Updates

Census 2016: For the 1st time, more seniors than children living in Canada

SAFERhome & ASTTBC Home & Property Inspectors

In order to attain sustainable communities, homes must be designed to be both safe and adaptable. In partnership with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, SAFERhome utilizes a ASTTBC certified home inspectors to ensure certification standards have been met.

SAFERhome provides the only certification program in Canada that addresses the issues of human sustainability in the application of universal design.  … READ MORE

W16: Aging in Place – Universal and Inclusive Design Standards and Best Practices

[Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management, Project Planning, Management & Best Practices, Health & Wellness, Facility Management & Building Maintenance, Property Management]

[ AIBC 1.5 Core LUs • BOMI 1.5 CPDs • 1 Hour HSW IDCEC Approved • 1.5 CPD BC Housing Recognized ]

Wed. Feb. 15, 2017 – With the aging of the population and increasing life expectancy, the construction of sustainable homes that changes with occupants’ needs could have benefits for residents and communities.

Learn about universal and inclusive living design standards, which would allow occupants to live comfortably and independently in their homes as they age, and which could be adapted over time without the need for major upgrades or costly renovations.

Continue reading SAFERhome at BUILDEX Vancouver

May 16, 2016

SAFERhome open house on tap – Vernon Morning Star

Imagine if every home in Vernon was designed so that people could age in place. What if the design was simple and easy to implement?  What if it increased the value of your new home?

SAFERhome guidelines will be the focus of an open house Thursday from 6 to  7 p.m. at Turtle Mountain.

“You will be guided through a SAFERhome currently under construction and be shown the differences in design during the building stage,” said Jacob Kuiken, from Everton Ridge Homes.

For those involved in the construction sector, a more detailed presentation will take place at 5 p.m. at the Schubert Centre as part of the City of Vernon’s housing forum.

Patrick Simpson, with the SAFERhome Society, will provide an overview of the 19 requirements for SAFERhome certification.

“We want all families and seniors to have access to a building standard that will get them a safer more sustainable home,” said Simpson.

The Social Planning Council, the City of Vernon, and the Land Trust are part of the team promoting SAFERhome standards.  read more

July 13, 2016

City of Vernon’s Mayor Akbal Mund supports SAFERhome Standards

The City of Vernon is an active supporter of SAFERhome Standards being incorporated in all residential construction. For example, the City has a rental housing grant program wherein eligible grant projects are to be constructed in accordance with SAFERhome standards. The 19-point standards of SAFERhome are exceedingly cost effective when included as part of new construction.  View the letter from Mayor Mund.

Welcome to the City of Vernon and the City of Armstrong to the SAFERhome Society Membership

The City of Vernon organized a “get to know SAFERhome” meeting and brought in their inspectors and planners as well as other planners and inspectors from adjoining areas.

Vernon and Armstrong have joined in with Maple Ridge in being proactive with the community housing. These communities now have a real and tangible tool kit to future proof their housing.

Now you can get a hard copy of the SAFERhome manual or just some friendly SAFERhome facts at any of their planning departments. These communities are now helping to get their community members all the real information needed to design, build or renovate a home to be a better place to live.

Englewood Courtyard
– completed & SAFERhome Certified

This Project is now officially inspected and certified “SAFERhome”.

You will be amazed at the quality and design that Mark Perry and his team have built. This is the most advanced new housing in Canada and nothing even close to this anywhere in North America. True Sustainable design that turns a house into a wonderful home.

Our excellent ASTTBC Inspectors have now certified the first building and we have gathered some great cost information. The costs of including the SAFERhome Standards have come in lower than even we had originally forecast. More cost information will be on this page shortly.

ASTTBC Renews Link with SAFERhome Standards Society

SAFERhome folk visited ASTTBC recently to re-connect and consider how the two groups might once again collaborate in the delivery of the SAFERhome program.

Pictured here are (l to r): ASTTBC CEO John Leech; SAFER Executive Director Gord Porter; Founding Executive Director Pat Simpson; SAFER marketing and promotion champion Debbie Walker and ASTTBC Manager, Professional Practice & Development, Jason Jung.

Several years ago ASTTBC collaborated with SAFERhome in developing and publishing a Guide. In addition ASTTBC and SAFERhome collaborated in developing a special SAFER Certification program for ASTTBC registered House and Property Inspectors. ASTTBC members who complete the training are recognized by SAFERhome to inspect and approve a building as having met the SAFERhome Standards.

April 11, 2016

SAFERhome Standards Society partners with Homeowner Protection Office Technical Research & Education

SAFERhome is a program recipient for the HPO’s Building Excellence Research & Education Grants, Spring 2016.  The details of the Industry Research Project are outlined below.

Universal Design Housing

Description • The universal design housing standards include safety and accessibility features such as wider doors, lower thresholds, easier access to light switches, smart home-style electrical options. • This study will identify research costs and benefits to incorporate universal design standards in low-rise multi-unit buildings.

Status: Project to be completed in 2016  Partners: SAFERhome Standards Society  Audience: Builders, design professionals and the industry in general.