Acreage Home Building in Rocky View County

Building on acreage near Calgary offers space, privacy, and stunning landscapes—but it comes with unique challenges. Here's your complete guide to rural construction in Rocky View County and surrounding areas.

Why Build on Acreage?

The Appeal

Space: 2-40+ acre lots

Privacy: Distance from neighbors

Views: Mountains, prairies, valleys

Freedom: Fewer restrictions than urban

Lifestyle: Hobby farms, horses, workshops

The Reality Check

Higher upfront costs

Ongoing maintenance responsibilities

Longer commutes

Infrastructure challenges

Utility costs

Finding the Right Land

Acreage Options Near Calgary

Rocky View County:

Largest selection of acreages

2-10 acre parcels common

Variable terrain and views

15-45 minutes from Calgary

Foothills County:

South of Calgary

More rolling terrain

Horse country

Mountain views

Mountain View County:

North of Calgary

Agricultural heritage

Larger parcels available

Growing development

Land Selection Criteria

Access:

Road condition and maintenance

Year-round accessibility

Distance to paved roads

Emergency service access

Utilities:

Power availability and distance

Gas availability (or propane alternative)

Internet options (fiber, fixed wireless)

Cell coverage

Water:

Existing well potential

Water table depth

Water quality history

Municipal water (rare)

Soil and Terrain:

Building site suitability

Drainage patterns

Slope and grading needs

Septic field potential

Legal:

Zoning designation

Building restrictions

Easements and rights-of-way

Environmental restrictions

Typical Land Costs (2024-2025)

Location2-5 Acres5-10 Acres10+ Acres Close to Calgary (15-20 min)$350K-600K$500K-800K$700K+ Mid-distance (20-35 min)$200K-400K$300K-500K$400K-700K Further out (35+ min)$150K-300K$200K-400K$250K-500K

Rural Infrastructure Challenges

Well Systems

Drilling:

Cost: $15,000-40,000 depending on depth

Depth: 50-400+ feet typical

No guarantee of water quality or quantity

Test drilling recommended

Components:

Submersible pump

Pressure tank

Treatment system (often needed)

Backup power consideration

Ongoing:

Annual testing recommended

Pump lifespan: 10-15 years

Treatment maintenance

Power dependency

Septic Systems

Types:

Conventional septic (most common)

Mound systems (high water table)

Advanced treatment (poor soil)

Holding tanks (worst case)

Costs:

Standard septic: $15,000-25,000

Mound system: $25,000-40,000

Advanced treatment: $30,000-50,000

Requirements:

Percolation test

Site assessment

Alberta Private Sewage permit

Regular pumping (3-5 years)

Power Service

Options:

Fortis Alberta extension

Solar with battery storage

Generator backup

Costs:

Standard hook-up: $5,000-15,000

Long run (500m+): $15,000-50,000+

Transformer upgrade: $10,000+

Propane/Natural Gas

Natural Gas:

Available in some areas

Extension costs vary

Check before buying land

Propane:

Tank rental or purchase

Annual cost: $2,000-5,000

Tank installation: $1,000-3,000

Internet and Communications

Options:

Fiber (limited availability)

Fixed wireless

Starlink satellite

LTE/cellular

Check before buying:

Provider coverage maps

Actual speeds (ask neighbors)

Future infrastructure plans

Construction Considerations

Site Preparation

Typical Costs:

Driveway construction: $15,000-50,000

Building pad: $5,000-20,000

Drainage/grading: $5,000-15,000

Trees/brush clearing: $5,000-15,000

Building Specifics

Foundation:

Full basement most common

Pile foundations for challenging soil

Frost protection critical

Drainage important

Structure:

ICF popular for energy efficiency

Timber frame for aesthetic

SIP panels gaining interest

Standard framing with upgraded insulation

Systems:

Oversized propane/geothermal HVAC

Solar-ready electrical

Water treatment integration

Generator pre-wiring

Permit Requirements

Rocky View County Process

Development Permit:

Site plan required

Environmental review

Setback compliance

Access review

Timeline: 4-8 weeks

Building Permit:

Engineered plans

Soil report

Septic approval

Well registration

Timeline: 2-4 weeks after DP

Additional Approvals

Alberta Environment (wetlands, water bodies)

Historical resources (some areas)

Fortis/utility coordination

Fire department (access requirements)

Budgeting for Acreage Construction

Complete Project Budget Example

Land (5 acres, 25 min from Calgary): $350,000 Infrastructure:

Well: $25,000

Septic: $20,000

Power: $15,000

Driveway: $30,000

Site work: $15,000

Infrastructure subtotal: $105,000 Home (2,400 sq ft at $300/sq ft): $720,000 Outbuildings:

Shop/garage: $80,000

Landscaping: $30,000

Outbuildings subtotal: $110,000 Soft costs:

Permits and fees: $15,000

Professional fees: $25,000

Contingency: $100,000

Soft costs subtotal: $140,000 Total project: $1,425,000

Lifestyle Considerations

Ongoing Responsibilities

Driveway snow removal

Septic maintenance

Well system care

Property maintenance (mowing, trees)

Equipment needs (tractor, mower)

What People Love

Peace and quiet

Space for hobbies

Room for kids/pets

Connection to nature

Building workshop/shop

What Surprises People

Amount of maintenance

Winter challenges

Equipment costs

Utility expenses

Commute impact

Working with Rural Builders

What to Look For

Acreage building experience

Understanding of rural systems

Relationships with well drillers, septic installers

Remote site logistics capability

Quality with limited supervision

Questions to Ask

How many acreage homes have you built?

How do you handle well/septic coordination?

What's your approach to site access during construction?

How do you manage material delivery to rural sites?

Start Your Acreage Build

We specialize in acreage construction throughout Rocky View County and surrounding areas. From raw land to completed home, we manage every aspect of rural building.

Contact us to discuss your acreage project. We'll help you evaluate land options and create a realistic plan for your country home.

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The Renovators Inc. builds quality custom homes on acreage properties throughout the Calgary region. We understand rural building challenges and deliver exceptional results.