SAFERhome Standards
updated September 2017 to 15 detailed measurable building Standards!

SAFERhome Standards was established in 2004 to empower the consumer and give them a way to measure tangible and real changes in how a home can be built. This Universal Standard originated in 1997 and included a low voltage wiring network that delivered improved communications, house management and environment control options.

At that time, wireless technology was still unreliable and hardwiring was the only way to get consistent control and solid security. The market place has since changed and evolved and there is now a large collection of wireless options that consumers can plug and play into their home without the need for a low voltage wiring network.

Although SAFERhome still believes that wireless is less reliable and less secure, the market and the consumer have now accepted wireless as a solid consumer product. To reflect this change in the market place SAFERhome Standards have been adjusted to give the consumer more options and more cost control.

The new Universal Home Gold Standard for SAFERhome is now 15 detailed measurable building standards with 3 supplemental options  from the 19 detailed measurable building points.

Rationale for Updates

The following hardwiring criteria from the 19-points Standards has been adjusted:

• Criteria 11 – This criteria for an electrical outlet outside the front door is removed since light control on the outside can now be done wirelessly. Electrical Outlet Placement Locations at Node Zero is now a supplemental criteria.
• Criteria 13 – This criteria for RG-6 Coaxial Cable Runs for TV, Internet and video security is now a supplemental criteria and optional as wireless options are readily available.
• Criteria 14 – This criteria for CAT 5E (4 pair) telephone cable, telephone, internet, security, and smart home is now a supplemental criteria and optional as wireless options are readily available.
  
• Criteria 15 –  This criteria for Low-Voltage Runs is no longer required as without the hard wiring there is no need for a Node Zero or the electrical outlet that supplies the power and communications options in that location.​
  
• Criteria 16 – This criteria for Electrical Boxes is no longer required – (All light switches and A/C outlets use Smart electrical boxes). Low voltage wiring is not required and optional therefore the requirement for Smart electrical boxes is also optional.  However, if the builder cannot get a proper height on an outlet, we can offer to still certify them if they use a Smart electrical box in its place so the technology is still available when needed.

Consumer Has A Better Choice of Options

These adjustments are meant to give the consumer a better choice of options when building or renovating a home to meet recognized SAFERhome Standards. This also benefits the consumer in the reduced cost impact of applying the program.  BC Housing sponsored studies have proven the application of SAFERhome Standards to be very inexpensive to incorporate and add value to the home.

​Less Expensive & Value Added

It is SFERhome's estimation that the total hard building cost of applying the adjusted 15-Point SAFERhome Standards Program in a one-bedroom aprtment to be approximately $500, or less. This is a $120 reduction to the consumer compared to the previous 19-Point Standards. 

SAFERhome Standards bring more than the minimum building code requirements and what exists in the current market place.