Construction & Renovation Services in Inglewood & Ramsay

The primary difference is the sandstone. Inglewood has the highest concentration of pre-1914 sandstone commercial buildings in Calgary outside of Stephen Avenue downtown, and working with this material requires specialized masonry skills that most modern contractors don't possess. Sandstone is porous and relatively soft — it needs lime-based mortar for repointing (not Portland cement, which damages the stone), compatible replacement stone that matches the original in colour and texture, and careful attention to water management because moisture trapped in the wall assembly causes freeze-thaw spalling. Beyond the masonry, heritage building renovation in Inglewood involves navigating the City's heritage review process for any exterior changes, working with structural timber and original building systems that pre-date modern codes, and balancing contemporary building code requirements (fire suppression, accessibility, energy efficiency) against heritage character preservation. Budget 20-40% more than a comparable non-heritage project and add 2-4 months to the timeline for the heritage review and approval process.

It depends on your property's location and history. Properties in or near Brewery Flats, the Alyth/Bonnybrook industrial area, or adjacent to the CPR rail corridor have a higher likelihood of historical soil contamination from industrial use — brewing operations, manufacturing, fuel storage, rail yard maintenance. If you're purchasing a property and planning significant excavation (new foundation, basement underpinning, pool installation), a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment ($3,000-$5,000) is a prudent investment. This desktop study reviews the property's historical use and identifies whether a Phase II assessment (actual soil and groundwater sampling, $8,000-$20,000+) is warranted. If contamination is found, remediation can range from minor soil removal ($10,000-$30,000) to major cleanup projects that cost six figures. The development permit process may require an ESA for properties with known or suspected contamination history, so it's better to investigate early than to discover the requirement mid-project.

Construction costs for a custom Ramsay infill typically run $350-$500 per square foot, putting a 2,800-3,200 sq ft home in the $980,000-$1,600,000 range for construction alone. Add $600,000-$800,000 for the lot (premium view lots cost more), and the all-in investment is $1.6-$2.4 million. The higher per-square-foot cost compared to suburban new builds reflects several Ramsay-specific factors: the sloped lots require engineered retaining walls and stepped foundations ($30,000-$80,000 more than a flat-lot foundation), tight lot conditions limit equipment access and slow construction, and most Ramsay infill buyers specify premium finishes — high-performance windows to frame the downtown views, rooftop terraces with structural steel framing, and custom millwork throughout. Timeline from demolition of the existing house to move-in is typically 14-20 months, including 6-8 months of permitting and 8-12 months of construction.

The expectation is yes, though the Green Line's timeline and scope have been revised multiple times. The proposed alignment would bring a station to the Inglewood/Ramsay area, connecting the neighbourhood to the broader CTrain network for the first time. Transit-oriented development around LRT stations in Calgary has historically driven property value increases of 10-20% within a 400-metre walkshed of the station, and the combination of Inglewood's existing neighbourhood character with improved transit access would likely amplify that effect. However, construction disruption during the multi-year build period can temporarily suppress values in directly affected areas. The smart play is to invest in the neighbourhood based on its current fundamentals — heritage character, walkability, proximity to downtown, strong community identity — and treat the Green Line as a bonus rather than a bet.