The Complete Calgary Home Builders Cost Comparison

Building a new home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and understanding the financial aspects before you start is the key to a smooth buying process. 

The average cost per square foot to build a house in Calgary can vary widely depending on factors such as location, design choices, materials, and labour. To help ensure you get the best value without compromising on quality, it’s important to compare different Calgary home builders. 

By exploring the cost differences for each builder upfront, you can make informed decisions, avoid unexpected expenses, and find a Calgary home builder who aligns with both your budget and your vision for your new home. 

Please note that the information provided in this article may be subject to change.

Custom Build vs Spec Home Calgary Cost Comparison

In Calgary, custom builds typically range from approximately $400 to over $800 per square foot, reflecting the higher level of design flexibility, premium materials, and tailor-made features. As a benchmark, this indicates a range of $800,000 to $1,600,000 for 2,000 sq. ft. of developed space. Larger lots and more developed spaces can increase the high-end range of building a custom home. Calgary Homebuilders such as Shane Homes offer custom options across a range of home styles, which allows buyers to build custom homes, even with a smaller floor plan/lot, at a lower price point. 

In contrast, Calgary spec homes have a lower price range, usually between $340 and $400 per square foot, offering a quicker, more standardized option for buyers. Using the same benchmark, this indicates a range of $680,000 to $800,000 for 2,000 sq. ft. of developed space, though many spec home options will have less square footage for a standard floorplan. Duplexes and townhomes are more typically built to spec, and can further lower the entry point price for a new home to the $250-$300 per square foot range. 

Single-Family Home vs Duplex Cost for Calgary New Build Homes

Below is a list of starting prices from some of Calgary’s leading builders, so you can see the cost of building a detached home versus a duplex in Calgary, helping you weigh options and find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle. Factors such as lot size, location, and customizations will impact the total cost to build a new home. 

Fixed-Price Cost vs Cost-Plus Building Contracts Explained

The type of construction contract used for your new home build can significantly impact your budget and how the project is managed. While some custom builders may offer contract options, each typically works with a single contract model. Two of the most common contract types are fixed-price and cost-plus contracts.

Fixed-Price Contracts

A fixed-price contract, also called a lump-sum contract, sets a predetermined total cost for the construction project. The builder agrees to complete the project for this price, even if materials, labour, or timelines shift.

For buyers, a fixed-price contract is typically the most favourable because it provides certainty. You know exactly what your home will cost before construction begins, which eliminates the stress of unexpected budget increases. 

Since the price is locked in, any overruns or delays become the builder’s responsibility, giving you far more financial protection. This contract model also aids in mortgage planning and overall affordability, as your lender receives a clear, upfront number.

Shane Homes is a Calgary home builder that uses fixed-price contracts. With their Build and Price tool, you can customize home models and see pricing updates instantly, helping you make informed decisions without surprises down the road.

Cost-Plus Contracts

A cost-plus contract reimburses the builder for actual construction expenses, including materials and labour, plus an agreed-upon fee or percentage.

While the cost-plus model offers transparency, it’s usually less favourable for buyers because the final price isn’t known until the project is complete. As costs fluctuate or delays occur, your financial responsibility increases. This uncertainty can make budgeting, financing, and planning much more challenging. 

Because the builder’s fee is tied to actual costs, you also carry more of the financial risk, and there’s no guaranteed ceiling on what the project might ultimately cost you.

For most buyers, the lack of cost control makes cost-plus contracts harder to manage, especially compared to the predictability and protection offered by a fixed-price agreement.

Making the Right Choice For Your Budget

When considering the total investment of a new home, including Calgary land transfer tax and closing costs for new builds, every dollar counts. 

As Calgary’s favourite homebuilder, Shane Homes stands out as one of the most appealing builders in the city, offering high-quality construction in both spec homes and custom homes, and a wide range of price points and home styles to suit any budget.

By carefully evaluating the overall cost per square foot, materials, and design options, buyers can make a strategic choice that balances quality, style, and affordability. 

With Shane Homes, you get a trusted builder who helps you maximize your budget, ensuring your new home is both a smart financial decision and a place you’ll be proud to call your own.