Fire Sprinklers

[Doug DeMulling]

Hello people,

I just bought a property that I am going to turn into a sports bar. It is 9000 sf, was a restaurant before, been vacant for 5 years and needs some rehab sweat equity. When I was buying the building the listing agent said it will probably need fire sprinklers and that should cost 2.50 to 4.00 psf. I was not happy with that but I figured ok I'm buying the building right so 40k for sprinklers is not that big of a deal. Well we started getting bids and lots or companies were too busy but the first one came in at 200k!!!??? the next was 165K... I am in Washington state and I am considering finding contractors from Alaska because it seems the ppl around here are fat cats can name any price. Making the city change their mind or finding a loophole is not an option, I spent 3 months trying to figure that out and many meetings with the fire marshal. I have looked at many options including doing it myself and using blazemaster cpvc pipe which would be great if you didn't have to cover it up with drywall etc.... I am at wits end and need to find some ways to cut some costs or find a reasonable contractor.