The SAFERhome design is an overlay for homes that brings flexibility, safety, and cost savings. All criteriae are within the existing Provincial and National Building Code. There is now a real housing choice of getting more than the traditionally accepted minimum building standard.

SAFERhome Standards are defined into 3 categories comprising of 15 standards.

STRUCTURAL
& DESIGN

8 STANDARDS

Overview

Criteria

SAFERhome Standard

Description

1

Exterior Thresholds

All exterior thresholds are flush.

2

Interior Thresholds

All interior thresholds meet minimal code constraints (eg. shower entrance).

3

Doors (pinch points)

All doors and pinch points are a minimum of 34″ but ideally 36″ wide.

4

Hallways

All hallways are a minimum of 40″ but ideally 42″ wide.

5

Washroom Wall Reinforcements

Reinforced with 2″x12″ solid lumber in all washroom tub, shower, and toilet locations.

6

Wall Reinforcements
(Top of the Stairs)

At the top of all stairs, walls are reinforced with 2″x12″ solid lumber at 36″ to centre.

7

Multistory Connection Provision

Either an allowance for an elevator options in stacked closets or build all staircase(s) with a minimum width of 42″.

8

Sink Cabinets

Cabinets underneath each sink are easily removed.

ELECTRICAL
& TELECOM

4 STANDARDS

Overview

Criteria

SAFERhome Standard

Description

9

Light Switch Positioning

All switches positioned at 42″ to the centre of the electrical box from the finished floor.

10

Electrical Outlet Positioning

All outlets positioned at 18″ to the centre of the electrical box from the finished floor.

11

Electrical Outlet Placement Locations

Beside windows, especially where draperies or blinds may be installed; Bottom of staircases; Beside the toilet; Above external doors (inside); On front face of kitchen counter.

12

Four-Plex Outlet Locations

Placed in master bedroom, home office, garage, and recreation room.

Supplemental Criteria

(the following three criteria are optional)

If you would like a hard-wired low voltage system in your home that provides a higher level of security and reliability.

SAFERhome Standards offers the supplemental criteria that measures and recognizes the full access technologies ready home.

Supplemental

RG-6 Coaxial Cable Runs

All homeruns return to one central area. (Node Zero).

Supplemental

Telephone Pre-Wiring

CAT 5E (4 pair) homerun to all areas and return to one central area. (Node Zero).

Supplemental

Electrical Outlet Placement At Node Zero

At Node Zero Location (the communications control centre for smart home options) where all the house wiring meets in one place.

PLUMBING

3 STANDARDS

Overview

Criteria

SAFERhome Standard

Description

13

Bath and Shower Control Positioning

All controls are offset from centre, roughly 1/2 way between the historic centre location and the outside edge of the shower or tub enclosure.

14

Waste Pipes

All pipes are brought in no higher than 14″ to the centre of the pipe from floor level.

15

Pressure/Temperature Control Valves

(Canada for renovations only) Control valves are installed on all shower faucets.