The continuing appeal of the front-drive garage home

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

But in these days of higher interest rates, climbing home prices, and a tight housing market, it may also be the least affordable. And it isn’t getting easier. According to the real estate research website, wowa.ca, Calgary’s housing market is the largest and the most expensive in Alberta, with an average home price of $539,461, up 10 per cent annually.

So how are homebuilders keeping their line of front-drive-garage (FDG) homes attainable? The key it seems is flexibility in floorplans and adding value to the home. We talk to a few Calgary homebuilders to get their insights.

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. Also, their ability to offer zero-lot-line homes helps reduce land costs for the buyers.
“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.

Innovation has always been key at Jayman BUILT and their homes reflect this ideal. “Jayman BUILT believes in adding value to our homes – this is done through our Core Performance Standard Inclusions,” says Jayman BUILT Sales Manager, Michael Klassen. This gives homebuyers a robust energy-efficiency and home automation package as part of the standard features. This lessens the need for expensive upgrades down the road, and helps their homeowners save on utility bills.

Shane Homes’ ability to cater to the lifestyle needs of their buyers is important, and their “Love It or Customise It” philosophy has always worked in their four decades of building homes in Calgary, says Deb Geary, Shane Homes Area Manager in the southwest community of Belmont.

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

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.

All the builders we spoke with have showhomes of FDG homes that best explains their allure. NuVista’s Sutton showhome in the new southeast community of Hotchkiss is getting a lot of attention; Jayman BUILT has the stunning Jake 26 showhome in Seton in the southeast, and Shane Homes’ Moraine in Belmont is one of its best-sellers.

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. We have also adapted to the growing trend of zero lot line demands in new Calgary communities by introducing several new models designed specifically for such lots,” 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.

“We have also responded to the preferences of many Calgarians who desire a second separate kitchen. This kitchen, namely a spice kitchen, is made to handle strong spices or odors and features a powerful CFM hood fan. Customers do not want their primary kitchen space to be affected when cooking and usually incorporates extra storage for small appliances. Spice kitchens prove especially useful when hosting gatherings, to prevent mess and odors from permeating your kitchen, dining, and living areas.”

Go to nuvistahomes.com for more information.

Getting Jake with it

Jayman BUILT has always been on the cutting edge of innovation in all aspects of the homebuying market. And their Core Performance Standard package has proven to be a big draw for buyers looking for added value in their homes.

The Core Performance package includes 10 solar panels, saving homeowners up to 50 per cent on their electricity bills. Also included are triple pane windows, high efficiency furnace with ultra-violet light air purification system, active heat recovery ventilator, tankless hot water heater and more! “Homeowners save up to $900 annually on energy costs with these standard energy efficient inclusions, not optional on our homes!” Klassen says.

“We are also seeing increased popularity, as we have in prior years, for home offices, main floor bedrooms with full ensuites and outdoor entertaining (that can be functional in the colder months),” he adds.

Their Jake 26 showhome in Seton is a great example of their innovative approach, featuring an open to above entry way, hidden rooms, unique split-level floorplans, and more. At 2,276-square-foot, the three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath Jake 26 has lots of prime living space and its design makes it the perfect home to entertain.

Find out more at jayman.com.

Utilizing all available space

The basement development is gaining a lot of momentum at Shane Homes, as more buyers look for ways to maximize living space.

“It is a way to move into your dream home, with everything you need and or desire,” Geary says. Shane Homes already provides some rough-ins for a possible legal suite in the future, but if the buyer chooses to have Shane Homes develop the basement for them, then they can avail of some financing packages that can help.

“If the client chooses to develop it with us, they can use a portion of the anticipated revenue (if they are creating the basement space as a rental) to qualify and they can start collecting rent the month they take possession,” Geary says.

The Moraine showhome in Belmont is quite popular with some very appealing features. “My favorite features in this home are the open and bright main floor, but the butler pantry is such an amazing extension to the kitchen. Also, the kids’ rooms both have generous walk-in closets, for much needed extra storage space! The main bath is oversized with a generous-sized vanity and separate toilet area. The primary suite is at the rear of the home so perfect for our green space lots.”

She points out that the Alston and Emerald models are also popular at Shane Homes. “The front attached garage product will always be relevant. Homeowners typically start with their first investment with the goal to eventually be in this style home.”

Find out more at shanehomes.com.