Nestled in the naturally beautiful foothills of the Alberta Rockies, Sundre is a small town of about 2,800 people located just 100 kilometers northwest of the sprawling city of Calgary. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this gateway community to the Cowboy Trail may be the perfect place for you to build your dream home. One of the reasons you’d want to build within Mountain View County is that you can live a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities – all without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
If you’re considering building a custom home in or near Sundre, there are some important things that you should know.
Building a Custom Home in Sundre
1) Know Your Permits and Regulations
When building a home in or near Sundre, it’s important to be aware of local bylaws and regulations. While permits are essential, understanding the general bylaws and building codes that apply to the area is just as important as you decide what you can and can’t do. This can help you ensure that your new home is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and conforms to the community’s character.
For example, in Sundre, a bylaw in Section 3.1.3 on Building Orientation and Design states that:
The design, character and appearance of any building, or series of buildings, structure or sign proposed to be erected or located in any District must be acceptable to the Development Authority having due regard to:
a) amenities such as daylight, sunlight and privacy;
b) the character of existing development in the District, and
c) its effect on adjacent parcels.
That’s right – you’ll have to consider things like blocking your neighbour’s view and how it will affect their quality of life before you can build a new structure. There are also rules on things like the height of buildings, the materials used, and setbacks from property lines.
2) You Can Access Super-Fast Fibre Internet (and All Other Utilities)
As a resident of Sundre, you’ll have access to essential utilities such as natural gas, water, sewer, waste and recycling services. While Bell and Shaw don’t have an internet service in the town, all residences have access to Telus landlines, and Xplore Inc. has deployed a gigabit fibre-to-the-premise network throughout the community.
Sundre’s water utility infrastructure includes a treatment plant for citizens that provides safe drinking water for domestic, commercial, industrial and emergency use. The town has a robust waste removal and recycling department, managed by Sundre’s Operations Department.
For electricity, residents can choose from multiple electricity providers such as Enmax, Epcor, and Direct Energy, while satellite TV providers include Bell, Shaw, and Telus.
3) Expect to Spend More Time Out of Your Home
Sundre boasts a relaxed lifestyle that is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, with forests, mountains, rivers, and pathways all within easy reach. These outdoor spaces are ideal for activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and skiing. The community is also home to several community centres, sports facilities, or even campgrounds where you can bring the kids for a camping adventure without going too far from the familiar.
Sundre also offers a thriving arts community that includes galleries, studios, and workshops. The Sundre Arts Centre, for example, offers live music, theatre, and dance sessions, while the Painted Warrior Outdoor Education Centre teaches about the cultures that have called this area home for millennia. Don’t forget the annual events, either – if you like western culture, you’ll love being just minutes away from the Sundre Pro Rodeo each summer!
4) Time Your Build to the Seasons
When starting the building process, it will pay off to understand the time required to complete your project.
First up is the design, blueprints, and materials sourcing/purchasing. This usually takes a few months to solidify everything and get the requirements properly sorted out.
Only after this can you apply for permits, which can take a few weeks to a few months to be approved. A full custom home can take more than a year from concept to completion, and no construction can begin until the permits are ready.
Something else to note is that weather conditions in Alberta play a big role in the building process, particularly in regions like Sundre that tend to get a lot of snow. While it’s possible to build year-round, permits should be acquired as soon as possible so that the foundations can be put in place early, which will prevent holdups on the rest of the construction. This can also leave buffer time in the case of work stoppages due to extreme weather.
5) Consider the Climate
Speaking of the climate, it’s important to consider it in this region. Sundre has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers, and as mentioned above, the region receives a high amount of snowfall during the winter months. This means proper insulation and heating are critical to keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the year.
You should consider factors such as the orientation of the house, the size and placement of windows, and the use of energy-efficient building materials to ensure that your new custom home is well-insulated and optimized for every season.
One consideration you may not have even thought about is the weight of winter snow on your roof. Heavy snow loads make it critical to have proper support across the entire structure. This will also help with extreme weather events, such as hailstorms and high chinook winds, which central Alberta is notorious for experiencing.
Trust Thomas Built Homes for Your Custom Home in Sundre
Building a house in Sundre is an exciting idea – but just like building any custom home – it does require careful planning and consideration. At Thomas Built Homes, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building in a small town and we are committed to helping you create a home that is perfectly suited to your needs and preferences. Plus, you’ll be covered by the National Home Warranty Program.
Whether you have a clear vision of your dream home, you want quick possession of one that’s “Move-In Ready”, or you need some guidance to get started, our team is here to offer expert advice and support. Contact us today and let’s make your dream home a reality – along with a brand-new, better quality of life in beautiful Sundre, Alberta!
