Somerset Community Profile
Somerset is an established southwest Calgary community in Ward 14, with development beginning in 1998 and continuing through the mid-2000s. Positioned directly adjacent to the Somerset-Bridlewood LRT station and bordering Fish Creek Provincial Park to the south, the community holds approximately 3,500 homes with an estimated population of 9,500 residents. The 1998–2006 construction era puts most Somerset basements at the ideal age for first-time development — mechanically sound, structurally intact, and ready for the investment.
Detached homes in Somerset currently list and sell in the $450,000–$650,000 range on Calgary MLS, reflecting the community’s transit-oriented location and park access. Rental demand here is driven primarily by the LRT station — a direct line to downtown Calgary and the University of Calgary that makes Somerset a top search result for transit-dependent renters. South Health Campus and Rockyview Hospital are also within 20 minutes. Over 155 secondary suites are registered with the City of Calgary in this community, reflecting established recognition of Somerset’s suite viability. Legal suites generate $1,300–$1,850 per month with consistent occupancy.
The 1998–2006 build cohort typically delivers 8.5–9 ft unfinished basement heights, with later builds often including rough-in plumbing — a meaningful advantage over older SW communities.
Legal Suite ROI in Somerset
- Suite construction cost: $58,000–$72,000 (OAF fixed-price, permit-included)
- Estimated monthly rental income: $1,300–$1,850
- SSIP grant (if eligible): up to $10,000 cash back from the City of Calgary
- Typical payback period: 4–5 years
- Added property value: $60,000–$82,000 (based on Calgary MLS comparables)
Why Somerset Homeowners Choose OAF
Fixed-price commitment. Late-1990s to mid-2000s construction is well-understood by our trades — no guesswork about what’s behind the walls. Your quote is your final invoice.
Experience with transit-corridor SW builds. We’ve built legal suites throughout Somerset, Shawnessy, Evergreen, and Woodbine — the same late-1990s to 2000s housing cohort that makes up SW Calgary’s transit-connected southern communities.
Permit-complete delivery. We manage every Development, Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing permit and all inspections through the City of Calgary from day one to final sign-off.
SSIP guidance. Somerset is squarely within SSIP-eligible territory. We file your application with the permit package and help you collect the up-to-$10,000 City of Calgary grant on successful inspection.
Services Available in Somerset
Lifestyle Basement Development
Somerset’s family-oriented demographic and park access create strong demand for finished recreational spaces — home theatres, fitness rooms, playrooms, and multi-use family areas built to match how established SW Calgary households actually live. Typical cost range: $52,000–$78,000 (fixed-price, permit-included)
Legal Secondary Suite
The Somerset-Bridlewood LRT station is one of the most powerful rental demand drivers in SW Calgary. Renters without vehicles, students, and transit-dependent professionals specifically filter for this proximity. A legal suite in Somerset sits at the intersection of price point and transit access that consistently delivers low vacancy. Typical cost range: $58,000–$72,000 (fixed-price, permit-included)
Garage Development
Somerset’s standard lot sizes typically include attached double garages. We assess above-garage and side-suite conversion viability for homes where the main basement is already developed or the lot configuration makes above-grade development more practical.
Somerset Construction Considerations
Soil and site: Somerset sits on SW Calgary clay — consistent, predictable, and excavates cleanly with proper preparation. We inspect existing drainage tile condition before framing begins on any 1998–2006 home; original drainage can deteriorate in this soil profile and is worth confirming before you finish over it.
Ceiling height: Homes built 1998–2006 typically deliver 8.5–9 ft unfinished basement heights, with finished heights landing at 8–8.5 ft after framing and subfloor — excellent for legal suite occupation and recreational use.
City of Calgary permits: SW Ward 14 permit packages move through Development, Building, Electrical, and Plumbing review in 6–10 weeks. We file the full concurrent package on the day you sign.
Common Challenges We Solve
- Partial 1990s builder development: Some Somerset homes were sold with partial lower-level finishes — carpet over concrete, hollow-core doors, no insulation. These rarely meet legal suite standards and are often more cost-effective to replace than retrofit. We assess and price honestly.
- Drainage tile inspection: Clay soil and 25-year-old perimeter drainage can combine to create moisture risk if not addressed before framing. We include a drainage inspection in every Somerset scope before any walls go up.
- LRT noise on eastern lots: Homes closer to the Macleod Trail LRT line benefit from acoustic insulation in exterior basement walls — we spec this in during design, not as an afterthought.
Pricing Guide: Somerset Basement Development
| Scope | Typical Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle (1,000 sq ft) | $52,000–$65,000 | Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, HVAC, permits |
| Lifestyle (1,200+ sq ft) | $63,000–$78,000 | As above + wet bar or 3-piece bath |
| Legal Suite (800 sq ft) | $58,000–$67,000 | Full suite, separate entrance, kitchen, bath, laundry, permits |
| Legal Suite (900+ sq ft) | $65,000–$72,000 | As above + premium finishes |
All prices are fixed-price. The number in your quote is the number on your final invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions — Somerset
How much does LRT access actually affect rental income in Somerset? Significantly. LRT connectivity is one of the top three search filters renters in Calgary use. A legal suite within walking distance of the Somerset-Bridlewood station rents faster and holds tenants longer than a comparable suite 10 minutes away by car. It’s a real, quantifiable premium — not a marketing point.
My Somerset home was built in 2002 and has a partial basement finish. What’s the right approach? We assess what’s there first. Original builder finishes from 2002 rarely meet current legal suite standards for insulation, egress, or electrical — but structural elements may be reusable. We’ll walk through it with you, price the delta honestly, and recommend the most cost-effective path to a code-compliant, finished space.
Does Somerset qualify for the City of Calgary SSIP grant? Yes. The Secondary Suite Incentive Program applies to owner-occupied primary residences throughout Calgary, including Somerset. Up to $10,000 returned to you on successful suite inspection. We manage the application alongside your permit package.
What’s the timeline from contract signing to completed suite? Legal suites: 14–18 weeks from signed agreement to final inspection. Lifestyle developments: 8–12 weeks. The City of Calgary permit review window is 6–10 weeks — we file immediately on signing so that clock starts on day one.
Is Fish Creek Park proximity a rental selling point for my suite? Yes, for a specific tenant profile — outdoor-oriented renters, families with dogs, and people who want SW Calgary amenity access without downtown pricing. It differentiates your suite from comparable units deeper in the suburbs that lack direct park access.