Any home can be a family home, but the front-drive attached-garage (FDG) home remains to be at the top of the list – certainly among families. 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.

The family home

The FDG home is the best home type to fit all the needs of a growing family. It has the space, functionality, and convenience that addresses all their needs. But that doesn’t mean that homebuilders can’t find new ways to bring innovation into their design.

“Cantiro front drive homes offer exceptional value by combining spacious layouts, premium features, and community-centric living, says Gary Hoeft, General Manager, Cantiro Homes.

He points out that multi-generational homes – where owners can make room to bring their aging parents to live with them in comfort – are more in demand now and their designs have taken this into account. This is just one of the many lifestyle needs that Cantiro designs their homes for, including work-from-home flexibility, growing families, entertaining guests, aging in place, all while balancing curb appeal with functional living.

“Cantiro’s front drive Life Collection homes, such as the Family Generations 24, are designed for multi-generational families and include flexible spaces like homework stations, main floor bedrooms, and large dining areas. These homes are built to accommodate evolving lifestyle needs, for every stage of your life.”

Coventry Homes, meanwhile, says the full potential of FDG homes can be easily realized to make them fit the buyers’ evolving needs.

“Front drive garage homes offer incredible value by providing more square footage and functionality on a single lot,” says Coventry Homes Director Marketing & Communications, Tara Van Horn.

“For growing families, multi-generational households, or anyone who needs extra space, FDG homes maximize both interior living and yard space. With today’s rising costs, it makes sense to invest in a home that can adapt with your lifestyle for years to come,” she says.

Cantiro Homes

Cantiro homes offers FDG homes starting from the $590’s. All feature spacious layouts and open concept designs, premium finishes and design packages, energy-efficient features and smart home technology, as well as access to vibrant, well-planned communities.

Cantiro’s homes are designed around how people actually live. “We offer flexible floorplans, multi-use spaces, and curated interior style packages. This means buyers can choose their home to suit their family structure, hobbies, and future plans,” Hoeft says, and home designs also reflect the diversity of their buyers.

“Our buyers come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, reflecting the vibrant mosaic of Alberta’s communities. Many are professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who want a home that supports their busy lives and evolving needs. We also welcome repeat buyers who have experienced the Cantiro difference and are returning for their next chapter.”

Flexible designs within Cantiro’s Life Collection homes feature the buyers’ choice of designed-for-real-life models, curated interior styles, and options like main floor bedrooms, basement side entries, and fourth-bedrooms.

Their FDG homes are found in the communities of Ardrossan, Elan, Alces, Riverstead at Keswick, Glenridding Ravine, Rosenthal, Castlebrook, Hillshire West, Greenbury, Greenbury Park, and Riverside.

They are offering a variety of incentives to market, including the Big 30 Years Event, where buyers can save $30,000 on select quick possession homes. They also have the Down Payment Savings Program (DPSP), which allows buyers to build their downpayment gradually during construction. Find out more at cantiro.ca.

Coventry Homes

Coventry Homes has been one of Edmonton’s most well-regarded homebuilders for almost 50 years now, and their ever-evolving line of FDG homes is a source of pride.

“We’ve focused on flexible spaces that meet modern lifestyles – like main floor offices, spice kitchens, and tech areas,” Van Horn says. “Buyers also love our legal suite options, which give them the ability to offset mortgage costs or create multi-generational living. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with families appreciating both the style and practicality of our designs.”

Coventry builds front drive garage homes in all of over 17 communities in Edmonton and surrounding areas top communities, including Marquis, Rivers Edge, Keswick Landing, and Nouveau in St. Albert – just to name a few.

More models and communities are coming soon has always been the promise, as the FDG home is a significant part of sales. “Families in particular are drawn to the added space and the convenience of having an attached garage in our Alberta climate.”

She adds that Coventry’s FDG buyers are often families, move-up buyers, and professionals looking for long-term homes. “We attract them with flexible home designs, customizable options, and move-in ready quick possessions that fit their timelines.”

Coventry has extended its Free Basement promotion to include select Quick Possession homes. “Buyers of select Quick Possession can now enjoy more developed living space at no additional cost,” she says. Go to coventryhomes.ca for more information.