Top 5 Home Improvement Trends for 2020

“Home is where the heart is” goes the old saying, and lately, it is also where people are spending most of their time. Now more than ever, people are looking to improve their homes, and to find places where they can feel comfortable while keeping up with the latest technologies and trends the market offers. From smart home technology to maximizing outdoor space, we’ve compiled a list of simple renovation projects that not only have staying power but will help increase the value of your home.

Smart Home Technology
Today’s home technology is smarter than ever – clocks, appliances, thermostats, lights, windows, smoke alarms and even door locks can all be controlled from your mobile device. It sounds like science fiction, but home automation is providing homeowners with comfort, convenience, security, and financial savings. The introduction of smart home hubs and controllers allows homeowners to be digitally assisted throughout the day. By connecting appliances and other systems with automation technology, they can improve the usability of their house, making it easier to enjoy their home.

Increased Energy Efficiency

An eco-friendly household offers a trifecta of benefits. Homeowners will reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy bills and, moreover, increase the resale value of their property. This can be achieved through using a smart thermostat, installing double or triple-pane glass and ensuring homes are well insulated.

Backyard Makeovers

Homes with backyards that enable outdoor livability is becoming more valued for homeowners. Today, features such as outdoor kitchens and bathrooms are growing in popularity and are easier to attain with an upflush plumbing system like the Saniflo Sanivite. It used to be that outdoor “kitchens” consisted of merely a barbecue and possibly a patio set, but now homeowners can increase the functionality of this space by adding a sink, for a more complete outdoor kitchen. With Saniflo, it’s easier than ever to add an outdoor sink, bathroom, pool house, whirlpool, and more. 

Reinvent Your Bathroom

Bathroom renovations are perceived as expensive and not all homeowners are willing to spend thousands of dollars and endure all the headaches that come with a major renovation. An easier way to remodel the bathroom or install a new toilet, sink, and shower/bathtub is to use an “upflush” plumbing system, like Saniflo. Their range of drain pumps, macerating systems, and lift stations make reconfiguring a bathroom simpler and less costly since all the systems can be installed above the sewer line with minimal construction. 

Loft or Attic Conversions 

Converting the attic from a storage space into a livable room is becoming more popular with homeowners looking to increase the square footage of their home. If you’re looking to add another bathroom on this level, the Sanicompact macerating toilet system can be installed anywhere, and is tankless and self-venting, meaning there is no need to cut a hole in the wall for a new vent stack, drastically reducing renovation costs, while saving space because of its compact design. 

When it comes to home improvement, budget and construction time are two of the biggest factors to consider. Saniflo gives homeowners the freedom to install a new toilet, sink, shower and more wherever it’s most convenient, and for far less than a traditional plumbing renovation would cost. Perfect for when you want to add value to your home without having to spend a huge amount of money or time on a major renovation.

To learn more about Saniflo solutions for homeowners, visit saniflo.ca and follow us at Facebook.com/saniflocanada.

MODULAR HOME BENEFITS

When we think of industry evolution, we often think of technology (and the latest iPhone), or medicine (and the latest wonder drug) – but what about construction? The world is constantly finding new, smarter ways of doing things – and the same goes for building houses, with one of the greatest advancements in precision construction over the years undoubtedly being the modular home! Not schooled on the trend? Well, sit down because class is in session...

WHAT ARE MODULAR HOMES?

Conventional builds take place on-site, with a structure being erected, from foundations to fixtures, all in its final and permanent location/position. Throwing convention out the window, modular homes are built indoors in a factory-like setting and then transported to site to be assembled by a builder. The versatility and speed of the process means that modular homes can be used as long-term, temporary or permanent facilities. Modular homes, which can also be referred to as factory-built, system-built or prefab (short for prefabricated), are fully customizable, varying in style and size. While differing in many aspects from traditional builds, modular homes are value-appraised the same way as their built on-site counterparts, have the same insurance premiums and taxes, and qualify for the same home loans.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Modular homes can be more affordable than site-built homes, not only in terms of production and building costs, but also in the long term as their energy-efficiency means that monthly bills/expenses are substantially less. Homeowners can also save money through a shorter build time with some modular homes having the ability to be completed on a construction schedule almost 50% of that of a traditional build. Since most of the building process happens within a factory setting, when it might be -30C outdoors and traditional sites are shut down, pending homeowners can have peace of mind that a team of skilled labourers are still busy constructing their home with no fear of delay or materials being compromised by the elements. Modular homes are also considered a form of green building, so a perfect alternative for the environmentally conscience.

THINGS TO KNOW WHEN BUILDING A MODULAR HOME

To create a truly seamless build, modular home companies, like MOVE HOME Modules incorporate other smart technologies to complete the turnkey solution boasted by a modular build. For plumbing, innovative products like SANIFLO®’s Sanicompact®, a toilet which does not require breaking/drilling through the floor during installation, are preferred. The Sanicompact is tankless and self-venting, meaning it does not need to be connected to a vent stack. When flushed, waste and greywater are pumped up and out to a septic tank or sewer line through small-diameter piping, rather than flowing down like in a traditional plumbing system. Like all Saniflo products, the Sanicompact is installed on top of any finished floor surface, thus eliminating the need for homeowners/installers to cut through the floor to install pipes – a time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive undertaking in a modular home build.

The demands within the construction industry are the same as with all others; people want top quality innovation, and they want it now. With both time and costing on its side, it’s easy to see why modular homes are fast becoming a popular, modern approach to an age-old process – we’ve come a long way from setting up camp in caves! And to show just how far we’ve come, here are some of our favourite, creative modular home designs:

For more information about Saniflo solutions for modular homes, visit Saniflo.ca or call 1-800-363-5874 and follow Saniflo on Facebook @saniflocanada.

Transform your basement into a rental suite with these two above-floor plumbing solutions

If you live in a desirable area and you’ve been thinking about transforming your basement to attract renters, now may be the perfect time. In today’s housing economy, converting your basement into a rental suite is an excellent way to help pay off your mortgage, while providing affordable living accommodations for low-income renters. Not only that, the addition of a basement apartment is a home improvement project that provides one of the highest returns on investment and adds value for resale purposes.  

Whether you have a basement that you use more for storage than living, or is unfinished, the most important consideration for turning it into a livable space for renters is the addition of plumbing fixtures. The lack of plumbing in this area of the home is a major obstacle faced by many homeowners, especially since the drain line for structuring plumbing for a new bathroom, kitchen or laundry in the basement is located on the main floor of the home. The thought of undertaking the expense and hassle of having to create below-floor drainage by digging up the concrete slab is enough to deter most home renovators. For a simplified, cost-effective solution, choose an above-floor plumbing system instead.

Traditional plumbing solutions involve breaking and hauling away the concrete to install drain lines and a storage tank with a sewage ejector that forces the effluent from plumbing fixtures up to the drain line. Typically, these storage tanks hold the effluent for a time before the ejector pumps it out. Because of this, if not installed correctly, the tank can leak and cause unpleasant odours. Furthermore, with a sewage ejector, you’re limited to an area with enough space for the sewage tank and a way to access it. Using a SANIFLO® above-floor plumbing system, you won’t have these problems.

SANIFLO systems, including macerating toilets and drain-water pumps, require no excavation and virtually no maintenance. They can all be installed directly on top of any finished floor surface, either behind a toilet or concealed within the wall with minimal construction, or below the sewage line since they pump effluent and waste water upwards, up to 25ft vertically. SANIFLO macerating toilets use a fast-rotating blade to reduce waste and toilet paper in the flush water, which is immediately and entirely released under pressure through small-diameter piping to the existing sewer line or septic tank. These systems are clean, quiet and reliable so there are no leaks and no odours!

For a basement rental suite build, the SANIBEST PRO® is a powerful alternative to conventional plumbing, and is ideal for basement renovations and other home-improvement projects. It can be used to install a complete bathroom or a laundry room, and can handle the effluent from a toilet, sink, shower, bathtub, and/or washing machine. The SANIBEST PRO is the perfect solution for rental suites because its internal grinder can handle the accidental flushing of items such as sanitary napkins, Q-tips, condoms, and more.

To create a functioning kitchen in a rental suite, the SANIFLO SANIVITE® drain-water pump can be used to install a sink and a dishwasher wherever it is most convenient. This unit features compact, quiet performance, and is so easy to install that homeowners can do it themselves in as little as a few hours.

These simple and cost-effective plumbing systems are changing the way homeowners remodel and are helping them to maximize the return on their investments. In fact, choosing to use an above-floor plumbing system over a traditional sewage ejector can save homeowners an average of $1,000 - $2,000 on labour costs alone!

Three last tips:

Before you take on a basement renovation to create a rental suite, make sure your construction plans comply with the bylaws in your area, and that you have secured all the required permits.

Your rental property must have a separate entrance for tenants. Constructing one can run you upwards of $10,000 - $20,000 so ensure that you budget this cost if necessary.

Remember to design your rental space in a neutral fashion. Although it’s your basement, it will be home to your tenant. Use warm, neutral colours to create a welcoming space. This helps potential renters envision the space in their own style, and it also allows you to take great photos for posting online to attract the right tenant. Happy renting!

For more information about SANIFLO products and plumbing solutions, please visit saniflo.ca and follow us on Facebook!

                                                                                                                            

Transformez votre sous-sol en logement grâce à ces deux solutions de plomberie au-dessus du sol

Vous vivez dans un secteur recherché et depuis un certain temps vous réfléchissez à transformer votre sous-sol pour le louer? Le temps est peut-être venu de réaliser ce projet. Dans le contexte économique actuel, convertir votre sous-sol en logement est une excellente façon d’obtenir de l’aide pour rembourser votre prêt hypothécaire, tout en permettant à des locataires à faible revenu d’obtenir un logement abordable. De plus, l’ajout d’un logement au sous-sol est l’un des projets de rénovation qui offrent les meilleurs retours sur investissement et ajoutent une excellente valeur à votre maison en cas de vente.

L’ajout d’appareils de plomberie est l’un des éléments les plus importants dont vous devez tenir compte si vous souhaitez transformer votre sous-sol en logement, que vous l’utilisiez davantage comme espace de rangement, qu’il soit fini ou non. Le manque d’appareils de plomberie dans cette partie de la maison est le principal obstacle auquel se butent les propriétaires, surtout quand le tuyau de vidange nécessaire pour installer la plomberie d’une nouvelle salle de bains, cuisine ou salle de lavage au sous-sol se trouve au premier étage de la maison. La perspective d’effectuer des dépenses considérables et de se lancer dans des travaux importants pour créer un système de drainage au-dessus du sol, en cassant la dalle de béton, suffit à décourager la plupart des rénovateurs de maison. Optez pour une solution efficace et abordable : choisissez plutôt un système de plomberie au-dessus du sol.

Les solutions de plomberie traditionnelles nous obligent à casser du béton et à l’enlever pour installer le tuyau de vidange et un réservoir de stockage muni d’un éjecteur d’eaux usées qui achemine les effluents des appareils de plomberie vers le tuyau de vidange. Généralement, ces réservoirs de stockage conservent les effluents un certain temps avant que les éjecteurs les pompent. S’ils ne sont pas installés correctement, ces réservoirs peuvent fuir et être source de mauvaises odeurs. De plus, avec un éjecteur d’eaux usées, vous avez besoin d’une superficie suffisante pour installer un réservoir d’eaux usées et y assurer un accès facile. Vous n’aurez pas ces problèmes avec un système de plomberie au-dessus du sol SANIFLO®.

Les systèmes SANIFLO, y compris les toilettes par macération et les pompes à eaux usées, ne nécessitent aucune excavation et pratiquement aucun entretien. Ils peuvent être installés directement sur toute surface de plancher finie, derrière une toilette ou dissimulés dans un mur, ou encore sous le tuyau de vidange, car la pompe peut évacuer les effluents et les eaux usées vers le haut, jusqu’à 25 pi verticalement. Les toilettes par macération SANIFLO sont munies d’une lame à rotation rapide qui réduit les déchets et déchiquette le papier hygiénique, qui sont immédiatement et entièrement évacués sous pression à travers un tuyau de petit diamètre dans le tuyau de vidange existant ou dans une fosse septique. Ces systèmes sont propres, silencieux et fiables – ils ne fuient pas et ne dégagent aucune odeur!

Pour aménager un logement au sous-sol, le SANIBEST PRO® est une puissante solution de remplacement à la plomberie traditionnelle. Il est également parfait pour les rénovations au sous-sol et d’autres projets de rénovation domiciliaire. Il peut être utilisé pour installer une salle de bains complète ou une salle de lavage. Il peut traiter les effluents d’une toilette, d’un évier, d’une douche, d’une baignoire ou d’une machine à laver. Le SANIBEST PRO est la solution idéale pour les logements, car son broyeur interne peut traiter la chasse accidentelle d’articles tels que des serviettes hygiéniques, des cotons-tiges, des condoms, et autres.

Le SANIVITE® de SANIFLO, une puissante pompe à eaux usées, est tout désigné pour créer une cuisine fonctionnelle dans un logement. Il peut être utilisé pour installer un évier et un lave-vaisselle, là où c’est le plus pratique. Cette unité compacte et silencieuse est tellement facile à installer que les propriétaires peuvent réaliser cette tâche eux-mêmes en quelques heures seulement.

Ces systèmes de plomberie simples et abordables changent la façon dont les propriétaires remodèlent leur maison et les aident à maximiser le retour sur leur investissement. En fait, choisir un système de plomberie au-dessus du sol plutôt qu’un éjecteur d’eaux usées traditionnel peut permettre aux propriétaires de maison d’économiser entre 1 000 $ et 2 000 $, et ce, uniquement sur les coûts de main-d’œuvre!

Trois conseils pour terminer

Avant de vous lancer dans la rénovation de votre sous-sol pour le transformer en logement, assurez-vous que vos plans de construction respectent les règlements en vigueur dans votre secteur et que vous possédez l’ensemble des permis requis.

Votre logement devra avoir une entrée séparée pour les locataires. En construire une pourrait vous coûter de 10 000 $ à 20 000 $, alors assurez-vous de budgéter ces coûts s’ils sont nécessaires.

Optez pour un design neutre pour votre logement. Bien qu’il se trouve dans le sous-sol de votre maison, cet espace sera le domicile de vos locataires. Utilisez des couleurs neutres et chaudes pour créer un lieu invitant. Cela aidera les locataires potentiels à imaginer l’espace selon leurs préférences en matière de style et vous permettra de prendre d’excellentes photos, que vous pourrez utiliser pour vos annonces.

Pour en savoir plus sur les produits et les solutions de plomberie SANIFLO, visitez saniflo.ca/fr et suivez-nous dans Facebook!