SFA Saniflo's No Demo Reno Report: How Innovative Plumbing Solutions Reduce Homeowner Disruption and Saves Contractors Time

SFA Saniflo’s No Demo Reno Report uncovers renovation barriers and the smarter plumbing solutions changing how contractors work

CAMBRIDGE, ON – (August 27, 2026) — Breaking concrete, opening walls and relocating drain lines have long been accepted as unavoidable parts of upgrading plumbing when adding a bathroom, laundryroom, or kitchen, but new Canadian research suggests those assumptions may be holding homeowners back.

These findings come at a time when Canada's housing landscape continues to evolve. As governments encourage secondary suites, basement apartments and gentle density to help address housing affordability, homeowners are increasingly looking to maximize existing space rather than move. Meanwhile, Canadians continue investing billions of dollars annually in home renovations, with bathroom upgrades consistently ranking among the most valuable improvements for comfort, accessibility and resale.

According to The No Demo Reno Report, a national study commissioned by SFA Canada, nearly two-thirds (64%) of Canadian homeowners say they would be more likely to add a bathroom if it could be completed without major demolition or extensive plumbing reconstruction.

The findings point to a growing shift in how Canadians are thinking about renovations, with homeowners increasingly looking for solutions that reduce disruption, save time and avoid unnecessary structural work. At the same time, trade professionals report that above-ground plumbing technologies are helping remove many of the traditional barriers associated with retrofit projects.

"For decades, homeowners assumed adding a bathroom meant jackhammers and weeks of disruption. That simply isn't true for many renovation projects anymore," said Phil Warren, Managing Director at SFA Canada. "Our report shows there is a significant gap between what homeowners think is possible and what today's plumbing technology can actually deliver."

Homeowners Still Believe Renovations Require Major Demolition

The research found that misconceptions remain one of the biggest obstacles preventing homeowners from moving forward with renovation projects.

Renovation anxiety is holding many Canadians back from projects they actually want. According to the report, 64% of homeowners say they would add a bathroom to their home if demolition weren't required, a clear signal that it's not desire holding people back, but fear of the process itself. Contractors are seeing this disconnect firsthand with 36% saying homeowners incorrectly assume extensive structural work is always necessary for a renovation, while 28% report that homeowners believe major demolition is unavoidable. In reality, above-ground plumbing solutions like SFA Saniflo's macerating systems can eliminate the need for either, opening the door to renovations many homeowners assumed were out of reach.

Contractors Report Significant Time Savings

For contractors, reducing disruption isn't just good for homeowners, it also improves project efficiency. According to the study:

• 92% of trade professionals report moderate or major time savings when using drain pump systems instead of traditional plumbing methods.
• 54% save between half a day and one full day on typical installations.
• 27%  report saving more than an entire day.

The survey also identified the biggest challenges contractors face during renovation projects:

• 29% cited managing client cost expectations.
• 27% identified permits and inspections.
• 23% pointed to drainage and sewer access as the most technically addressable barrier through above-ground plumbing technology.

"Time has become one of the industry's most valuable resources," said Warren. "Solutions that reduce demolition and simplify installations allow contractors to complete projects more efficiently while giving homeowners access to renovation options they may not have realized were possible."

Rethinking Renovations

The findings suggest Canadians are becoming increasingly open to renovation approaches that prioritize speed, flexibility and minimizing disruption.

The research also found that trade professionals continue to experience common frustrations with traditional sewage pump systems, with clogs and messy cleanouts identified as the most frequent issues, highlighting continued demand for modern plumbing technologies designed to improve reliability and simplify maintenance.

As Canada continues addressing housing shortages, expanding secondary suites and helping more homeowners age in place, above-ground plumbing solutions are expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling renovations that would otherwise be difficult, costly or impractical.

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About SFA Saniflo Canada

For more than 65 years, SFA Saniflo has been a global leader in above-ground plumbing and macerating pump technology, providing innovative solutions that make it possible to install bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and other plumbing fixtures almost anywhere—without extensive demolition or traditional gravity drainage requirements. SFA Canada continues to help homeowners and professionals complete renovation projects faster, more efficiently and with greater design flexibility.

Media Contact: 
Erin McKay
Bubblegum Canada 
(For SFA Saniflo Canada)
E: [email protected]

P: (416) 455-9960

The study surveyed 1,000 Canadians, including 800 homeowners and 200 plumbing and renovation professionals.