Exposed Sprinkler System Throughout Historic Brownstone

Saw a two family brownstone this weekend with beautifully preserved details and woodwork. Although the house was restored some years ago, the sprinkler system/piping was left in tact and appears throughout the house, including in the parlor floor reception/living area, middle hall, dinning room. It isn’t aesthetically pleasing and we are wondering what the considerations may be for keeping it v. removing it. How much would it cost to remove? How much work/time would that entail? What are the upsides of keeping it? Thank you for your advice.

mkop

in Renovation 11 years and 3 months ago

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kslcb | 11 years and 3 months ago

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I’m not sure but FWIW, I think you save on insurance with a sprinkler system. One reason to keep it – other than the obvious safety benefits.

Augustiner | 11 years and 3 months ago

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It depends on building height and some other factors. But you will not get a permit to get rid of it. Even worse, if you renovate big time you’ll probably end up replacing the whole thing because it doesn’t make sense to reconfigure the existing one. At least then you have the chance to conceal the pipes and even the heads.

mkop | 11 years and 3 months ago

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I thought the sprinkler systems aren’t required for 2 family buildings. Has this changed?

mozeeatupu | 11 years and 3 months ago

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And you can’t add a fire escape any longer, so the sprinkler probably has to stay.

Augustiner | 11 years and 3 months ago

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You cant just remove it. Your house is most likely required to have a sprinkler system (or alternatively a fire escape in the back).