Why Build a Secondary Suite in Calgary? Unlock Your Property’s Potential
In Calgary’s dynamic real estate market, garage suites—self-contained backyard dwellings built above or adjacent to detached garages—offer a transformative opportunity for homeowners and investors. Pro Reliance Builds, with over 25 years of industry leadership, specializes in delivering compliant, high-value garage suites that enhance property value and address housing needs. Fueled by the City of Calgary’s 2024 R-CG rezoning and federal incentives, building a garage suite is a strategic investment. This blog explores the compelling benefits and streamlined process of adding a garage suite, showcasing why Pro Reliance Builds is your trusted partner.
The Benefits of a Garage Suite
A secondary suite delivers unmatched financial and lifestyle advantages, making it a cornerstone of Calgary’s urban revitalization:
- Boost Property Value: A well-crafted suite increases your home’s market value by adding functional, modern living space, appealing to buyers in high-demand neighborhoods like Altadore and Hillhurst.
- Generate Rental Income: Earn $1,500–$1,700/month in gross rental income, depending on suite size (up to 804 sq. ft.) and location, offsetting mortgage costs or funding future investments.
- Maximize Land Use: Transform underutilized backyard space into a valuable asset, ideal for multigenerational living or rental opportunities, without compromising your property’s appeal.
- Access Federal Financing: The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, launching January 15, 2025, offers up to $80,000 at 2% interest, with mortgage refinancing options to ease construction costs.
- Support Housing Solutions: Contribute to Calgary’s housing supply by providing affordable rental units, aligning with municipal goals and the 2024 R-CG rezoning, which permits up to four units per lot.
- Flexible Living Options: Accommodate family members, guests, or tenants, enhancing your property’s versatility while maintaining privacy with separate entrances and amenities.
Our Streamlined Process
Pro Reliance Builds guides you through a seamless, five-step process to deliver a compliant, move-in-ready garage suite in approximately 24–31 weeks, ensuring compliance with Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw and Alberta’s Safety Codes Act.
- Vision and Budget Consultation (1–2 weeks): Our specialists assess your property’s zoning and feasibility during a digital consultation and on-site visit, discussing design preferences and incentives like the City’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program ($10,000 for safety upgrades, excluding backyard suites). An initial agreement formalizes our partnership.
- Design and Permitting (10–12 weeks): Choose pre-approved or custom designs featuring private entrances, kitchens, and outdoor amenity spaces. We secure development permits (60 days, if needed for non-standard lots) and building permits (2–4 weeks), including plumbing and electrical, while you explore financing options.
- Site Preparation and Foundation (2–4 weeks): Our team excavates, pours a robust foundation, and installs municipal hookups (water, sewer), passing inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes.
- Construction and Inspections (10–12 weeks): We build the suite’s framework, roofing, and interior systems, with milestone inspections (e.g., framing, plumbing rough-in) verifying structural and code compliance. Premium finishes ensure durability and appeal.
- Completion and Occupancy (1 week): A final walkthrough confirms quality, followed by Secondary Suite Registry enrollment for rental use. Our Aftercare Team provides ongoing support, backed by comprehensive warranties.
Costs :
A secondary suite can range in costs depending on design, size and type. A smaller laneway home (450 Sq ft) can range from $180,000 – 220,000 depending on finishing and design. While a larger 780 Sq ft Garage suite can cost around $240,000-$280,000. The size of your build and quality of the finish determine your net costs. With the cheap financing available , the incomes from the secondary suite are enticing.
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Build Your Garage Suite With Confidence
Tell us a little about your property and goals—we’ll guide you through the zoning, permits, and financing options to bring your secondary suite to life.