Building an Infill in Calgary? Follow These Simple Tips for Success!
Are you looking to build an infill home in Calgary, Alberta? Infills can be a great investment opportunity for investors and owners alike, but buying one requires careful consideration.
It is essential to research the location and understand local zoning regulations before buying an infill property. You also need to budget for additional costs associated with purchasing an infill property such as city levy fees and inspections, not to mention maintenance costs after move-in.
This article will provide several important tips on how to make a well-informed decision when building an infill home, from researching the location and understanding local zoning regulations to budgeting for additional costs associated with such a purchase. We also discuss why buying an infill can be a great investment opportunity. So let’s get started!
1. Research the Location
Before building an infill, research the location to ensure it is a desirable place to live for you and your family. Considerations may or may not include:
- proximity and travel times to work
- abundance of nearby parks and green spaces
- abundance of nearby amenities
- in-community elementary and junior high schools
- community crime rates
- overall walkability
- access to public transportation
Also, investigate local zoning regulations and any potential development plans. If there are existing developments or planned projects in the area, they should be taken into careful consideration by you and your family before signing on any dotted line.
Future developments can have a significant effect on property values, as well as the quality of life for those living nearby.
For example, if there are plans for a new shopping centre or high-rise building near your potential infill home’s lot, this could drastically alter the neighbourhood’s traffic patterns and noise levels.
Therefore, researching future development plans can help you make an informed decision when building an infill property in Calgary.
2. Understand Zoning Regulations
Before moving forward with an infill build, it is important to understand Calgary’s zoning regulations and applicable restrictions. Researching these regulations can help determine if purchasing an infill property is right for you and what additional renovations or upgrades will be necessary (if any).
The City of Calgary website provides detailed information on the different types of zoning regulations in place for infills and other developments. This includes restrictions on building height, lot size, setbacks from rear and side property lines and more.
As a full-service custom infill builder in Calgary, Gold Homes’ team of professionals ensures any potential development we are tasked with falls within the city and utility bylaws on your behalf. If there are special zoning requirements or additional costs associated with a particular lot, we share our concerns and advise you as best we can on how to proceed relative to your goals.
For example, suppose your end goal is to find a lot able to build a backyard suite. In that case, you’ll want to be primarily concerned with the property’s width and depth along with the setback requirements and nature of the utility connections.
3. Budget for Additional Costs
Infill home construction makes it crucial to budget for additional costs associated with the purchase, which may include:
- City fees
- Legal fees
- Demolition and excavation
- Utility connections
- Applicable taxes
Depending on the build, these additional costs can go up to $40,000 or more when building an infill in Calgary and are not typically included in the costs for construction.
You should also factor in any potential future maintenance expenses. Check out these lists of maintenance tasks associated with homeownership for an idea of what those costs may include:
Make sure you have enough money to cover these costs while simultaneously creating a process that is as low-stress as possible.
Is an Infill Right for You?
Building an infill home can be a great investment opportunity. Still, it is essential to do your due diligence and research the location, understand zoning regulations and budget for additional costs.
By following these tips and considering the potential risks involved in buying an infill home, you will make a well-informed decision that could lead to long-term financial benefits. This process doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming; instead, it can present a fantastic opportunity for families looking to enjoy an inner city lifestyle in a suitable home for their family.
As highly experienced custom inner city home builders, we would love the opportunity to help you accomplish your real estate goals. Call us anytime at 403-269-1696 or send us a message and we will be happy to discuss your infill building goals anytime!
