General Contractor Calgary
One contractor running your trades, permits, schedule and budget, from the first site visit to handover.
A General Contractor in Calgary Who Starts With the Structure
TAM Building is a general contractor in Calgary that takes responsibility for the whole project once you have plans: hiring and coordinating the trades, applying for permits, keeping the schedule and budget visible, and booking the inspections. You deal with one team instead of managing every trade yourself.
What sets the approach apart is engineering. Structural decisions are reviewed by a P.Eng. registered with APEGA before they reach site, and our engineering partner, Tam-Crete Engineering, can prepare permit drawings if your plan set is not complete yet.
This page covers how we run a project. For the building types we take on, see residential construction, commercial construction and home renovations and remodeling.
At a Glance
| Detail | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Best for | Owners and developers with plans who want one team to run the build |
| What we manage | Trades, permits, schedule, budget, site coordination, inspections |
| Starting point | Your architect's or designer's plans, or drawings prepared with Tam-Crete |
| Project types | Residential, commercial and renovation work |
| Service area | Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane and surrounding communities |
| Code | National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition |
What We Take Off Your Plate
Trade Coordination
We bring in the trades, sequence their work and keep them aligned with the plans.
Permits & Inspections
We prepare and submit permit applications and book inspections at each required stage.
Schedule & Milestones
A milestone schedule built around permit review, structure and trade availability.
Budget & Changes
Costs tracked against the agreed scope, with changes written down before they are built.
Site Supervision
Day-to-day coordination of the site, planned around Alberta's occupational health and safety requirements.
Closeout & Handover
Final inspections, deficiency walk-through and handover of the finished project.
How We Run a Project
Plan & Scope Review
We review your plans, the site and your goals, then agree the scope.
Pricing & Agreement
We agree the pricing approach with you before any work starts.
Permits & Engineering
Permit applications go in with the right drawings, stamped where required.
Build & Coordinate
Trades, materials and inspections are sequenced through construction.
Final Inspection & Handover
Final inspections and handover of the completed project.
Three Ways to Work With Us
| Starting point | Best when | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Build to your plans | You have an architect or designer and engineered drawings | Review the set, price it, run the build |
| Engineering first | Your drawings are incomplete or the structure is unresolved | Bring in Tam-Crete for structural and permit drawings, then build to them |
| Phased scope | You want the structure done first and the rest later | Take the foundation and framing phase, then continue or hand over |
Our featured project at 4799 Montablan Avenue NW is a structural and framework scope on a four-level multi-unit building.
What to Know When Hiring a Contractor in Calgary
The Contractor Applies for Permits
When you hire someone to do the work, they apply for the permits. Homeowner permits are only for homeowners doing the work themselves. Electrical and plumbing need their own permits.
Inspections Happen Before Work Is Covered
Structural, framing and rough-in work is inspected before insulation, vapour barrier or drywall covers it, so the schedule has to leave room for those inspections.
Check the Basics Before You Sign
The City of Calgary suggests a valid business licence, multiple detailed estimates and a written contract, references, a certificate of liability insurance, and a check for builder's liens before final payment.
Note: The City's checklist is on its hiring a contractor page. Ask any contractor, including us, for these items before you commit.
General Contractor in Calgary: Common Questions
What does a general contractor do?
A general contractor takes responsibility for delivering the project: coordinating trades, handling permits and inspections, managing the schedule and budget, and supervising the site. You work with one team rather than hiring and directing each trade yourself.
Can you work from my architect's plans?
Yes. We review the plans for structure and buildability, then price and run the build. If the drawings are incomplete, our engineering partner, Tam-Crete Engineering, can prepare the missing structural and permit drawings.
Who applies for the permits when I hire a contractor?
The contractor does. In Calgary, homeowner electrical and plumbing permits are only for homeowners doing the work themselves, so when you hire someone they apply for the permits. We coordinate the building permit and the trade permits for the project.
What should I check before hiring a general contractor in Calgary?
The City of Calgary suggests confirming a valid City of Calgary business licence, collecting multiple detailed estimates and a written contract, speaking with references, requesting a certificate of liability insurance, and checking for builder's liens on your title before final payment. Its hiring a contractor page has the full list.
Do you take on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes. See residential construction, commercial construction and home renovations and remodeling for how each type of project runs.
Related Services
Structural & Framing Work
Foundations, wood framing, tall walls and shear walls built to the engineer's design.
Learn more →Custom Home Building
One bespoke home on your lot, from permits and foundation to handover.
Learn more →Commercial Construction
Tenant improvements, retail and office build-outs, and commercial structures.
Learn more →Ready to Move Forward? Let's Make It Simple
Send your plans or a short description of the project. We review the scope, flag what the structure and permits will require, and come back with clear next steps.
- 301 14 St NW Unit 209, Calgary, AB, Canada
- (403) 910-9488
- info@tam-building.com
- Mon to Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Start Your General Contracting Project
Get in touch with our team for trade coordination, permit handling, schedule management, and P.Eng. oversight.
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