For many of today’s families, the ideal home remains to be the front-drive attached-garage (FDG) home. These types of homes are as ubiquitous as the suburbs they are generally found in, and they remain at the apex of the home-buying cycle.

But in these days when affordability is a challenge, homebuilders are getting more creative in their designs of the FDG. The key it seems is flexibility in floorplans and adding value to the home, specifically making the most use of the home to work as a partial rental property or as a multi-generational home where aging parents can stay.

Raising value, lowering costs

By maintaining the highest standard specifications possible, NuVista Homes has been able to keep their line of front-drive garage homes attainable.

“We recognize the financial constraints many face due to the high cost of living and are committed to delivering exceptional value by maintaining the highest standard specifications to eliminate the necessity for upgrades,” says Wendee Bishop, Marketing Manager & Creative Director at NuVista Homes.

“Furthermore, we foster strong partnerships with our trusted long-term trades, continually seeking cost-effective solutions that allow us to provide top-tier quality in our homes while also keeping costs in check,” she adds.

It is the blend of convenience, functionality and style that makes FDG homes the most sought-after choice for homebuyers in Calgary, says Trico Homes Director of Marketing, Glenda Schwartz.

“With an attached garage at the front of your home, you gain more than just parking; you gain comfort, convenience, and peace of mind,” she says. “Imagine driving in on a cold winter evening, pulling into a warm, insulated garage, and stepping directly into your home without having to brave the snow or track slush inside. It’s a simple luxury that makes everyday living so much easier.”

They are also the best fit for multi-generational households, and homebuilders have noticed a new trend of building a main floor bedroom with full bath for elderly parents of the homeowners.

FDG homes with private access to basement suites have also become popular to realize the home’s potential for rental income. Although these features are increasingly available in laned or even duplex models, the FDG is where they shine best.

What is an FDG home?

It is the home most everyone who has lived in an apartment suite, a duplex, or a townhome, aspire to live in eventually. Especially when they have children, and they see their families grow.

FDG homes come in many forms. In Calgary, they are usually two storey homes with three-bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a basement development options, and of course, a garage to fit two cars – or more.

“Front-drive garage homes require a larger homesite, they also allow us to design spacious, feature-rich floorplans that give you and your family room to grow,” Schwartz says. “The thoughtful placement of the garage at the front means functionality is always at your fingertips — whether it’s unloading groceries straight into the pantry or kitchen or the kids kicking off their boots in the mudroom.”

And with the garage at the front, your backyard becomes a true retreat, she adds. “There’s more space for summer barbecues, gardening, family playtime, or space for pets to roam. Beyond your own yard, Front-Drive Garage designs also contribute to an attractive and organized streetscape, with vehicles neatly tucked away to enhance the curb appeal of the entire community.”

Innovation comes standard

NuVista Homes believes innovation is the only way to stay ahead of the game as buyers look for ways to offset the cost of owning a home.

“One way we have met the challenge, is to offer complete legal suites for many models where community zoning regulations allow. This option can significantly help with monthly mortgage payments,” Bishop says.

Multi-generational FDG homes are also becoming more of a norm, as many households now include extended family members.

“We are also seeing trends where extended family members often reside together, or adult children stay home longer whether it’s for education or to save for their own homes. We have made modifications to many of our models to incorporate a full bath and bedroom on the main floor for convenience and flexibility,” she adds.

These innovations can be easily seen in their latest showhomes, including the soon-to-open BlueRock triple-garage, five-bedroom showhome in the new Chestermere community of Bridgeport. “We are so excited for people to see this, the level of detail that was lavished throughout is unheard of,” Bishop says.

The 3,069-square-foot BlueRock showhome has five-and-a-half baths, so a full bath for every bedroom, plus a half-bath on the main floor. The upstairs floor plan even includes a bonus room with an open-to-below detail that adds dramatic flair to the proceedings.

The Briar that is new in Harmony just west of Calgary also makes use of the community’s charming lake resort vibe. The 2,783-square-foot home has four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, nine-foot foundation, main and upper floor ceiling heights, meaning that it feels more expansive and spacious. The upgraded Samsung gourmet kitchen appliance package adds a sense of elegance and reliability to the home.

Also new is the Madison II showhome in the southeast community of Hotchkiss, that is also drawing plenty of interest. It is 2,129 square-feet with two-and-a-half baths with a walk-out deck and a walk-out basement that completes the home’s full potential. Find out more at nuvistahomes.com.

Front-Drive Garage everywhere

Trico Homes has a very robust repertoire of homes, ranging from townhomes all the way to lavish estate homes, but the FDG home is essential in their business.

“Trico offers front-garage homes in over 20 communities throughout Calgary and surrounding areas,” Schwartz says. “Plus, we have over 40 front-garage quick possession homes all ready to move in – 30, 60 and 90 days.”

Most of their front-drive garage homes have several options for buyers to choose from, including secondary suite options. “This option has become a lot more popular, and a lot of our communities are seeing buyers go for this,” she adds.

In the new northeast community of Huxley, Trico is opening two brand-new FDG showhomes: The Kingsley and the Oakridge models.

The Oakridge stands out among Trico’s range of FDG models and can fit up to five bedrooms in its 2,158 square-feet of living space. The gourmet kitchen pairs beautifully with an open-to-below staircase, creating a spacious, elegant feel.

“It has a versatile flex room on the main floor so it can have a main floor bedroom and full bath for buyers that want to bring in their parents to live with them,” says Trico Homes Area Sales Manager, Sam Bibanco. “You even have the option to add a spice kitchen, which is one of the most popular requests among our buyers.”

“Our Kingsley model is one of our most popular and is specifically designed for multi-generational living, featuring a main-floor bedroom with a full bathroom, a versatile flex room, and a convenient spice kitchen. Upstairs, you’ll find four additional bedrooms and a spacious bonus room—providing everything a large family needs without compromising on design or functionality.”

Thoughtful innovations and flexible floorplans allow homebuyers to personalize their home to suit their lifestyle, Schwartz adds. “Whether it’s a main floor bedroom for extended family, a versatile main floor flex room, or the added convenience of a spice kitchen, you’ll find options that make everyday living easier.”

For those looking for even more possibilities, she says secondary suites with private entrances create opportunities for additional living spaces are widely available — perfect for generating rental income or for multi-generational living.

Schwartz says average starting price for Trico’s front-garage homes is from the high $600’s, depending on community, model and options chosen. “As well buyers can personalize their interiors in our award-winning Accents Design Studio our in-house interior design centre, plus each home comes with New Home Warranty.” Find out more at tricohomes.com.