Custom homes

Custom homes in Calgary’s inner city

We design and build custom homes from the first sketch to move-in day. One team, one point of contact, since 2005.

Whether you’ve found your lot or you’re still looking

Most of our clients start working with us while they’re choosing a lot in one of Calgary’s established neighbourhoods. Bringing us in early pays off: before you buy, we can tell you what a lot can hold and what building there will involve, and our in-house real estate services can help you find the right lot and save money on land acquisition. If you already have your lot, we start from there.

Rectangle is design-build. Our in-house designers draw your home, and our own project team builds it, so the people pricing the design are the people building it. There’s no hand-off between an architect and a contractor, and no surprises at the end.

How a custom home comes together

  1. 01

    Getting to know each other

    You get in touch, and we meet. We talk through the lot you have or are considering, how you live, and your must-have list.

  2. 02

    How much?

    Within a week we send an itemized scope, budget range and timeline, then review it with you before any design work begins.

  3. 03

    Ideas + design

    Floor plans and 3D renders, refined with you, with finishes chosen alongside our interior designer. Then we lock in your fixed price.

  4. 04

    Let’s make it official

    We turn the design into a detailed set of construction drawings and specifications, and we sign the contract.

  5. 05

    Permits + construction

    We handle the City permits, then our project team runs the build, with regular updates so you always know where things stand.

  6. 06

    Move in

    A full walkthrough, your home’s documents, and a new home warranty that stays with the house.

Questions we hear most

Interior of a Scarboro custom home by Rectangle Design
What is design-build?

It means one company handles your whole project: design, permits, construction drawings and the build itself. Because it all stays under one roof, the design is priced as it’s drawn, and the home you move into is the one you approved.

Do you build infill homes?

Yes. Most of our custom homes are infill homes, built on lots in Calgary’s established inner-city neighbourhoods. The process, the team and the pricing are the same.

Can you help before I buy a lot?

Yes, and it’s the best time to talk to us. Most of our clients come to us while they’re choosing a lot. We’ll look at its zoning, size and setbacks, tell you what kind of home it can hold, and flag anything that could affect your budget or timeline before you commit. Our in-house real estate services can also help you find and buy the right lot, which can save you money on land acquisition. Real estate services provided through Century 21 Masters.

How long does a custom home take?

Your initial design concept takes about 2 to 4 weeks, and we refine it with you from there. The City’s development permit then takes about 3 months for a contextual home, or 3 to 5 months if the design needs a discretionary permit. Construction usually runs 10 to 12 months. We give you a full schedule before we break ground.

What does a custom home cost?

Every custom home is different. Size, design, specifications and finishes all shape the final number. Our custom homes begin in the $450 per square foot range and go up from there. Pricing is plus GST and doesn’t include land. Everything else is included: design, permits, site preparation, construction and the new home warranty. Our process starts with a first meeting to understand your design ideas, scope and level of finish. Within a week, we send you an itemized scope and budget range.

Do you build to a fixed price?

Yes. Once your design is approved, we give you one fixed price for the whole home: design, documentation, permits and all construction. That’s what you pay for the agreed scope. We do the detailed work up front, before you sign, so there are no surprises later. Payments follow construction milestones, typically six draws of 15% plus the 10% lien holdback required by law, so you can plan your financing, and we commit to your schedule too.

Do I need my own architect or designer?

No. Our in-house design team designs your home, and the same company builds it. If you already have plans, we’re happy to review them with you.

Can you help if my lot needs rezoning?

Yes. Since Calgary repealed citywide rezoning in August 2026, many lots need a land-use redesignation for anything beyond a single home. We’ll tell you what your lot can hold and handle the application with you.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. Every new home we build comes with Alberta’s new home warranty through Progressive Home Warranty, and it stays with the house.

“Great builder who truly cares about the work they do and their clients. They go the extra mile to make sure that you really will love your home.”

Rectangle client

Looking at a lot, or already have one?

Tell us a little about it and we’ll be in touch within one business day.

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