Backyard Suite Design in Calgary

Flexible, modern living designed with heart.

Make Room for What Matters Most

Thinking about adding a backyard suite in Calgary? Whether it’s for parents, a young adult craving independence, or a future rental opportunity, backyard suites are a smart, versatile way to use your space—and support the people you love.

At Ellergodt Design, we help Calgarians turn underused backyards into warm, functional, and beautiful homes designed with flexibility, future value, and community in mind.

Two interior designers in Calgary look at home design drawings.

Why Work With Us?

As Calgarians, we know the ins and outs of local zoning, styles that fit, and what makes a home work here. More than anything, we care about helping families create spaces that truly support the way they want to live.

 Calgary zoning expertise
Creative, collaborative team
Flexible design thinking
End-to-end guidance

A team of residential designers in Calgary stand outside on the balcony of their office.

Our Design Process

We’re all about collaboration and creativity, grounded in what matters most to you. Here’s how we do it:

Three residential designers discuss interior design while looking at home design drawings.

Initial Consultation

We start with a conversation about how you want to use the space, now and in the future. Whether it’s a cozy home for mom or a rental in a few years, your goals shape every decision.

Site Assessment

Backyard suites aren’t possible on every lot. We look at zoning, your property size, access, and even the condition of your garage to help you understand what’s possible.

Design Municipal Approval

We design thoughtful spaces, maximize natural light, and create seamless transitions between your main home and the backyard suite. Every detail is intentional, and we’re big on livability.

Collaboration with Builders

Already have a builder? Great. Need one? We can recommend partners we trust. Either way, we’re here to support a smooth journey from concept to construction.

“Brent, Elicia and the whole team at Ellergodt were awesome to work with. We appreciated their help and insight with designing our Belgian-Farmhouse inspired walkout. They were able to translate our vision into clear, all-encompassing drawings and our builder repeatedly commented on the quality & attention to detail in the drawings. Elicia was always super helpful with her suggestions and we were able to work through rounds of revisions until things were precisely dialed in. Highly recommend, without hesitation.”

— Martin Gauthier

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Calgarians building backyard suites?

Homeowners love them for:

Multi-generational living
Rental income opportunities
Downsizing without leaving your property
Boosting resale value

As Calgary encourages densification and housing diversity, these suites are becoming an everyday part of neighbourhood life. But every property is unique, and some communities still have concerns. We’ll help you navigate the rules and design something that works beautifully for you and your neighbourhood.

How much does a backyard suite cost?

Backyard suites are complete, self-contained homes. Construction costs typically range from $250,000 to $400,000, depending on the size, site conditions, and level of interior finish.

Can I build a suite above my existing garage?

Most detached garages in Calgary are built on floating slabs, which can’t support a second storey. In 90% of cases, the garage must be demolished and rebuilt to accommodate a backyard suite. Only garages with proper footings may qualify for an above-garage build.

Are backyard suites allowed on every lot in Calgary?

They’re allowed under R-CG zoning, but overlays and heritage rules may apply. We recommend a site review to confirm eligibility.

What permits are required?

You’ll need development, building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas (if applicable) permits. While R-CG zoning supports greater flexibility, some properties may be affected by overlays or heritage designations. We help you understand what your lot allows and guide the process from day one. View Calgary’s Backyard Suite Permit Checklist.

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Related Resources

Contact Us for a Backyard Suite Consultation

Ready to create a space that reflects who you are? Contact Ellergodt Design today to begin your backyard suite design journey with one of Calgary’s top interior design companies.