Strathmore New Home Construction Guide

Strathmore offers compelling opportunities for new home construction—affordable lots, full amenities, and growing community infrastructure. Here's your complete guide to building in this eastern Alberta town.

Why Build in Strathmore?

Value Proposition

Lot prices: 30-50% less than Calgary

Construction costs: Similar to Calgary (sometimes lower)

Total investment: Significantly less than urban alternatives

Appreciation potential: Growing community

Community Advantages

Full urban amenities (hospital, shopping, schools)

Small-town character

Quick highway access to Calgary (30 minutes)

Growing infrastructure and services

Strong community involvement

Current Development Areas

Wheatland Crossing (family-focused)

Lyalta (rural residential nearby)

Downtown infill opportunities

Acreage properties in surrounding area

Lot Selection in Strathmore

New Development Lots

Advantages:

Services in place

Clear building requirements

Neighborhood consistency

Developer infrastructure

Considerations:

May have architectural guidelines

Limited lot size options

Builder restrictions possible

Timeline tied to development

Typical costs: $80,000-150,000

Infill Lots

Advantages:

Established neighborhoods

Mature trees and landscaping

Walkable to amenities

Unique opportunities

Considerations:

May require demolition

Existing infrastructure limitations

Neighbor considerations

Variable lot conditions

Typical costs: $100,000-200,000+

Acreage Properties

Available in surrounding Wheatland County:

2-10 acre parcels

Well and septic required

More design freedom

Privacy and space

Typical costs: $150,000-400,000

Construction Costs in Strathmore

Per Square Foot Pricing (2024-2025)

Build TypeLowMidHigh Basic (1,400-1,800 sq ft)$200$250$300 Standard (1,800-2,400 sq ft)$225$280$350 Custom (2,400+ sq ft)$275$350$450+

What's Included (Standard Build)

Architectural plans

Permits and inspections

Foundation and structure

Exterior finishing

Mechanical systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)

Interior finishing

Appliances (standard package)

Landscaping (basic)

What's Often Extra

Lot purchase

Premium appliances

Upgraded flooring

Custom millwork

Enhanced landscaping

Shop/garage additions

Smart home technology

Town of Strathmore Requirements

Development Permit

Required for most new construction:

Site plan

Building design

Setback compliance

Parking requirements

Landscaping plan

Timeline: 3-6 weeks typical

Building Permit

Required before construction:

Engineered drawings

Site survey

Soil report

Energy compliance

Construction details

Timeline: 2-4 weeks after development permit

Inspections Required

Foundation

Framing

Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)

Insulation

Final

Design Considerations for Strathmore

Climate Factors

Long, cold winters

Summer heat

Variable precipitation

Wind exposure

Design responses:

High insulation values

Quality windows

Efficient HVAC

Proper air sealing

Durable exterior materials

Popular Home Styles

Modified bungalows (aging-in-place appeal)

Two-story family homes

Bi-levels (cost-effective)

Walkout designs (where grade allows)

Common Features

Attached garages (essential)

Mudrooms (Alberta living)

Open concept main floors

Bonus rooms over garages

Basement development potential

The Building Process

Phase 1: Planning (2-4 months)

1. Lot selection and purchase 2. Builder selection 3. Design development 4. Permit applications

Phase 2: Pre-Construction (1-2 months)

1. Site preparation 2. Utility arrangements 3. Material ordering 4. Scheduling

Phase 3: Construction (6-10 months)

1. Excavation and foundation (3-4 weeks) 2. Framing and roofing (4-6 weeks) 3. Mechanical rough-in (2-3 weeks) 4. Insulation and drywall (3-4 weeks) 5. Interior finishing (6-10 weeks) 6. Exterior completion (2-4 weeks)

Phase 4: Completion (1 month)

1. Final inspections 2. Punch list completion 3. Landscaping 4. Occupancy and move-in

Choosing a Builder in Strathmore

Builder Types

Production Builders:

Pre-designed plans

Volume pricing

Faster timelines

Less customization

Custom Builders:

Fully custom designs

More flexibility

Higher cost

Longer timelines

Design-Build Firms:

Design and construction together

Streamlined process

Single point of contact

Quality control throughout

Evaluation Criteria

Local experience

Portfolio quality

References (local preferred)

Financial stability

Warranty coverage

Communication style

Timeline track record

Financing Your Strathmore Build

Construction Mortgage

Draws during construction

Converts to conventional mortgage

Requires more documentation

Interest-only during build

Requirements

Approved builder

Detailed plans and specs

Contract with fixed price

Appraisal

Down payment (typically 20%+)

Tips

Get pre-approved early

Budget contingency

Understand draw schedule

Plan for carrying costs

Living in Strathmore

Schools

K-12 public and Catholic options

Growing enrollment

New school construction

Good quality ratings

Healthcare

Strathmore District Health Services

Medical clinics

Dental services

Specialist access in Calgary

Recreation

Aquatic centre

Arena facilities

Parks and trails

Golf courses

Community programs

Shopping and Services

Grocery and retail

Restaurants and entertainment

Professional services

Growing commercial sector

Start Your Strathmore Build

We build quality custom homes in Strathmore and Wheatland County. From first consultation to move-in, we guide you through every step.

Contact us to discuss your Strathmore new home project. We'll help you understand your options and create a home that fits your needs and budget.

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The Renovators Inc. provides new home construction services in Strathmore, Wheatland County, and across Southern Alberta. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality craftsmanship.