The convenience and comfort of front-drive garage home

For many of today’s families, the ideal home continues 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 are at the apex of the home-buying cycle.

However, in these days of higher interest rates, climbing home prices, and a tight housing market, it may also be the least affordable. Calgary’s new homebuilders are facing the challenge by keeping costs down, adding value to the design and offering them on smaller lots to maintain attainability.

Ultimate convenience and comfort

The front garage home appeals to most because of the convenience it offers, says Excel Homes Marketing Manager, Kristina Plank. “Having the garage at the front provides easy access, making it easier to carry groceries from your car into the house, or a direct route to your vehicle when it rains. A front-drive garage home also offers more backyard space that is private, rather than having room taken up by a rear garage.”

Trico Homes’ Ali Tahir, Front-Garage Area Sales Manager in the northeast community of Homestead, says the FDG home remains the most sought-after home in Calgary. “They provide covered parking for your vehicles to keep them away from the elements. This is particularly important during the winter, so you don’t track in snow and mud into your home.”

“Additionally, the front-garage design contributes to a clean and organized streetscape, as vehicles are tucked away, enhancing the overall curb appeal of the community,” says Trico Homes’ Area Sales Manager for Seton, George Safdary.

Why buy now

Morrison Homes Marketing Manager, Max Conrad, says the fall may present a most opportune time to get into a new home, including in their newly released FDG line of homes in Legacy in the southeast.

“Interest rates are predicted to decrease over the next 6-12 months. This means purchasing now at today’s prices means you can lock in the cost of your home but capitalize on a lower interest rate when you take possession,” he says.

“There continues to be an extraordinarily low amount of home lots and resale homes on the market, especially for more affordable homes. As interest rates decrease, buying power will increase in turn. Buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines will be ready to take action, and we have the complete line of homes needed to address all budget and lifestyle needs.”

Affordability is key

Plank says Excel has pays particular attention in keeping prices affordable. “We put great emphasis on building a strong relationship with our trade partners and we are continuously reviewing our pricing to make sure we are offering the best quality products at a great value.”

Trico’s Tahir says having a standard package of finishes that people want helps keep their homes affordable.

“With our Elite Specifications you get the benefit of choosing high quality standard finishings at our award-winning design centre without the need to spend on additional upgrades. You can have a modern home that you can be proud of, without spending anything extra.”

Safdary says focusing on efficient practices also helps maintain costs. “To keep costs down, we focus on efficient building practices, sourcing materials locally when possible, and designing homes that maximize space and functionality. Our partnerships with trusted suppliers also allow us to negotiate better prices, which we pass on to our customers.”

Excel Homes

Excel’s recently opened FDG showhomes in the popular lake community of Mahogany in the southeast not only keeps this affordability promise, but also brings a fresh take on the FDG home’s design.

“Our new front-garage showhomes in Mahogany are the Hawthorne and a brand-new model – the Mason II, a spin-off of our stunning Mason model, but larger. The Hawthorne is dark and moody, with a rare formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen with a built-in appliance package, stunning waterfall island, and wine bar,” she says.

Upstairs, the Hawthorne has a luxurious primary bedroom with a unique concave feature wall to accompany the upgraded bathroom with a soaker tub. “We chose to showcase an alternate second floor layout, which converts 1 of the 3 secondary bedrooms into a second primary bathroom with an ensuite. The additional 2 bedrooms are spacious and offer a walk-in closet.” The Hawthorne also has a developed basement with two additional bedrooms.

The Mason II is light and bright, with a stunning open to below feature in the great room that allows for a full height, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, Plank says. “The rear windows are large and allow for plenty of natural sunlight, complimented perfectly by the elegant glass railing. The Mason II showcases a stunning waterfall island in the kitchen with an upgraded built-in appliance package and coffee station. Travelling upstairs, our professional designers added elegant touches like a vaulted ceiling in the bonus room, a tray ceiling in the grand primary suite with a luxurious ensuite and walk-through closet that conveniently leads to the laundry room.” Find out more at excelhomes.ca.

Morrison Homes

Morrison Homes recently opened two front-drive garage showhomes in the southeast community of Legacy. The Clifton II and the Wexford are tried and true floorplans at Morrison Homes, but the new showhomes brings an even sharper stylish edge to their already considerable charm.

“This is the first time we will be offering front-drive garage homes on zero lot lines in Legacy,” says Area Sales Manager, Ryan Heggedal. “Both have the requisite functionality and practicality every family need, but there’s a stylish panache, as well, that is quite pleasing.”

The 2,385-square-foot Clifton II and the 1,919-square-foot Wexford both come with open-to-below features that lend a sense of drama to the home. “These are some of the most popular homes we have in our lineup, but the design of these new showhomes have been revitalized and updated,” he adds.

Having them available on zero-lot-lines in an established, dynamic community like Legacy helps maintain their affordability, he adds. Morrison Homes will also have zero lot lines along the ridge that offer some of the best views of the surrounding natural reserve. For more, go to morrisonhomes.ca.

Trico Homes

Trico Homes is opening new showhomes in the dynamic northeast community of Homestead this fall.

“Our new front-drive garage showhomes – Concord and Springhill – are specifically designed to showcase our multi-generational living options. People love seeing spice kitchens, multiple ensuites, and main floor bedrooms, so we are excited to showcase two variations of how we can achieve these results,” Tahir says.

“One showhome showcases how to get a gorgeous design on a budget, while the other gives a taste of how far you can take it at our award-winning Accents Design Studio,”he adds.

Safdary says Trico’s latest FDG showhome in Seton is a must-see for anyone considering a new home in Calgary. “The Encore is designed to reflect modern living with a focus on comfort, style, and functionality. One of the standout features is the open-concept main floor, which is perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.”

He says the kitchen boasts high-end finishes, including quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island. “Upstairs, the primary suite is a sanctuary, complete with a luxurious ensuite and a walk-in closet. What makes this showhome truly memorable is how it seamlessly blends innovative design with everyday practicality—it’s a home that not only looks great, but also works for the way people live today.” For more details, go to tricohomes.com.