In most cases, an existing detached garage cannot simply be converted into a garage suite. The main reason is the foundation. Most of the detached garages in Calgary and Alberta are built on a grade beam or slab that is not engineered to support a second storey. A garage suite typically requires a fully engineered foundation such as frost-protected footings or screw piles designed to support the weight of a small house.

Because of this, the typical process involves demolishing the existing garage and rebuilding a new structure with the proper engineered foundation. Alta Home handles the entire process, including demolition, design, permits, and construction of the new garage suite