Welcome to Olympic City!

You’re in the right place!  We are a husband and wife team who LOVE this business and love doing good work for good people.  We’re believe in the face-to-face version of this business built and not the one that hides behind websites and fake five star reviews.

As a husband-and-wife team we’ve been in and around the home business for over thirty years.  And because of that, we can’t possibly convey all of that experience in a few mouse clicks.  Reach out.  Connect.  Come see us at one of the home shows.  We are quietly one of the fastest growing renovation companies in Calgary and look forward to hearing about your project large or small. Just FYI, EVERY contractors bread and butter are smaller projects so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Garage Suite vs Garage Build: Which Is Right for Your Calgary Home?

Luxury Garage Builds

Garage Suite or Just a Garage? Which Makes Sense for You?

If you’re building a new garage, it’s worth considering whether to add a suite on top. Here’s how to decide.

Standard Garage Build

What you get: Enclosed parking, workshop space, storage

Cost: $28,000 – $150,000 depending on size and finish

Timeline: 12–22 weeks

Permits: Building permit, electrical, optionally plumbing

Garage Suite

What you get: Garage below + legal dwelling unit above

Cost: $180,000 – $350,000+

Timeline: 20–32 weeks

Permits: Full secondary suite permits, development permit

Comparison Table

Factor Garage Only Garage Suite
Total cost $28K – $150K $180K – $350K+
Rental income $0 $1,200 – $2,000+/mo
Property value added $30K – $120K $150K – $300K+
Construction time 12–22 weeks 20–32 weeks
Permitting complexity Low Moderate
Ongoing landlord duties None Yes
Lot size requirements Most lots OK Check zoning

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⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

When a Garage Suite Makes Sense

  • Your lot allows it (most Calgary residential zones do after 2023 bylaw changes)
  • You want rental income to offset the build
  • You have family members who could live there
  • You’re comfortable being a landlord
  • You’re building anyway — adding a suite is cheaper than building separately later

When to Skip the Suite

  • You just need parking and storage
  • Your budget is tight
  • You don’t want the landlord responsibilities
  • Your lot has zoning restrictions

Financial Incentives

Calgary’s SSIP program may provide up to $10,000 for legal suite construction, including garage suites. Check current eligibility.

Ready to Decide?

Contact Olympic City Renovations for a free consultation.

Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities. We specialize in kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement developments, and luxury garage builds.

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Planning your renovation? Start with our complete Calgary renovation guide.