPM which is what is used when the fire dept. arrives. Also, consider the fact that the sprinkler is on-duty watching over your valuables, wife, sleeping children, etc. 24/7 and will usually activate within 30 seconds of a fire. Compare that to the typical 10 minute response time for the local fire department.
For a comparative demonstration see the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6iI4tRLr2M
Lol. 2 bucks a square foot against your 18 bucks a square yard? lol
1 square yard is 9 square feet. 9 x 2 = 18. So the same as your carpet.
“As for initial cost, in new construction, the typical installation is usually less than $2 per square foot. “
How much generally for retro-fit? I know it depends on location, location, location and probably the type of home and it’s construction.
Thank you for the “expert witness” details.
$2 per square foot is $18 per yard. There are nine square feet in a square yard.
Also familiar with codes, I would add the following, the code could require a separate water service with post indicator valve, un-metered or with full flow meter (big expense). The Service might add 50% to the nominal cost you describe.
Additionally residential is full of unheated spaces that are still combustable. You might add a big cost to use fire treated lumber (plus the chemical exposure long term) to have an unheated attic and still not have sprinkler heads there. Additionally the attic could no longer be used for storage due to code issues.
The ramifications are very extensive and would need to be understood by the consumer. I will agree, that it is not a valueless additional feature to a single family dwelling and also agree that other than kids with clothes hangers, accidental discharge is unlikely.