We often get the question about what the most significant factors are in increasing costs for carriage houses and backyard suites in Calgary. Some obvious modifications to a backyard suite’s design plan, such as upgraded finishes, for example, are an obvious choice that would increase the price. However, several other considerations may not be so apparent.
Below, we go over several items that could increase the cost of your backyard suite project, most of which are discoverable during our free site evaluation process.
#1 – Concrete Requirements
If your lot has elevation changes that require additional concrete, you can expect to pay a premium charge. When designing backyard suites, we often will extend the foundation wall upwards above the ground to act as a retaining wall. When this wall becomes taller than 10 feet (including the length in the ground), the concrete costs shoot up considerably because of the increased steel rebar requirements.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the extent of your retaining wall requirements and current market prices for material.
#2 – Surprises Underground
No builder can know what’s underground before excavation. Therefore, if you’re building a backyard suite, and for whatever reason the ground is excavated and there is a hollow structure such as a natural hole or old bunker, for example, then you’ll need to fill this structure with additional material. If concrete is required to fill the hole to support the suite, you can expect to pay more for it.
It should be noted that because of Calgary’s soil conditions, this rarely happens, if ever. It is just something to be prepared for in the absolute worst circumstances (and luck, we might add).
Other underground occurrences could include discovering that the main house gas line is an inadequate size to supply the backyard suite, and needs full replacement – something that ATCO or the respective utility provider will have to do for you as a third-party service.
#3 – Challenging Connections
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If your utility connections are challenging, expect to pay a premium. One example is lengthy trenches (anything over 25 feet) for your sewer and water connections to the house, for which we charge a specific rate per linear foot.
Another example would be if it were more affordable for you to connect sewer and water directly to the city lines coming from the alley, you would incur a premium charge for the indemnified contractors (third-party) after obtaining a grade slip.
Other upcharges for utilities include power pole replacement to meet your wire clearance (can range from $18,000 to $25,00 and up), ATCO natural gas line relocation ($3,000 to $5,000 or more), and so forth.
#4 – Sump Pumps for Elevated Lots
If your garage suite’s sewer connection cannot be angled slightly to allow proper gravity drainage to the main house stacks, then you will need a sump pump. This device will help pump sewage to drain through the main city lines. As of today, this device starts at around $3,500, although the price can vary dramatically depending on the make and model.
A general rule of thumb is that you can expect several premium charges if your lot is sloped and you want to build a carriage house and/or backyard suite.
#5 – Interior and Exterior Upgrades
Perhaps the most apparent factor in increasing the cost of your carriage house/backyard suite project is your interior and exterior selections. While our builder’s mid-grade specifications are more than suitable for many clients, you may want to go above and beyond, especially if the suite’s purpose is for personal use.
Depending on the size of the suite, exterior elevation upgrades to fibre cement and/or smart board can easily reach the $20,000 range for the largest backyard suites. Interior upgrades can range from a few hundred bucks to several thousand; it all depends on you!
As Calgary’s premier custom garage suite builder, we offer you all the customizable options possible and encourage you to find specifications pre-emptively so that we can include them in your project for you!
Should You Worry?
Not at all! If you’re looking for a basic suite to use as an investment property and have a flat lot with simple utility connections, our base price will likely have you covered!
Give us a call anytime to discuss your backyard suite goals! We look forward to connecting with you as part of our discovery process!
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