NBN Online for the week of November 9, 2009

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
Home Buyer Tax Credit, New NOL Rules Signed Into Law
For Remodelers, Recovery Won’t Mean Business as Usual
NAHB Looks at Steps to Ensure Appraisers Aren’t in the Dark
Coast to Coast
Investors See Mortgage Rates Rising as Fed Wraps Up Buys
housing forum
Letters to the Editor: Costly Fire Sprinklers Aren't Needed
Politics & Government
Senate Panel Moves Bill to Curb Greenhouse Emissions
NAHB Opposes House Health Care Plan
Spokane Voters Defeat Drastic Changes to City Laws
Economics & Finance
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders' Tip: A More Stable and Handy Step Stool
Downturn
Web Site Content: The Good, The Bad and The Viral
Webinar to Discuss Marketing Tools to Help Prepare for Recovery
remodelers
Remodelers See Encouraging Signs in Third Quarter
Remodelers Need to Focus Harder on Boosting Profits
Screening Out ‘Tire Kickers’ Builds Profitable Relationships
Webcast Course on Dec. 10 to Teach Customer Service Skills
Comments Sought on Proposed Changes to EPA Lead Paint Rule
Safety
Apply for SAFE Work Site Safety Award by Nov. 18
Building Systems
Leaders in Systems-Built Housing Honored
Global
Explore Latest in Global Green Building at Expo Build China
Education
Nominations for 2009 Designee of the Year Awards Due Nov. 13
Education Calendar
environment
Tougher Storm Water Regs Prompt NAHB Study
Green Building
Internet, Conferences Help Builder Maintain Green Edge
Building Products
Whirlpool Readies Home Appliances for Smart Grid
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on the DIY Network
Endowment
Evans Scholarships Boost Students' Studies
Association News
FedEx Offers Big Savings on Shipping Till Nov. 15
Earn One Free Hertz Rental Day for Every Two Hertz Rentals
Authorization Process for GM’s $500 Offer Now Much Easier
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Letters to the Editor: Costly Fire Sprinklers Aren't Needed

Dear Editor:

I oppose the mandate that would require fire sprinklers as part of the code reported in your Nov. 2 issue, “NAHB Loses First Vote on Fire Sprinkler Mandate.”

This is absolutely unfounded and should not be part of any requirement or mandate. It’s just a bureaucratic, political effort to add yet another code that might be more appropriate for hotels and larger apartment buildings. Sprinklers are not needed at all in single-family homes and they impose an additional expense that is just not necessary.

Diane Danes
Myrtle Beach, S.C.



Dear Editor:

Requirements for fire sprinklers in townhouses and condominiums are understandable because these are multifamily homes. They are not, however, understandable in single-family dwellings.

Not only are sprinkler requirements making it harder for families to afford housing, they are trampling property rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Now if a home owner elects to put in a sprinkler system, it should certainly meet code requirements.

At a time when the nation is trying to put health care and financial stability within reach of all Americans, it should also be promoting fair housing at a reasonable cost.

Tony J. Wetta
Louisiana


 

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