One of the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary costs in building projects is to develop specific plans for fire protection, as well as integrating approving authorities into the early development stages of a building’s design, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.
Although early fire protection planning is becoming more common, too often fire protection design is still something of an afterthought when compared to other building trades.
Unfortunately, discovering difficult-to-navigate codes, standards, ordinances, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) late in the construction process can result in unnecessary — and sometimes budget-breaking — expenditures.
Fire suppression and alarm systems, fire protection water supply, and life safety features, as well as approving authorities’ knowledge and interpretation of the requirements for each, should be understood and considered during a project’s conception.