{"id":315,"date":"2021-01-18T10:14:19","date_gmt":"2021-01-18T10:14:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=315"},"modified":"2022-10-03T12:47:06","modified_gmt":"2022-10-03T12:47:06","slug":"new-construction-homes-smoke-detectors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/new-construction-homes-smoke-detectors","title":{"rendered":"Do New Construction Homes Come with Smoke Detectors?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are strict penalties for not following fire safety regulations; and for good reason. These regulations outline the necessary steps that should be taken to provide an early fire warning to mitigate the risks or enable individuals to find escape routes. One of the most essential equipment necessary for keeping homes and offices safe is the smoke detector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoke alarms are a legally required piece of equipment in many States and may be either hardwired or battery operated. No matter the type you install, they serve an almost similar purpose. So, a question arises; do new construction homes come with smoke detectors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The straight up answer is yes, they do. However, it is important to note that pre-1992 homes mostly have detachable, battery operated smoke detectors. Homes built after 1992 should have smoke detectors hardwired into the house\u2019s structure and have an adequate battery backup. If a house was built before 1992 but has been overhauled (flipped), it must also have a hardwired smoke detection system. Let\u2019s discuss these requirements in more detail. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Before We Dive Into the Specifics, What Is a Smoke Alarm?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Smoke alarms are the combination of smoke detectors and alarm systems (usually built as one unit). In more advanced systems, if a smoke alarm detects small amounts of smoke, it gives a warning in the form of a loud beep. If, however, it detects a large amount of smoke (like in fires), the alarm goes off immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An adequate smoke alarm system should be tested thoroughly and maintained throughout the unit\u2019s live to ensure proper functionality. A properly functioning smoke alarm system should be able to give you a warning even if someone\u2019s smoking in the same room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Different Types of Smoke Alarms<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two main types of smoke alarms that every homeowner should be familiar with. You can install both of these in your home. Most new construction home<\/a> crews in the US usually ask homeowners before installing a specific type of smoke alarm,\u00a0while in the UK, photoelectric smoke alarms are more common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many also prefer to go with a combination of the two types since each of these serves its own function.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ionization Smoke Alarms<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These alarm systems detect fast, flaming fires, i.e., raging fires such as if curtains or flammable liquids are on fire. These smoke alarms are better suited for warehouses, garages, or kitchens, i.e., where there are flammable liquids, or you have to work with a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These alarms go off the moment they sense a sudden increase in carbon in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These alarm systems detect slow burning flames, i.e., those flames that are smoldering such as if your bedding, furniture, carpets, or other flammable objects around the house are on fire. These are rather sensitive smoke alarms (so much so that they can also go off when smoking a cigarette!) and are by far the most common type of smoke alarms out there, especially in new construction homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These alarms use infrared to determine whether there is a fire or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do New Construction Homes Come <\/strong>w<\/strong>ith Smoke Detectors?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When building a new construction home, the National Fire Protection Association <\/a>(NFPA) suggests that construction workers must install at least one smoke alarm on each floor of the house, even in single-family residences. These smoke detectors must be hardwired into the house and be fully operational by the time owners or tenants move in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, construction crews install smoke detectors in <\/strong>all <\/strong>room<\/strong>s<\/strong>, <\/strong>the <\/strong>living room, kitchen, and common areas<\/strong>. Although they must be AC powered, it is essential that the detectors have a battery backup as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, new construction homes aren\u2019t required by law to have smoke alarms in every room. If you\u2019re looking for extra coverage in areas such as <\/strong>your <\/strong>store<\/strong>room<\/strong>, attic, basement, and more, you are going to have to install the same on your own. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When installing smoke detectors, an important consideration to make is that there is no obstruction in front of your smoke detector that could prevent the smoke from reaching its sensors. For complete coverage of your home, you should consider installing Smoke Alarms on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n