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