Most Calgarians are familiar with Jager Homes, the city’s oldest homebuilder, and one of the most reliable. Jagerhaus was created to energize the name and respond to what people are looking for in a home today.

“We needed another division so people know it’s fresh and updated,” says Jagerhaus’ vice-president of sales and marketing, Dave Yates. “We’ve been open three weeks, and are doing better than even we expected.”

The opening he speaks of is that of four new show homes in Evergreen Ridge in the southwest, which have seen a steady flow of visitors since day one. They are the first to showcase what Jagerhaus can do, and the response from the public has so far been very positive.

“We seem to have hit the mark as far as what people are looking for,” Yates says, mentioning that families want a home that is flexible, uses space and energy efficiently and is inviting to homeowners and guests alike.

One model, the Juliet (313 Everridge Drive S.W.), is a 2,144-square-foot, two-storey home that fulfills all these needs. Decorated in an edgy yet welcoming combination of chocolate brown and lime green, it features a host of elements that you would think were upgrades, but in fact come standard, like hardwood and ceramic tile floors, a stainless steel appliance package and granite countertops.

“The hub of this home is the kitchen,” Yates says, adding it was inked to be both gathering place and comfortable workspace. The U-shaped design has an elongated counter with a raised breakfast bar, serving as a substitute for an island and also offering partial division from the eating area. One of the more striking features is the glass tile backsplash—which is clearly retro-inspired, but also fits in perfectly with the modern décor. Another integral part of the kitchen is the walk-through pantry opening into the garage entrance area at the other end. The homeowner can enter from the garage and drop off groceries on the way into the kitchen, a step-saving feature anyone who’s struggled with armfuls of grocery bags can definitely appreciate.

The great room, to the left of the eating area, has large windows reaching almost to the nine-foot ceilings, letting in lots of natural light, in turn illuminating the tile and wood-framed fireplace. Off this room is a large deck accessed from the eating area, while rounding off the main floor is a powder room and laundry area, just inside from the attached two-car garage.

Upstairs, one immediately notices the extra-wide hallway and windows which follow the path of the curved staircase, again making the most of Calgary’s plentiful sunshine. The master bedroom is large by today’s standards, with room for seating in addition to the usual bed and dresser. The ensuite has a corner soaker tub and separate shower stall, as well as access to the walk-in closet. Two smaller bedrooms are sized suitably for children, while another full bathroom is also nearby.

The best feature of the upper floor is the bonus room, located at the front of the house. Spanning the entire width of the home and featuring a soaring vaulted ceiling, this huge space is where the family will gather for movie or games night, or just relax after a long day.

Yates says having the Jager name attached to these new homes has been a huge boost to the project, and many of their clients have previously owned or even grew up in a Jager home—a telling testimony to the reliability of the construction and the way people feel about the builder. One of the most appealing features, according to Yates, is the fact everything is priced into the homes to avoid any hidden or extra costs along the way.

“We’re trying to make it really simple for the public,” he says. “We designed these homes and feature them so people don’t have to upgrade.”

Prices range from $470,000 to $570,000 including GST, with eight different models to choose from, including bungalow plans—a rarity these days, given most lots in the new communities are too narrow to accommodate them. There are close to 300 lots in total, and floor plan customization as well as professional decoration assistance is available.

Yates says that people will recognize the quality and craftsmanship that has been put into these homes when they see them for themselves. “These homes are very well built,” he says. “They’re good, solid homes, designed to last several generations.”