10 Most Popular Home Builders in Calgary, AB: Custom Luxury & Accessible Quality
Home Builders in Calgary AB
People love living in Calgary, and as our city grows, so does the desire for the perfect home. For many, that means building from the ground up. Whether you are looking for a bespoke estate in a master-planned community or a modern infill in the inner city, the builder you choose makes all the difference.
Calgary is home to some of Canada’s most awarded and respected builders. While they all share a commitment to quality, each brings something unique to the table—from eco-friendly innovations to white-glove custom service.
Here is your guide to the 10 most popular home builders in Calgary, ranging from accessible quality to high-end custom luxury.
1. Jayman BUILT
Best For: Energy efficiency and smart home technology.
As a 27-time “Builder of the Year” winner, Jayman BUILT is a titan in the Alberta industry. They are best known for standardizing features that other builders charge extra for—specifically sustainability. Every new single-family home includes solar panels, tankless water heaters, and smart home automation as standard specs. If you want a home that saves you money on utilities from day one without navigating complex upgrade lists, Jayman is the market leader.
2. Shane Homes
Best For: Flexible customization (“Love it or Customize it”).
Founded in 1979, Shane Homes has built a reputation on the philosophy that you shouldn’t have to settle. Unlike some large-volume builders that force you to stick strictly to rigid floor plans, Shane Homes encourages buyers to move walls, expand kitchens, and adjust layouts to fit their lifestyle. They build in many of Calgary’s premiere suburban communities, offering a “best of both worlds” balance between the reliability of a large builder and the flexibility of a custom boutique.
3. Morrison Homes
Best For: Customer service and legacy.
With over 60 years of history, Morrison Homes is a household name in Calgary. They have earned the title of “Builder of the Year” 16 times, a testament to their unwavering focus on the customer experience. Morrison is often the top choice for families who want a stress-free process; their warranty program and service teams are consistently rated among the best in the province. They build a wide variety of product types, from laned starter homes to sprawling estate properties.
4. Rockwood Custom Homes
Best For: High-end, bespoke luxury.
If you are looking for an exclusive, architectural masterpiece, Rockwood Custom Homes is the premier choice. Unlike volume builders, Rockwood operates as a full-service boutique that handles everything from architectural design and interior styling to construction and landscaping. They are famous for their “Rockwood Price Promise,” which protects high-end buyers from the financial volatility often associated with custom builds.
5. Cardel Homes
Best For: Functional design and family living.
Cardel Homes has been building in Calgary for over 50 years with a specific focus: maximizing square footage where it counts. Their floor plans are celebrated for their flow and practicality—think massive mudrooms, open-to-above great rooms, and kitchens designed for real chefs. They focus heavily on established and new family-oriented communities, making them a favorite for move-up buyers looking for their “forever home.”
6. Sterling Homes
Best For: Accessible quality and quick possession.
For over 70 years, Sterling Homes has been the go-to builder for affordable, high-quality family homes. They excel at the “Evolve” product line—homes designed to be easier and faster to build without sacrificing quality, making homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers. If you need a home sooner rather than later, Sterling typically maintains a robust inventory of quick-possession homes across the city.
7. Trico Homes
Best For: Community impact and ethical building.
Trico Homes is Western Canada’s first and only B Corp Certified home builder, meaning they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. “The Heart of Homebuilding” is their motto, and it shows in their diverse portfolio. They build everything from affordable multi-family condos to luxurious estate homes. Trico is an excellent choice for buyers who want to align their largest purchase with a company that prioritizes giving back to the Calgary community.
8. Siena Signature Builders
Best For: Inner-city infills and personalization.
While many builders on this list focus on the suburbs, Siena Signature Builders has carved out a niche in Calgary’s desirable inner-city neighbourhoods. They specialize in transforming lots in established areas like Renfrew and Altadore into stunning custom homes. Siena is known for high-touch service and craftsmanship, often winning Houzz awards for design excellence.
9. Genesis Builders Group
Best For: Complete community vision.
Genesis is unique because they are often both the land developer and the home builder. This allows them to create cohesive communities where the architectural vision of the streetscape matches perfectly with the parks and pathways. Based in North Calgary, they are a strong contender for buyers looking for value-driven single-family homes and townhomes in master-planned neighbourhoods.
10. Sunset Homes
Best For: Modern custom infills.
Sunset Homes is a dedicated inner-city builder that simplifies the daunting process of building a custom infill. They are particularly favored by younger buyers and investors looking for modern, semi-detached, and detached homes. Sunset uses a transparent project management system that lets clients track their budget and schedule in real-time, removing the mystery from the custom build process.
Home Building FAQs
Contact us to get a custom list of trusted builders and available lots in your preferred Calgary neighbourhood.
Can I use a Realtor when buying from a builder?
Yes, and you should. Using a Realtor costs you nothing (the builder pays the commission), but it gives you independent representation. However, there is a catch: you must bring your Realtor with you on your very first visit to the showhome. If you register your name without your agent present, the builder may refuse to pay their commission later, leaving you unrepresented.
What is the Alberta New Home Warranty?
In Alberta, every new home builder is legally required to provide warranty coverage under the “1-2-5-10” legislation. This includes:
1 Year: Labour and materials (paint, flooring, trim).
2 Years: Delivery and distribution systems (heating, plumbing, electrical).
5 Years: Building envelope (protection against water leaks).
10 Years: Major structural components (foundation and framing).
How long does it take to build a new home in Calgary?
Construction timelines vary by builder and complexity, but generally:
Laned / Starter Homes: 6 to 9 months.
Front-Drive / Move-Up Homes: 9 to 12 months.
Custom Estate Homes: 12 to 18+ months.
Note: Weather delays in winter and supply chain issues can extend these timelines.
Do I need a down payment for a pre-construction home?
Yes. Unlike buying a resale home where the deposit is often small, builders typically require a deposit structure of 5% to 10% of the purchase price to secure the lot and start construction. This is usually paid in installments (e.g., $5,000 at signing, the balance to 5% upon firm approval). This money goes toward your down payment at closing.
What is the difference between a “Spec” home and a “Custom” home?
Spec (Quick Possession) Home: The builder has already chosen the lot, the floor plan, and the finishes, and construction is already underway (or finished). You get it faster, but you can’t change the design.
Custom / Pre-Sale Home: You pick the lot and the floor plan from scratch. You get to choose your cabinets, flooring, and upgrades at the design center, but you will wait longer for the home to be built.
Ready to Start Your Build?
Choosing a builder is just the first step. Whether you are looking for a pre-construction condo or a custom estate lot, navigating showhomes and contracts is easier with an expert in your corner.
Disclaimer: We do not endorse any specific builder. Pros and cons vary by project, and we recommend performing your own due diligence before signing a contract.
