In the video below, Illinois REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Director (GAD) Kristie Engerman outlines how local building codes mandating fire sprinklers in all new residential construction can actually drive up costs and add barriers, preventing much needed housing from being built. “REALTORS® do not oppose fire sprinkler systems, Engerman says. “We oppose the mandates that force homebuyers to pay for systems that they cannot afford and may not want to include in their home.” Instead of mandates, a better option is to leave the decision to install fire sprinklers to the individual homebuyers.