Backyard Suites in Calgary & Area

Design • Permitting • Construction • Turnkey Builds

A backyard suite—also called a garden suite, carriage house, or laneway home—is a fully self-contained residence located in the rear yard of a property. These suites offer rental income potential, flexible living space for family, and a strong boost to property value. Bluebird Exteriors provides complete end-to-end service: custom design, permitting, and full construction.

Our Backyard Suite Services

Design

We create custom layouts based on your lot and goals. This includes architectural drawings, site planning, energy-efficient design, and suite configurations (1-bed, 2-bed, loft, above-garage, or detached).

Permitting

We manage the entire permitting process with the City of Calgary: zoning review, development permit, building permit, engineering, and all required trade permits. We ensure your suite meets Calgary bylaws and Alberta Building Code requirements.

Construction

Bluebird Exteriors handles every stage of the build—foundation, framing, roofing, insulation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, interior finishes, and final inspections. Your suite is delivered fully complete and move-in ready.

Turnkey Delivery

You receive a finished, code-compliant, inspected backyard suite with no coordination stress or paperwork on your end.

Backyard Suite Requirements in Calgary

The City of Calgary regulates backyard suites separately from interior secondary suites. Requirements include:

  • Proper lot setbacks and site planning

  • Fire-rated separation between structures

  • Dedicated exterior entrance

  • Safe egress windows for bedrooms

  • Minimum ceiling heights

  • Separate mechanical systems or code-compliant shared systems

  • Full permit approval (DP + BP + trade permits)

We handle these requirements for you.

City of Calgary Backyard Suite Incentive Program

The City of Calgary is currently developing a Backyard Suites Incentive Program as part of its Housing Strategy and Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiative. The program is aimed at:

  • Encouraging more homeowners to build legal backyard suites

  • Reducing complexity and barriers in the permitting/building process

  • Potentially offering financial incentives, streamlined permitting, or design support

  • Supporting rental supply, housing diversity, and affordability across Calgary

As of the latest public information, details are being finalized, with the City gathering feedback on what supports would be most useful. This program is separate from the existing Secondary Suite Incentive Program, which applies only to suites inside the main home. We monitor all updates and help clients prepare to qualify once the program officially launches.

Cost of a Backyard Suite

Most backyard suites in Calgary range from:

$180,000 – $350,000+

Pricing depends on design complexity, size, finishes, and site conditions. We provide detailed, transparent quotes with no hidden surprises.

Types of Backyard Suites We Build

  • Detached backyard suites

  • Above-garage suites

  • Garden suites

  • Laneway homes

  • Carriage houses

  • Rental units or family suites

Why Choose Bluebird Exteriors

  • Full design-to-build service

  • Calgary permitting expertise

  • High-quality materials and workmanship

  • Clear timelines and communication

  • Insured, licensed, and local

Service Areas

Calgary • Airdrie • Cochrane • Chestermere • Okotoks • Strathmore • High River • Bragg Creek • Surrounding rural areas

Start Your Backyard Suite Project

If you’re ready to add value, create income, or build a modern backyard living space, we can guide you from idea to finished suite.

Why Build a Backyard Suite?

  • Generate long-term rental income

  • Increase property value

  • Create private multi-generational living

  • Use as a guest suite, office, or studio

  • Add functional space without altering your main home