BUILDER NEWS Townhome-sprinkler rule has builders feeling hosed ew townhouses built in Connecticut could become more expensive — and N safer in a fire — if the state co-signs a recently embraced building standard requiring installation of sprinkler systems in these attached living units. Designed and built like apartments and condominiums, but typically sold to owner-occupants, townhomes occupy a relatively small niche in the state’s housing inventory. On April 11, the state’s Codes and Standards Committee, responsible for setting building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and energy code requirements for all residential and commercial structures, voted 11-1, with two abstentions, to require new townhomes be equipped with overhead water sprinklers that would automatically activate in a fire. Next step is for the state Legislative Regulation Review Committee to decide, within 45 days of formal notification of the committee’s vote, whether the measure proceeds toward a July 1 implementation. Or, the regulation review panel could direct the measure back to the Codes and Standards Committee for more discussion and/or public hearings, authorities say. Connecticut’s homebuilders are upset about the new requirement, which they say would add at least $10,000 per unit to build new townhouses. That, in turn, says Tolland homebuilder Liz Koivo means she would have to price her units higher, to recover sprinkler-installation costs from buyers. Read More Universal Design Features Top Kitchen And Bath Trends I nstead of purchasing a new home, homeowners are still opting to make additions and alterations to their current home, or incorporate new kitchen and bathroom features that will aid aging-in-place, according to the quarterly AIA Home Design Trends Survey released this week. This iteration of the survey delves into kitchen and bath design activity during the fourth quarter of 2017, based on responses from more than 500 residential architecture firms. Homeowners are placing less importance on the number of bathrooms in homes, and placing more importance on size. At the end of 2017, 25% of firms reported increased demand for larger bathrooms, a one point increase from a year prior. Read More BEAUTY. ELEGANCE. STRENGTH. Our Aluminum Doors Will Surprise You. Ed’s Garage Doors offers a broad selection of aluminum doors that are the perfect complement to your home. Visit our showroom to see many exclusive aluminum doors on display, and talk with a design expert about our countless in-stock and custom options. Showroom Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Evenings: By appointment Sunday: Closed 136 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 203-847-1284 edsgaragedoors.com ® 20 HBRA of Fairfield County | APRIL 2018
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