Building a custom home in one of Calgary’s established neighbourhoods is a dream for many. Infills offer homeowners the chance to live in some of the city’s most vibrant areas, in a brand-new, modern house designed and built just for you. But many ask, what does the process for building an infill in Calgary actually look like?
Since 2008, Gold Homes has been building infills across Calgary’s inner-city region. As a result, we’ve accumulated a vast wealth of experience in infill construction and would love to share with you the general process of building an infill in Calgary! Our guide below outlines the essential steps, from finding the perfect piece of land to moving into your newly built home.
Step 1: Acquiring the Right Lot
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The first step in the infill process is securing the right property. This is arguably one of the most critical stages. You’re not just buying land; you’re choosing a community, and a place to put down your roots. Therefore, you can never be more careful when deciding on where to build an infill.
When looking for a lot, consider the following:
- Zoning and Regulations: Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw dictates what can be built on a property. Most infills are built on lots zoned R-CG (formerly R-C1 and R-C2), which allows for multiple dwellings, such as a single home, two single-family homes, a duplex, or even a fourplex with four basement suites. Understanding the existing zoning for any lot is essential to determining how it will fit within your infill building goals accordingly.
- Lot Characteristics: The size, shape, and slope of the lot will influence the design of your home. A wider lot might accommodate a side-by-side duplex, while a narrower one may be better suited for a front-and-back design. R-CG lots that are 50’ by 120’ for example, are ideal for multi-plexes, a favourite among investors looking to build rentals and maximize the number of units they can get.
- Existing Structures: Most often, you will be purchasing an older home with the intention of tearing it down. The cost of demolition and any asbestos abatement (common in older homes) should be factored into your budget.
If you’re unsure about how a lot may or may not be ideal for your infill goals, please contact us anytime and we will be happy to take a look for you!
Step 2: The Development Permit and Associated Fees
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Once you have acquired a lot, you can’t just start digging. The City of Calgary requires a Development Permit (DP) before any construction is allowed. This permit ensures your planned home complies with the Land Use Bylaw and falls within the City’s guidelines for redevelopment.
The DP application requires detailed plans, including:
- A site plan showing the property lines, proposed building location, and other features.
- A professionally produced architectural drawing package showing the building’s elevations, exact measurements, and other related information
- Details on landscaping and grading, supplied by a site survey from a trusted surveying company of your choice
The City will review your application for compliance within the Land Use Bylaws such as rules around building height, setbacks from property lines, and overall coverage. This process can take several months and sometimes involves community feedback.
Development permit fees that are typically the homeowner’s responsibility include:
- Design & Third-Party Representation: Drawings from an architect or designer and third-party representation with the city, starting at $10,000-$15,000 or more, depending on complexity and size of infill build as well as service provider (architect vs. designer, experienced vs. non-experienced, etc.).
- DP Application Fee: Development permit application fee based on the design which includes a base fee, a fee based on the infill size, and potential additional fees for relaxation or discretionary uses.
- City Levies and Fees: Levies and fees associated with the construction of redevelopment properties, which typically adjust upwards every year
- Site Improvement Deposits/Fees: Site improvement deposits and/or fees to ensure proper maintenance and operation of sidewalks, street lights, and other public infrastructure.
*Please note, each infill build is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may have additional or less fees associated with its DP phase.
Step 3: The Building Permit and Associated Fees
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Once your DP is approved, the next major milestone is obtaining a building permit (BP). This second permit is focused on the safety and structural integrity of your home, ensuring it meets the Alberta Building Code.
To acquire a BP, you will need to submit highly detailed construction drawings. The City of Calgary has a comprehensive checklist that includes structural, mechanical, and electrical plans.
Several other permits are also required at this stage, often bundled with the main building permit application which can include, but are not limited to:
- Trade Permits: Electrical, plumbing, and gas permits are required for their respective systems.
- Demolition Permit: To take down the existing house.
- Lot Grading Permit: To ensure proper drainage and management of surface water.
Building permit fees that are typically the homeowner’s responsibility include:
- BP Application Fee: Building permit application fee based on the design, which can vary significantly depending on the infill’s design and other factors
- BP Drawings: Typically included in the initial cost to acquire the professional services of a designer/architect
- Engineering and Suppliers: Your BP package submission to the city requires third-party services including engineering and joists/layouts for the city’s review, which can cost a few to several thousand dollars depending on the infill’s design, size, and complexity
- Permission to Permit: Often, infill builds require restorative work to paved roads due to the sewer/water/gas connections, as well as to sidewalks on main publicly-owned streets. Permission to permit allows the city to cover these costs, and are typically paid before or when excavation commences.
*Please note, each infill build is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may have additional or less fees associated with its BP phase.
Step 4: Construction and Inspections
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This is the exciting phase where your vision starts to become a reality. The construction process for a Calgary infill follows a well-established sequence:
- Demolition and Excavation: The old structure is removed, and the site is excavated for the new foundation.
- Footings & Foundation: Concrete is poured for the footings and foundation walls.
- Framing: The skeleton of the house goes up, including walls, floors, and the roof.
- Rough-ins: This is when the essential systems are installed – plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, and gas lines.
- Insulation and Drywall: The home is insulated, and drywall is hung, taped, and mudded.
- Exterior Finishes: Siding, windows, doors, and roofing are completed.
- Interior Finishes: This is where the personality of your home shines through with flooring, paint, cabinetry, fixtures, and tile.
Throughout this process, the City of Calgary will conduct a series of inspections at critical stages to ensure that all work is completed to code and in accordance with the drawings. These inspections are mandatory to move on to the next phase of construction.
Your homebuilder typically covers fees associated with permits and inspections. Make sure to discuss these details before signing on any dotted line!
Step 5: Final Grade and Occupancy
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Once construction is complete, a final lot grading inspection is performed to ensure the landscaping directs water away from your home and your neighbours’ properties.
After all inspections have been passed, the City will grant you permission for occupancy. This is the final step, and it means your new infill home is officially ready for you to move in.
Obtaining occupancy may come with its own set of fees, but these are typically minor and, in most cases, can be covered by the homebuilder as part of their package.
Questions about Building an Infill in Calgary?
The process for building an infill in Calgary is detailed and requires careful planning and expertise. Partnering with an experienced builder like Gold Homes can make all the difference, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
If you’re ready to explore the possibility of an infill home in Calgary, contact us today! We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through every step of building an infill, and look forward to discussing your homebuilding goals!
