Duplex homes: twice the nice at half the price

The duplex home used to be looked down upon as the poor cousin of the single-family home set. But through years of design innovation, sound-attenuation improvements, and evolving exterior looks, this twin-home design has become a favourite – and not just with first-time homebuyers.

Homebuilders have different names for the duplex. Some call it a side-by-side home, or a semi-detached home, or even a paired home. No matter what it is called, its flexibility, functionality, and perhaps most importantly, its affordability has made it a perennial best-seller for homebuilders.

A duplex is a single structure featuring two residences, each with its own private entrance and one shared wall (there is a gap between homes to lessen sound transfer). Each home is individually owned, and unlike townhomes, have no condo fees. It’s twice the nice at half the price.

Sound transfer used to be the biggest knock against duplexes, but that is largely a problem in the past as the advances in sound attenuation technology and floorplan designs work to limit the creaks and cracks.

Besides its inherent affordability, the flexibility duplex homes offer homebuyers is just as integral to its appeal. There have been instances where families buy both units so the parents can live in one household and the kids in the next.

Duplexes continue to be a best-seller for homebuilders as they are seen as an attractive alternative to condos or townhomes, and many are readily available in Calgary’s best communities. We spoke with a few homebuilders to find out just exactly what the attraction is to this home.

Brookfield Residential

Brookfield Residential is a leading homebuilder and land developer in Alberta, and their duplex homes are an important segment of their production.

“We have been building duplexes for years across Alberta and have introduced new models to meet buyer demand,” says Kelly Garcea, Sr. Business Strategies Manager, Land & Housing Development. “Prospective buyers indicated that larger square footages, upgraded kitchens and flexible spaces were widely sought after and so we have introduced models to meet these needs.”

She says that demand is for duplexes that include suited basements, and Brookfield Residential’s provide that in select communities with two of their most popular duplex models.

She adds that they are also in the design phase on a new three-bedroom duplex that will offer a basement suite, a main floor office and upper bonus room.

One of their latest models is the Oak, which is sized between 1,630 to 1,675 square-feet.

“Its defining feature when compared to our other duplex models is the front dining room and rear great room offering a unique layout in our line-up. The Oak can have 2- or 3-bedrooms with a central bonus room, upper floor laundry and optional layouts. It can also be built with a basement suite or basement development. The Oak pricing will start in the high $400s, depending on community.” The Oak can be seen as a show home in Livingston in the northeast and Chinook Gate in Airdrie.

Excel Homes

At Excel Homes, their line of duplex homes aligns with their mission to simplify the buyers’ journey in finding their dream home. Designer-curated interior selections, energy-efficient features, free legal fees, online home personalization, and a move-in concierge service are all included in the full package they provide to all their homebuyers.

Kristina Plank, Marketing Manager at Excel, says their duplexes have the cost advantage of coming with an attached garage, whereas “when you buy a laned home, you have to pay extra for the garage.”

“They are also designed to maximize living space and include all the features of a front-drive (FDG) home, such as a fenced yard and attached garage, at a fraction of the single-family home’s price.”

Excel offers duplexes in Creekstone, located in Southwest Calgary, and in Chinook Gate in Airdrie. The Magnolia and Willow models are available in Chinook Gate starting in the high $400,000s, she says.

At 1,387 square-feet, the Magnolia delivers a thoughtfully laid out main floor perfect for open-concept living, which is inviting and great for entertaining. A large kitchen with plenty of counter space will allow your culinary creativity to run wild. Upstairs, two bedrooms and a luxurious master suite await after a long day.

The Willow is 1,214 square-feet and offers flexibility and charm with a spacious great room to relax in, and a kitchen designed for those who love to cook. Head upstairs to find a large master suite with a walk-in closet, as well as two bedrooms for the kids or an at-home office.

Homes by Avi

Duplex homes at Homes by Avi range from 1,300 to 1,600 square-feet, start in the high $400’s. They have thoughtfully designed layouts and features attractive to first-time homebuyers and downsizers, including large kitchens and windows, upper bonus rooms and Fresh Air systems. “These homes make them a great option for purchasers on a budget that don’t want to sacrifice lifestyle and investors looking to get the most out of their investment dollars,” says Homes by Avi Marketing Specialist, Marni Chenier. “We can also add a separate entrance to the basement and a rear detached double car garage, giving our homeowners more privacy”, Chenier says.

One of their most innovative features is the sound-attenuation design of their duplex homes.

“Our Hush Hush wall system uses select materials and intelligent engineering to reduce sound transfer between units. They are engineered to drastically dampen noise from passing from one unit to the next. This system includes multiple layers of drywall, spaced studs, air space and two layers R20 batted insulation, which also helps stop vibrations moving through the wall,” Chenier adds.

Homes by Avi also ensures that staircases for the duplex homes are placed on the outer wall of the home to make it possible to add a legal basement suit, Chenier says. “This provides potential rental income which homeowners can use to offset their mortgage or increase the profit made from your investment property.”

Homes by Avi offers duplex homes in Belmont and Rangeview in south Calgary and in Lanark in Airdrie. “We carefully select to build duplex homes in communities that provide amenities, services, outdoor spaces and quick access needed for busy and growing families,” she says.

Popular is the Sasha model with its pocket office and bonus room upstairs. While the Jade’s open concept design give it a feeling of spaciousness, Chenier says.

Homeowners love our “Sasha” floorplan because of the pocket office, great for those working from home, and a bonus room upstairs perfect for extra room for the kids or entertaining. The open floor plan in the “Jade” makes the home feel more spacious.

Trico Homes

Trico Homes offers duplexes in the communities of Legacy in the southeast and Glacier Ridge in the northwest.
“Buying a duplex from Trico is amazing option because our duplexes provide the same square footage and the same layout as our most popular laned models for a fraction of the price,” says Clint Pilon, Area Sales Manager for Trico in Legacy.

“It makes the perfect opportunity for a first-time home buyer to enjoy the benefits of a laned home without a major increase in their mortgage payments – especially because these duplexes are freehold. In other words, there ares no condo fees!” he adds.

Justin Rampersad, Trico Area Sales Manager in Glacier Ridge, says duplex homes offer “greater affordability than a laned home and greater value than a townhome. It is meant to offer the benefits of single-family living (large space, private yard) with the small sacrifice of one shared wall.”

In Legacy, Trico’s best-seller is the Rowan II. “This home initially offers 1,730 square-feet of living space, with a wholesome open concept on the main level featuring engineered hardwood flooring throughout and a fabulous kitchen with more than 200 square-feet that shows a center island surrounded by myriad of soft close cabinets and quartz countertop,” Pilon says. “We have limited opportunities to build this home in Legacy with an exciting starting price of $580,000.”

In Glacier Ridge, Rampersad says the Lancaster is a big favourite. “The Lancaster has been extremely popular with customers for the flexibility it offers. It can allow a separate entrance to the basement for investment minded customers thinking of renting out the basement for additional income. Having a flex space on the main floor for a pocket office or playroom offers additional value to the space. In addition, the option to add an upper floor bonus room to the layout is a great value-add.”